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How to Make Chocolate Donuts at Home

Print Recipe
Make soft, fluffy chocolate donuts at home with simple ingredients. Easy, quick, and delicious—perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings anytime!
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate breakfast, chocolate dessert, chocolate donuts, donut from scratch, easy chocolate donuts, easy donut recipe, fried donuts, homemade donuts
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12 people

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Candy/deep-fry thermometer
  • Large mixing bowls (2)
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling Pin
  • Donut cutter or 2 round cookie cutters
  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Paper towels

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 cups vegetable oil for frying

For the Chocolate Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Prepare workspace: Set out all ingredients. Line a baking sheet with paper towels for draining.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until no lumps remain.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Make dough: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently 15-20 times until just combined. Batter should be slightly lumpy.
  • Rest dough: Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let rest 20 minutes at room temperature.
  • Heat oil: Pour oil into heavy pot to 3-inch depth. Heat to 350°F, monitoring with thermometer.
  • Roll and cut: On floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut donut shapes. Re-roll scraps once.
  • Fry donuts: Fry 2-3 donuts at a time for 60-90 seconds per side until golden brown. Maintain 350°F temperature.
  • Drain: Remove with slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels for 5 minutes.
  • Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Glaze donuts: Dip cooled donuts face-down in glaze. Place on wire rack to set for 10 minutes.

Notes

  • Oil temperature is critical - use a thermometer
  • Don't overmix dough or donuts will be tough
  • Room temperature ingredients mix better
  • Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
  • Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee to dry ingredients for enhanced chocolate flavor
  • Fry donut holes for 45 seconds per side as bonus treats