
Why Make This Recipe
Chocolate Frosted Baked Donuts are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. They are soft, fluffy, and oh-so-chocolatey, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these baked versions are easier to make and a bit lighter, so you can enjoy them without the guilt. With a rich chocolate frosting that adds extra sweetness, these donuts are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
How to Make Chocolate Frosted Baked Donuts
To achieve the perfect batch of Chocolate Frosted Baked Donuts, follow these simple steps.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 3-4 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the frosting, mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the frosting and let set before serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Frosted Baked Donuts
These donuts are best served fresh. You can enjoy them as they are or pair them with a cup of coffee or milk. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert table or a birthday party. For a fun touch, consider adding colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting before it sets.
How to Store Chocolate Frosted Baked Donuts
To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and add fresh frosting if needed.
Tips to Make Chocolate Frosted Baked Donuts
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Experiment with the frosting by adding flavors like peppermint or almond extract.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Variation
For a different flavor, you can try adding chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat. You can also experiment by coating the donuts with a glaze instead of frosting for a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture might be denser.
2. Can I bake these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin instead. Just know that shape will be different, but they’ll taste just as good!
3. How can I make these donuts more cake-like?
To enhance the cake-like texture, you could add a bit more baking powder or buttermilk for moisture, or replace some of the flour with a cake mix.

Chocolate Frosted Baked Donuts
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full with the batter.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Frosting
- For the frosting, mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the frosting and let set before serving.
