Chocolate Covered Donuts
Indulge in homemade chocolate-glazed donuts for a delightful blend of rich cocoa flavor and tender, golden goodness.
Published: June 2, 2021 · Modified: March 11, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan

Donuts, or doughnuts, regardless of how you spell them, hold a treasured place in the realm of delectable desserts across the globe. This week, I embarked on a delightful culinary adventure, crafting a batch of irresistibly delicious chocolate-covered donuts. These confections, adorned with vibrant, eye-catching sprinkles, truly epitomize a sweet symphony of flavors.
The donuts looked so darn good that I actually considered turning them into fancy artwork – but who am I kidding? We devoured them in record time. I mean, with a family of eight, it’s no wonder these tasty treats vanished quicker than you can say “delicious.” It’s safe to say they hit the spot!
Creating these delectable donuts proved to be a breeze. Living in a region without the convenience of Krispy Kreme or Dunkin’ Donuts nearby, and without the luxury of donut delivery services, I seized the opportunity to master the art of crafting donuts in my own kitchen. Ireland, you might say, presents its culinary challenges, but I wouldn’t have it any other way – I adore calling this place home.
Donut Making Made Simple
One might ponder whether investing in a specialized donut maker or donut tins is necessary for such culinary endeavors. The answer lies in simplicity. This recipe eliminates the need for expensive, space-consuming kitchen gadgets. Instead, a large pan or a deep-fat fryer, along with a couple of differently sized cookie cutters, is all that’s required. This pragmatic approach not only simplifies the process but also enhances the authentic deep-fried donut experience. Should you prefer baked donuts, fret not, as I offer an equally delectable vegan alternative in the Love Food Feed dessert section.
For those with an insatiable love for donuts, a trip to Dunkin’ is a familiar ritual. A beloved coffee and donut haven, Dunkin’ caters to the tastes of coffee aficionados and donut enthusiasts alike. To recreate that cherished Dunkin’ experience at home, consider complementing your homemade donuts with Dunkin’ coffee, available for fast home delivery through Amazon Prime.
What is chocolate donut glaze made of?
Chocolate donut glaze is typically made from a combination of the following ingredients:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For the rich chocolate flavor.
- Confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar): To sweeten and thicken the glaze.
- Milk: To achieve the desired consistency and creaminess.
- Vanilla extract: For flavor enhancement.
- Butter: In some recipes, a small amount of melted butter is added for richness and shine.
- A pinch of salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
You can adjust the ingredients and their quantities to suit your taste preferences. The glaze is applied to donuts to add a delightful chocolate flavor and a glossy finish.
Is it better to bake or fry donuts?
Whether it’s better to bake or fry donuts depends on personal preferences and dietary considerations. Here’s a comparison:
Baking Donuts:
- Healthier Option: Baked donuts are often considered a healthier choice because they are not deep-fried in oil, resulting in lower fat content.
- Texture: Baked donuts tend to have a cake-like texture, which can be lighter and less greasy.
- Equipment: Baking donuts requires an oven and donut pans, making it a suitable option for those who want to avoid deep frying.
Frying Donuts:
- Traditional Flavor: Fried donuts have that classic, slightly crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior that many people associate with donuts.
- Richness: Frying imparts a pleasant richness to the donuts due to the absorption of some oil during the cooking process.
- Texture: Fried donuts tend to be more indulgent, with a deliciously golden and crispy crust.
Ultimately, the choice between baking and frying depends on your taste preferences and dietary goals. Baked donuts are a lighter option, while fried donuts offer a more traditional and indulgent experience. Both have their merits, so you can choose the method that best suits your preferences and lifestyle.
Chocolate Covered Donuts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Medium Eggs
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 150 mls Warm milk not to hot
- 1 tbsp Dried yeast or 1 sachet
- 1 tsp Vanilla essence
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 3 tbsp Caster sugar
- 300 g Plain flour all-purpose flour
- 1 Oil For frying, the amount depends on your fryer
For the chocolate topping
- 250 g Powered sugar
- 45 g cocoa powder
- ½ tsp Vanilla essence
- 2-3 tsp Milk
- 2 tbsp Colorful sprinkles to top Optional
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a heat-resistant Pyrex bowl, crack two eggs and whisk them thoroughly.2 Medium Eggs
- Add the unsalted butter and warm milk to the eggs. Whisk until the butter is completely melted.1 tbsp Butter, 150 mls Warm milk
- Stir in one tablespoon of dried yeast.1 tbsp Dried yeast
- Incorporate the vanilla essence, a pinch of sea salt, and three tablespoons of caster sugar. Whisk the mixture until well combined.1 tsp Vanilla essence, 1/8 tsp Salt, 3 tbsp Caster sugar
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, incorporating it a bit at a time, while continuously whisking. This will form a soft dough.300 g Plain flour
Knead the Dough:
- Sprinkle a small amount of flour on your hands and a clean surface.
- Knead the dough for about a minute until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and return it to the Pyrex bowl.
Let the Dough Rise:
- Cover the Pyrex bowl and let the dough rise for approximately 20 minutes. During this time, the dough will increase in size.
- To check if the dough is ready, lightly poke it with your finger. If it springs back, it's ready for rolling.
Roll and Cut the Donuts:
- Sprinkle a clean surface and a rolling pin with flour.
- Roll out the dough until it's about 1cm thick. If you don't have a donut cutter, you can use two different-sized cutters or even the cap of a drinks bottle for the donut holes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to a temperature of 170 degrees Celsius (338 degrees Fahrenheit).
- While the oil is heating up, leave your donuts to rise again.
Fry the Donuts:
- Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully lower a few donuts into the hot oil. The number of donuts you can fry at once depends on the size of your fryer.1 Oil
- Fry each donut for about 1 minute on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Flip them to ensure even cooking.
Drain and Cool:
- Remove the fried donuts from the oil and place them on a plate lined with a few squares of kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.
- Transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Chocolate Frosting:
- While the donuts are cooling, make the chocolate frosting.
- In another Pyrex bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar, sifted cocoa powder, vanilla essence, and 2-3 teaspoons of milk. Mix until you achieve a smooth and thick chocolate glaze.250 g Powered sugar, 45 g cocoa powder, ½ tsp Vanilla essence, 2-3 tsp Milk
Coat the Donuts:
- Dip each cooled donut into the chocolate frosting, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Place the chocolate glazed donuts back on the wire rack.
Decorate and Serve:
- While the chocolate glaze is still wet, add colorful sprinkles to the top of each donut.2 tbsp Colorful sprinkles to top
- Allow the donuts to sit for a while to let the toppings set.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate-covered donuts!
Notes
- Optimal Dough Rising: Ensure your dough rises efficiently by placing it in a warm, draft-free area. In colder environments, the rising process may take longer, so choose a location with a stable and slightly warmer temperature.
- Non-Sticky Kneading: To prevent the dough from sticking to your hands while kneading, lightly dust your hands with flour. This small step not only makes the process smoother but also maintains the dough's ideal consistency.
- Donut Cutter Alternatives: Don't worry if you don't have a specialized donut cutter. Instead, employ two different-sized cutters for shaping your donuts. An ingenious alternative is using the cap from a drinks bottle, as it perfectly sizes the donut holes. This resourceful tip ensures you achieve beautifully uniform donuts.
Nutrition
If you love glazed donuts as much me, check out my double chocolate frosted donuts. They are one of my favorite flavor donuts.
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