Can I make these without a donut pan?

Yes! You can use a muffin tin and create the hole by placing a small oven-safe bowl in the center of each cup, or simply make donut holes by dropping spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet.

Why are my donuts not rising properly?

Check that your baking powder is fresh, it loses potency after 6 months. Also ensure you're not overpacking your flour measurements, which can make the batter too dense.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles perfectly. You'll need two donut pans or bake in batches. The batter can sit for a few minutes while the first batch bakes.

How do I know when the donuts are done?

They should spring back when lightly touched and just start to pull away from the edges of the pan. Don't overbake, as they'll continue cooking slightly from residual heat.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder for the frosting?

Yes, melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons butter, then whisk in powdered sugar and cream until smooth. This creates a richer, fudgier frosting.

What's the best way to get smooth frosting?

Sift your powdered sugar and cocoa powder before mixing to eliminate lumps, and add liquid gradually while whisking constantly for the smoothest results.

Chocolate Frosted Donut Recipe That's Easy and Delicious

Name: Chocolate Frosted Donut Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Description

A classic, crave-worthy donut topped with a rich, glossy chocolate frosting. Soft, fluffy on the inside with just the right sweetness, each bite melts in your mouth and delivers that perfect balance of tender dough and deep cocoa goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Donuts:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Frosting:

1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Substitution Options:

Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives
Reduced sugar: Substitute half the granulated sugar with sugar-free sweetener
Egg-free: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Kitchen
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 12-cup donut pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Make the Batter
Add wet ingredients to dry and gently mix just until combined. A few lumps are fine.

5. Fill and Bake
Pipe batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ⅔ full. Bake 10–12 minutes, until tops spring back when touched.

6. Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
Whisk powdered sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add cream until smooth and pourable.

7. Glaze and Serve
Let donuts cool 5 minutes, then dip tops into frosting. Place on a rack and let set for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15m
Cook Time: 12m
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8 servings
Calories: 280 calories
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 5g