There's nothing quite like biting into a perfectly glazed chocolate frosted donut, with its soft, pillowy interior and rich, chocolatey topping. This homemade version rivals your favorite coffee shop treats, delivering that classic satisfaction without leaving your kitchen. Whether you're craving a weekend breakfast treat or planning to surprise your family with fresh-baked goodness, these chocolate frosted donuts are guaranteed to become your new go-to recipe.
Why You'll Love These Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe
Making donuts at home might seem intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into simple, manageable steps. These chocolate frosted donuts feature a tender, vanilla-scented base topped with a glossy chocolate frosting that sets beautifully. The result is a batch of donuts that look and taste professional, but with the satisfaction of being homemade.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Storage Instructions
- Recipe Variations
- Equipment For Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe
- The Secret to Bakery-Style Chocolate Frosted Donuts at Home
- FAQ
- Indulge in Homemade Bliss with This Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe
- Related
- Pairing
- Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
the Donuts:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Active dry yeast (1 packet)
- Salt
- Whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Large eggs, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
the Chocolate Frosting:
- Powdered sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Instructions
Making the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Combine warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Donuts
- Roll dough on a floured surface to ½-inch thickness.
- Cut circles using a 3½-inch donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small for the center).
- Place cut donuts on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes.
Frying the Donuts
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
- Carefully lower 2-3 donuts into the oil.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
Making the Chocolate Frosting
- Sift together powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- Whisk in milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Adjust consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
Frosting the Donuts
- Dip each cooled donut into the chocolate frosting.
- Let excess drip off, then place on a wire rack.
- Allow frosting to set for 15-20 minutes.
Storage Instructions
- Fresh donuts are best enjoyed within 24 hours
- Store unfrosted donuts at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Frosted donuts can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days
- Freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 3 months
Recipe Variations
- Make it dairy-free by using plant-based milk and butter alternatives
- Add sprinkles on top of the chocolate frosting for a festive touch
- Try different extracts in the frosting (mint, almond, or orange)
- Make filled versions by piping custard or jam into the sides
Equipment For Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or large bowl for hand mixing)
- Rolling pin
- Donut cutter or round cutters
- Heavy-bottomed pot for frying
- Candy/deep-fry thermometer
- Wire cooling rack
The Secret to Bakery-Style Chocolate Frosted Donuts at Home
Here’s a little secret passed down from an old-school baker I met years ago—donuts aren’t just about ingredients; they’re about patience and touch. The best donuts, the ones that make you close your eyes after the first bite, come from dough that’s been given the time to rise just right. If you rush it, you’ll end up with dense donuts that lack that signature airy, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Letting the dough rise until it’s perfectly puffy (not just "good enough") is what separates homemade from bakery-level. And when it comes to that glossy chocolate frosting? The trick is to dip while it’s just warm enough to coat the donut like a dream—but not too hot, or it’ll slide right off. Oh, and one last insider tip? A pinch of espresso powder in the frosting (trust me on this one) deepens the chocolate flavor, making each bite taste like pure indulgence. Master these tiny details, and your Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe will have everyone convinced you’ve got a secret deal with a top-tier pastry chef.
FAQ
What is the difference between chocolate frosted and chocolate glazed donuts?
Chocolate frosted donuts have a thick, creamy chocolate topping that sets into a rich layer, while chocolate glazed donuts are coated with a thinner, sugary chocolate glaze that creates a shiny, slightly crisp finish. The frosted version offers a more indulgent, frosting-like experience, whereas glazed donuts have a lighter, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
What are the ingredients in Dunkin’ Donuts chocolate frosted donuts?
Dunkin’ Donuts chocolate frosted donuts typically contain enriched wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oils, eggs, whey, cocoa, corn syrup, leavening agents, and artificial flavors. The frosting includes powdered sugar, cocoa, corn syrup, and stabilizers. While delicious, homemade versions allow you to skip preservatives and control the quality of ingredients for a fresher, more flavorful treat.
Is it better to bake or fry donuts?
Frying donuts creates a light, crispy exterior with a soft, airy interior—giving that authentic donut shop texture. Baking is a healthier option, resulting in a denser, cake-like consistency. If you’re after that classic, melt-in-your-mouth experience, frying is best. But for a quick, lower-fat alternative, baked donuts are a great choice.
What is Dunkin’ Donuts glaze made of?
Dunkin’ Donuts’ glaze typically consists of powdered sugar, water, corn syrup, and stabilizers to create a smooth, glossy finish. Some variations may include milk or vanilla extract for extra flavor. The glaze hardens slightly as it sets, giving their donuts that signature shiny, sweet coating that complements the soft dough inside.
Indulge in Homemade Bliss with This Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe
There’s something truly magical about sinking your teeth into a homemade chocolate frosted donut—a moment where crispy, golden perfection meets a rich, glossy chocolate glaze. With this Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe, you’re not just making donuts; you’re creating an experience, a memory, a reason to slow down and savor the sweeter side of life. Whether it’s a cozy weekend treat, a special breakfast surprise, or just a well-deserved indulgence, these donuts bring bakery-quality delight straight to your kitchen.
So go ahead, fry up a fresh batch, dip them into that luscious chocolate frosting, and taste the difference homemade makes. And if you're in the mood for more comforting classics, don’t miss our Pastina Soup Recipe for a warm, nostalgic bowl of goodness or our Boston Cream Pie Recipe for another irresistible dessert adventure!
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Pairing
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Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe
Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or large bowl for hand mixing)
- Rolling pin
- Donut cutter or round cutters
- Heavy-bottomed pot for frying
- Candy/deep-fry thermometer
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
the Donuts:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoon active dry yeast 1 packet
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk warmed to 110°F
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
the Chocolate Frosting:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt
- Combine warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla
- Mix wet into dry ingredients until dough forms
- Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth
- Let rise 1 hour or until doubled
Shape:
- Roll dough to ½-inch thickness
- Cut with donut cutter
- Let rise 30 minutes
Fry:
- Heat oil to 350°F
- Fry 1-2 minutes per side
- Drain on paper towels
- Cool completely
Make Frosting:
- Sift powdered sugar and cocoa
- Whisk in milk, butter, vanilla, and salt
- Adjust consistency if needed
Finish:
- Dip cooled donuts in frosting
- Let set 15-20 minutes
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