Chocolate Old-Fashioned Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich chocolate flavor with a slightly bitter depth that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the glaze.

• Old-fashioned texture—slightly crispy on the outside, dense and moist on the inside.

• Perfect glaze that gives the donuts a glossy, sweet finish.

• Easy to make with common pantry ingredients and a straightforward frying process.

• Great for any occasion—from a weekend treat to a festive gathering or brunch.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted

• 2/3 cup (132g) white sugar

• 2 large egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2/3 cup (160g) sour cream (full-fat recommended)

• 3 cups (336g) cake flour

• 1/2 cup (48g) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup whole milk

• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Donut Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.

• Add the egg yolks and continue mixing until smooth.

• Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, mix together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

• Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until well combined. The dough should be stiff but soft and slightly sticky.

3. Chill the Dough:

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and flatten it into a disc about 2 inches thick. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 2 days).

4. Shape the Donuts:

• Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch thick.

• Use a donut cutter or round cutters to cut out donuts.

• Gather any leftover dough, press it into a ball, and repeat the rolling and cutting process.

5. Fry the Donuts:

• Heat 2 quarts of oil in a 5 or 6-quart pot over medium heat (use a thermometer to monitor the temperature).

• Heat the oil to between 350°F and 375°F (175°C to 190°C).

• Fry the donuts 2-3 at a time for about 1 1/2 minutes per side until golden brown.

• Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a cooling rack.

6. Make the Glaze:

• In a small saucepan, heat the milk until steaming.

• Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.

7. Glaze the Donuts:

• Dip one side of each donut into the glaze, then flip it over to coat the other side.

• Allow the excess glaze to drip off before placing the donut back on the cooling rack to set.

• Repeat with all donuts.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

• Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 donuts.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warmth and depth.

• Glaze Variations: Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for the glaze to alter the flavor.

• Vegan Version: Use non-dairy substitutes like coconut oil for butter and almond milk for whole milk in the glaze.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Cake flour gives these donuts a lighter texture, but if you don’t have it, all-purpose flour will work—just note that the donuts might be slightly denser.

How do I prevent the donuts from being greasy?

Make sure the oil temperature stays between 350°F and 375°F. Too low, and the donuts will absorb more oil; too high, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.

Can I make these donuts without a donut cutter?

Yes! You can use two round cutters—one large for the outer circle and a smaller one for the hole in the center—or even shape them into rounds and fry them like donut holes.

Can I use a different glaze?

Absolutely! You can try a chocolate ganache glaze, a maple glaze, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze.

Conclusion

Chocolate Old-Fashioned Donuts are a delicious, rich treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of a chocolatey exterior, tender crumb, and sweet glaze makes them irresistible. Whether for a special breakfast, dessert, or just an indulgent treat, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Chocolate Old-Fashioned Donuts

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Chocolate Old-Fashioned Donuts are rich, tender, and full of chocolatey goodness. With a crackly, craggy exterior and a soft, dense interior, these donuts are fried to perfection and glazed with a smooth chocolate glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

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Ingredients

For the Donuts:

3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted

2/3 cup (132g) white sugar

2 large egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup (160g) sour cream (full-fat recommended)

3 cups (336g) cake flour

1/2 cup (48g) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

1/4 cup whole milk

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Donut Dough: Beat together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add egg yolks and mix until smooth. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined. The dough should be stiff but soft and slightly sticky.
3. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and flatten it into a disc about 2 inches thick. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 2 days).
4. Shape the Donuts: Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch thick. Use a donut cutter or round cutters to cut out donuts. Press any leftover dough into a ball and repeat.
5. Fry the Donuts: Heat 2 quarts of oil in a 5–6-quart pot over medium heat to between 350°F and 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Fry the donuts 2–3 at a time for 1 1/2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and place on a cooling rack.
6. Make the Glaze: Heat milk in a small saucepan until steaming. Add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
7. Glaze the Donuts: Dip one side of each donut into the glaze, flip to coat the other side, and allow excess glaze to drip off. Place back on the cooling rack to set.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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Notes

Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolate flavor.

Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for added warmth.

Glaze Variations: Use dark or milk chocolate for the glaze, or try a maple glaze for a different twist.

Vegan Version: Use non-dairy substitutes like coconut oil for butter and almond milk for the glaze.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg