Name: Chocolate Glazed Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred for a deeper flavor); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brewed Americano coffee (cooled); 2 large eggs (room temperature); ½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter; ½ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

There’s chocolate, and then there’s double chocolate, because sometimes, one kind just isn’t enough! These baked chocolate glazed donuts are rich, chocolaty, and topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate glaze that takes them over the top. They’re easy to make, require no frying, and are perfect for any chocolate lover looking for a quick homemade treat.

Chocolate Glazed Donuts by Tessie's Table. — Photo credit: Tessie’s Table.

These chocolate glazed donuts bring bakery-level indulgence straight to your kitchen. The base is soft and fluffy, made with cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor, and the coffee enhances it even more (don’t worry, they won’t taste like coffee!). Then comes the chocolate glaze—melted chocolate, heavy cream, and butter come together for a velvety finish that makes these impossible to resist. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a chocolate fix.

Why you’ll love this Chocolate Glazed Donuts

Baked, Not Fried:
No messy frying involved! These donuts bake up beautifully in the oven, making them a lower-maintenance treat.
Rich Chocolate Flavor:
Dutch-processed cocoa and a chocolate glaze create deep, intense chocolate flavor in every bite.
Quick and Easy:
From start to finish, these come together in under 40 minutes, making them a great last-minute treat.

The Only Thing Better Than One Chocolate Donut…

…is knowing there’s another waiting for you! Stopping at one is nearly impossible. These chocolate glazed donuts are rich, chocolatey, and just the right amount of indulgent. They come together so quickly that you can have a fresh batch ready before your coffee finishes brewing.

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Glazed Donuts

All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the donuts while keeping them soft and tender.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa brings a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor. Regular cocoa works too but will have a lighter taste.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The duo that helps these donuts rise and stay fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the donuts and keeps them moist.
Americano Coffee (or Brewed Coffee): Deepens the chocolate flavor without making the donuts taste like coffee.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Buttermilk (or Whole Milk): Keeps the donuts soft and adds a slight tang that complements the chocolate.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth.
Vegetable Oil (or Melted Butter): Keeps the donuts moist and tender.
Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate Chips: Melt into a glossy glaze that coats each donut perfectly.
Heavy Cream: Makes the glaze smooth and rich.
Unsalted Butter: Adds shine and a silky texture to the glaze.

Ingredients for Double Chocolate Donuts.

How to make Chocolate Glazed Donuts

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.

Wet ingredients for double chocolate donuts in a bowl.

Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl, whisking the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, vegetable oil, and cooled coffee.

All the ingredients mixed together for double chocolate donuts in a bowl.

Mix the batter by adding the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just until combined.

Raw double chocolate donut batter poured into a donut pan.

Fill a piping bag or zip-top bag with the batter and pipe into the greased donut pan, filling each about 3/4 full.

Baked double chocolate donut batter poured into a donut pan.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Ingredients for chocolate ganache in a bowl.

Make the glaze by heating the heavy cream and butter until steaming, then stirring in the chocolate chips until smooth. Add vanilla extract.

Double chocolate donut being dipped in a bowl of ganache.

Dip each donut into the glaze.

Double Chocolate donuts glazed with ganache on a wire rack.

Let the excess drip off on a wire rack before serving.

Variations

Triple Chocolate: Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking for even more chocolate in every bite. They melt slightly as the donuts bake, making them extra rich and gooey.
Mocha Donuts: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a bolder, coffee-infused chocolate flavor. It deepens the richness of the cocoa without making the donuts taste like coffee.
Peanut Butter Drizzle: Melt some peanut butter and drizzle it over the glaze for that classic chocolate-peanut butter combo. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top makes it even better.
Coconut Chocolate Donuts: Toasted coconut sprinkled over the glaze adds a bit of crunch and a subtle tropical flavor. If you love coconut, try mixing some into the batter, too!
Mint Chocolate: Swap the vanilla extract in the glaze for peppermint extract for a refreshing, cool chocolate-mint twist. Add crushed peppermint candies on top for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

With Coffee: The deep chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte. Dunking is highly encouraged!
Dessert Board: Add these to a dessert spread with fresh berries, chocolate curls, and a bowl of whipped cream. Drizzle them with caramel or white chocolate for extra flair.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice a donut in half, add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, and roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or crushed cookies for a fun and easy frozen treat.
Holiday Treats: Sprinkle crushed peppermint, orange zest, or red and green sprinkles over the glaze for a festive holiday touch. A dusting of cinnamon sugar works great for fall!
Brunch Spread: Serve these alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a few extra spreads like Nutella or peanut butter. If you love a sweet and salty mix, a side of crispy bacon is the way to go.
This keeps things detailed but not overly long. Let me know if you’d like any more tweaks!

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Chocolate Glazed Donuts?

Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If refrigerated, warm slightly before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze Chocolate Glazed Donuts?

Freeze unglazed donuts in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze when ready to serve for the best taste.

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A chocolate glazed donut leaning up against a glass of milk.

Tips & Tricks

With Coffee: A chocolate donut with a hot cup of coffee is always a good idea. The deep cocoa flavor pairs perfectly with espresso or a latte, and if you’re feeling fancy, try dunking it for an extra chocolatey sip.
Dessert Board: Add these to a dessert board with fresh berries, a little bowl of whipped cream, and some chocolate shavings. A caramel or white chocolate drizzle makes them feel extra special.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice a donut in half, add a scoop of ice cream, and roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or crushed cookies. Let them chill for a few minutes so they don’t melt too fast.
Holiday Treats: Crushed peppermint, orange zest, or some festive sprinkles can turn these into a holiday favorite. A little cinnamon sugar works great for fall, too!
Brunch Spread: Serve these with fresh fruit, yogurt, and a few extra toppings like Nutella or peanut butter. If you love sweet and salty, a side of crispy bacon is the way to go.

More Chocolate desserts

FAQ

Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin instead. They’ll be more like chocolate muffins, but they’ll still taste amazing. You can also try shaping foil into donut molds for a DIY version.
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?
Yes, but Dutch-processed cocoa gives a deeper, richer chocolate flavor. Regular cocoa will work, but the donuts may taste slightly lighter and more acidic due to the difference in pH levels. If using regular cocoa, you might want to increase the sugar slightly to balance the flavor.
Do I have to use coffee in the batter?
No, but it enhances the chocolate flavor without making the donuts taste like coffee. If you prefer, you can substitute it with water or milk. But if you’re a chocolate lover, coffee is worth keeping in the mix—it makes a big difference!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These donuts taste best fresh, but you can bake them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Glaze them just before serving for the best texture. If they seem dry, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave will bring them back to life.
How do I keep my donuts from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease your pan well with nonstick spray or butter. Also, let the donuts cool for a few minutes before trying to remove them. If they seem stuck, gently run a butter knife around the edges to loosen them.
Why did my donuts turn out dry?
The most common reason is overbaking. These donuts bake quickly, so start checking them at the 10-minute mark. Another culprit is overmixing the batter, which can make them dense and dry.
Can I add frosting instead of glaze?
Of course! A thick chocolate buttercream or a simple powdered sugar glaze would work well. You could even pipe some whipped chocolate ganache on top for an extra indulgent version.
How do I make the glaze set faster?
If you don’t want to wait, pop the glazed donuts in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This helps the chocolate firm up more quickly so you can enjoy them sooner!