Hey y’all! If you’re craving homemade comfort food that delights your sweet tooth, these Chocolate Frosted Donuts are exactly what you need. Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth donuts topped with a rich, glossy chocolate glaze—what’s not to love? They’re perfect for breakfast treats, special brunches, party desserts, or satisfying that late-night chocolate fix. Ready for the yummiest homemade donuts ever? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe

Super soft and fluffy texture with a decadent chocolate glaze.
Baked, not fried—so they’re lighter and easier to make at home.
Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions, perfect for beginners.
Customizable toppings and flavor twists for endless fun.
Ready in under 30 minutes—satisfy your cravings fast!

Ingredients for Chocolate Frosted Donuts

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate frosting:

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Sprinkles, for topping (optional)

Directions: How to Make Chocolate Frosted Donuts

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 6-cavity donut pan with nonstick spray or a little melted butter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until no dry spots remain. Don’t overmix—your batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full for a perfect rise.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the Chocolate Frosted Donuts for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Chocolate Frosting

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until glossy and thick, but spreadable.

Step 9: Frost & Decorate

Dip each cooled donut top into the chocolate frosting. Let excess drip off, then place back on the rack and top with sprinkles if desired.

Notes for Perfect Chocolate Frosted Donuts

For extra tender donuts, avoid overmixing the batter. Learn more about why this matters at King Arthur Baking.
If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice—let sit for 5 minutes.
For a richer taste, use Dutch-process cocoa powder. Compare types at Bon Appétit – Cocoa Powder Guide.

Variations on Chocolate Frosted Donuts

Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle melted peanut butter over the chocolate glaze for a nutty twist.
Mocha Donuts: Add 1 tablespoon espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-infused flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for equally delicious results.

Required Equipment for Chocolate Frosted Donuts

6-cavity donut pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk & spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire cooling rack
Microwave-safe bowl
Pastry bag or zip-top bag (optional, for piping batter)

Storage Instructions and Shelf Life for Chocolate Frosted Donuts

Store your Chocolate Frosted Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 2 months; thaw and frost before serving.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Chocolate Frosted Donuts

Serve with a hot coffee or a homemade chocolate milkshake for the ultimate indulgence.
Pair with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity, balanced plate.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sophisticated sweet-and-salty combo.

Pro Tips for Chocolate Frosted Donuts

Use a piping bag to neatly fill the donut pan—this ensures even, bakery-worthy donuts.
Let your donuts cool completely before frosting to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Check your oven temp with an oven thermometer for consistent baking. Learn more about oven accuracy at Serious Eats.

Chocolate Frosted Donuts FAQ

Can I make Chocolate Frosted Donuts without a donut pan?: Yes! Pipe dough into donut-shaped rounds on a lined baking sheet—the shape won’t be perfect but they’ll still taste incredible.
How do I make my donuts extra fluffy?: Room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing are the keys to fluffy donuts.
Can I freeze Chocolate Frosted Donuts?: Yes, freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before enjoying for the best texture.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Chocolate Frosted Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe

Ingredients for Chocolate Frosted Donuts