Who doesn't love a good chocolate donut? Especially a chocolate glazed donut! I've got a tried and true, and easy, recipe that will knock your socks off.
Here's how to make them (this recipe makes a lot, feel free to half it):
Ingredients
For the donuts:
1 1/4 cups milk (you can use non-dairy, I used oat milk)
2 1/4 TSP (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 eggs
1 stick salted butter, melted and cooled
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 TSP kosher salt
1 cup cocoa powder
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out the dough
2 quarts (8 cups) vegetable oil, for frying
(optional) Chocolate sprinkles or flaked coconut, for topping
For the glaze (this is enough for glazing one side; double it if you want to glaze the entire donut):
1/4 cup whole milk or coffee creamer
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 TSP vanilla extract
3 TBS unsweetened cocoa powder
Make the glaze (do this while the donuts are cooling):
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until combined and creamy.
Make the donuts:
Heat the milk in the microwave until it's warm (about 45 seconds).
Combine the milk and the yeast in a large mixing bowl (if you're using a stand mixer, use that bowl), and whisk until combined.
Let the mixture sit at room temperature until you see a foamy/bubbly layer on the top, about 5 minutes.
Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (preferred), or a hand mixer, beat the eggs, butter, sugar and salt into the yeast mixture.
Add half of the flour (2 cups & 2 TBS), and mix until combined.
Add the cocoa powder.
Add the remaining flour and beat until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too dry, add about 1-2 TBS more milk (doesn't have to be warm). NOTE: If you’re using an electric mixer, the dough may become too thick to beat. Move the dough to a floured board and gently knead it until it's smooth.
Grease a large bowl with a small amount of oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
Once it's risen, put the dough onto a floured board or silicone mat and roll it to about 1/2" thickness. Cut out the donuts with a floured donut cutter or a drinking glass and a shot glass (this is how I made them).
Put the donuts on two floured baking sheets with room between each one (don't crowd the pan, use more sheets if you need to).
Cover the baking sheets with a kitchen towel and let the donuts rise in a warm place until they are slightly puffed up, about 45-60 minutes. If your kitchen isn’t warm, heat your oven to 200° F at the beginning of this step, then turn off the heat, put the baking sheets in the oven and leave the door ajar. NOTE: Don't worry if the donuts don't seem puffy or large after this step, they'll puff up once you fry them.
About 15 minutes before the doughnuts are done rising, put the oil in a fryer, or a heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven over medium heat, and heat to 375° F (If using a pot or dutch over, I recommend using a thermometer to get the exact temp).
Line 2 more baking sheets (or use the same ones after you‘ve removed the donuts) with paper towels.
Using a metal spatula, carefully add the donuts to the oil, 3-4 at a time (don't crowd the pot or they won't cook evenly).
Fry the donuts for about 45 seconds, then flip them using large tongs, and fry the other side another 45 seconds, until they're golden brown. You many want to put the thermometer back in the oil to ensure the temp stays at 375° (you may have to turn the heat down).
Remove the donuts with the tongs and place on the paper towel-lined baking sheets and repeat with the rest of the dough.
Fry the donut holes last. They fry faster so do about 25-30 seconds each side. They may be difficult to turn over (I used a spoon) so don't worry if they don't, they'll be fine.
Glaze the donuts:
When the donuts are cool enough to handle, but still warm, dip the top into the glaze and make sure it's covered to your liking.
If adding sprinkles or coconut, dip the glazed donut in the coconut (or sprinkles) right away.
Let them cool until the glaze is set, then enjoy! And don't forget to glaze the donut holes!
Did you make them? Share pics in the comments!