30-Minute Baked Chocolate Frosted Donuts

Prep: 15 minCook: 15 min12 donutsmediumAmerican
Baked Chocolate Frosted Donuts with Rich Cocoa Glaze

Rich, tender baked chocolate donuts topped with a silky chocolate glaze that delivers deep cocoa flavor without the mess of frying. These cake-style donuts have a moist crumb and intense chocolate taste, making them perfect for weekend breakfast treats or afternoon snacks. The double chocolate approach creates layers of flavor, while the baking method keeps them lighter than traditional fried versions. Great for families and chocolate lovers who want bakery-quality results at home.

Ingredients

Yield: 12 donuts
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    gluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free

    may need extra liquid

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
    non-dairy milk1:1dairy-freevegan

    use unsweetened variety

    Full guide →
  • 2 large eggs
    flax eggs2 eggs = 2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp waterveganeggs-free

    mix and let sit 5 minutes

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder, for frosting
  • 3 tablespoons milk, for frosting
    non-dairy milk1:1dairy-freevegan

    use unsweetened variety

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for frosting

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and grease donut pan

  2. 2

    Whisk together dry ingredients in large bowl

  3. 3

    Mix wet ingredients in separate bowl

  4. 4

    Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth

  5. 5

    Fill donut pan about three-quarters full with batter

  6. 6

    Bake until toothpick comes out clean

  7. 7

    Cool in pan briefly then transfer to wire rack

  8. 8

    Whisk frosting ingredients until smooth

  9. 9

    Dip cooled donuts into frosting

Tips

Tip 1

Fill donut cavities evenly using a piping bag or squeeze bottle for uniform shapes and consistent baking.

Tip 2

Let donuts cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure the glaze sets properly on the surface.

Good to Know

Storage

Store frosted donuts in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days

Make Ahead

Donuts can be baked 1 day ahead and frosted before serving

Serve With

Best served at room temperature within 2 hours of frosting

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overmix batter to avoid tough donuts

Watch

Ensure donuts are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

milk
non-dairy milk1:1dairy-freevegan

use unsweetened variety

Full guide →

Vegan Options

eggs
flax eggs2 eggs = 2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp waterveganeggs-free

mix and let sit 5 minutes

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

all-purpose flour
gluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free

may need extra liquid

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin, but they won't have the classic donut shape with holes. Bake for slightly longer time.

How long do these donuts keep?

Frosted donuts stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 3 months. Thaw completely and add frosting before serving.