Chocolate Dough Doughnuts

These Chocolate Dough Doughnuts are everything a chocolate lover dreams of: pillowy-soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and infused with deep cocoa flavor in every bite. Made with yeast for that classic doughnut texture, they fry up beautifully golden and are finished with a glossy chocolate glaze that melts into the warm surface. Perfect for weekend baking, special treats, or whenever a serious chocolate craving hits.

Ingredients

Chocolate Doughnuts

All-purpose flour – 3 cups (375 g)
Unsweetened cocoa powder – ½ cup (50 g)
Granulated sugar – ⅓ cup (65 g)
Instant yeast – 2¼ teaspoons (7 g)
Salt – ½ teaspoon (3 g)
Warm milk – ¾ cup (180 ml) (about 110°F / 43°C)
Warm water – ¼ cup (60 ml)
Unsalted butter, melted – 3 tablespoons (42 g)
1 large egg, room temperature
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
Oil for frying – enough for deep frying

Optional Chocolate Glaze

Powdered sugar – 1½ cups (180 g)
Cocoa powder – 2 tablespoons (15 g)
Milk – 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 ml)
Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. The mixture should be evenly colored with no streaks of cocoa.

Add the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth, elastic, and springy. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky—add only a small amount of flour if needed.

2. First Rise

Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat the surface. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

The dough should feel airy and light when gently pressed.

3. Shape the Doughnuts

Punch down the risen dough gently to release excess air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch (1.25 cm) thickness.

Using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters, cut out doughnut shapes. Place them on a lightly floured tray, leaving space between each one.

Cover loosely and let rise again for 30 minutes, until puffy and slightly expanded.

4. Fry the Doughnuts

Heat oil in a deep pan or heavy pot to 170–175°C (340–350°F). Maintain a steady temperature for even cooking.

Carefully lower the doughnuts into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, turning once, until puffed and cooked through.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. The doughnuts should feel light and hollow when lifted.

5. Prepare the Chocolate Glaze (Optional)

In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add the milk gradually, followed by the vanilla extract, until the glaze is smooth and pourable but not too thin.

Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze or drizzle it generously over the tops. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Doughnuts

Warm liquids, not hot: Too much heat can kill the yeast
Don’t over-flour: A soft dough makes fluffier doughnuts
Test oil temperature: Fry one doughnut first to ensure proper cooking
Glaze while warm: This helps the glaze cling and soak in slightly

Variations

Chocolate Sugar Doughnuts: Skip the glaze and toss warm doughnuts in sugar
Double Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the dough
Filled Doughnuts: Skip cutting holes and fill with chocolate pastry cream
Espresso Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee to the dough

Storage & Serving

Best enjoyed fresh the same day
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours
Reheat briefly before serving for that just-fried texture

Final Bite

These Chocolate Dough Doughnuts are soft, indulgent, and deeply satisfying—perfectly balanced between rich cocoa flavor and classic doughnut fluffiness. One bite, and they disappear fast.

If you want, I can also:

Convert this to a baked doughnut version
Add nutrition facts
Create a filled or gourmet topping version
Rewrite this for a bakery menu or cookbook

Just say the word 🍩✨

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