Name: Best-Ever Baked Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of nutmeg (optional); 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup milk, divided; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; Sprinkles, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 87 reviews

If you have been searching for a treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, look no further than this Best-Ever Baked Donuts Recipe. These baked delights strike the perfect balance between fluffy and tender, with just the right hint of sweetness and a chocolate finish that makes every bite irresistible. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these ones are lighter yet still incredibly satisfying, making them your new go-to for breakfast, brunch, or anytime snack cravings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on how easy and enjoyable making delicious donuts at home can be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several golden-brown donuts with a thick layer of shiny, dark chocolate frosting on top. Two types of colorful sprinkles decorate the donuts: small star shapes in pastel colors like pink, green, blue, and yellow on some donuts, and long, thin, multicolored sprinkles on others. The donuts are placed on a metal cooling rack set on a white marbled surface. The donuts' texture looks soft and slightly spongy under the smooth chocolate layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Best-Ever Baked Donuts Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the flours that build structure, to the sour cream that lends moisture and tang, to the melted butter that adds richness. Here’s everything you’ll want on hand to make these donuts a smashing success.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the donuts, providing a soft yet sturdy crumb.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the donuts rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a little extra lift and tenderness.
Pinch of nutmeg (optional): Brings warmth and subtle spice notes, perfect for cozy vibes.
2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
1/3 cup packed brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
1/3 cup granulated sugar: Balances flavor with clean sweetness and helps with browning.
3/4 cup milk, divided: Keeps the batter smooth and tender; split use for batter and glaze.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a luscious tang and tender texture that makes these donuts stand out.
2 tablespoons melted butter: Brings buttery richness and moist crumb.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps donuts moist without weighing them down.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with sweet, aromatic depth.
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: For the decadent chocolate glaze that tops off these beauties.
Sprinkles: Fun, colorful finishing touch that makes every donut feel festive.

How to Make Best-Ever Baked Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and generously greasing two donut pans to prevent any sticky situations later. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and that cozy pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it. This dry mixture sets the stage for your donuts’ texture and flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Next, in a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, both sugars, half a cup of milk, sour cream, melted butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. These ingredients bring moisture, flavor, and richness that make the donuts tender and satisfying.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and gently fold them together until just combined. It’s important to avoid overmixing here; a few lumps are absolutely fine and will result in a lighter texture once baked.

Step 4: Pipe the Batter into the Donut Pans

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into each well of the donut pans, filling each about three-quarters of the way full. This ensures a perfect rise without overflow.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your pans into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye out for dry tops and golden undersides—signs they’re done. Once baked, allow the donuts to cool for about 5 minutes before gently turning them out of the pans to prevent breakage.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Glaze

While the donuts cool, prepare the irresistible glaze by microwaving the chocolate chips with the remaining 1/4 cup of milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at half power in 30-second bursts, stirring between rounds, until silky smooth and fully melted.

Step 7: Dip, Decorate, and Set

Finish off your donuts by dipping each one into the luscious chocolate glaze or spreading it on top. Add colorful sprinkles immediately for a playful touch, then let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving. This final step transforms your baked donuts into a showstopper treat.

How to Serve Best-Ever Baked Donuts Recipe

The image shows several donuts arranged on a wire cooling rack, placed on a white marbled surface. Each donut has a smooth, shiny chocolate layer on top. The donuts are golden brown and fluffy beneath the chocolate layer. On one donut, there are small star-shaped colorful sprinkles scattered evenly over the chocolate, in pastel colors like pink, blue, yellow, green, and purple. Other donuts have tiny cylindrical sprinkles in bright colors such as red, green, yellow, blue, and white. The wire rack is silver and slightly shiny, which contrasts with the warm tones of the donuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The charm of this Best-Ever Baked Donuts Recipe really shines through with simple yet eye-catching garnishes. Sprinkles bring celebratory color, but feel free to get creative with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate finish. Each garnish adds texture and personality that makes every donut unique.

Side Dishes

These baked donuts pair beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples and pears to balance the richness. A cup of strong coffee or creamy latte is a classic companion that rounds out the indulgence perfectly. If serving as brunch, consider light yogurt or a colorful fruit salad on the side for a balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Arrange the donuts on a tiered cake stand for a festive display or stack them in a clear jar with ribbons for gifts. You can also skew a few on decorative sticks for donut pops, perfect for parties or gatherings. Presentation is half the fun and lets your Best-Ever Baked Donuts Recipe take center stage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When you have leftovers, no need to fret—store your baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay moist and delicious longer thanks to the sour cream and oil, but keep them covered to avoid drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these donuts later, they freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month, so you can always pull out a sweet treat when the craving hits.

Reheating

To bring frozen or day-old donuts back to life, warm them gently in the oven at 300 degrees for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 15 seconds. This quick reheat helps restore that fresh-from-the-oven softness and warms the chocolate glaze just perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without chocolate glaze?

Absolutely! These baked donuts are delicious on their own, thanks to the balanced sweetness and tender crumb. You can also try glazing them with powdered sugar or a simple vanilla glaze if you prefer something lighter than chocolate.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan as a substitute. The shape will be different, but the texture and flavor remain just as wonderful. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full and bake for a few extra minutes until golden and set.

Is it possible to make these vegan or dairy-free?

To adapt this Best-Ever Baked Donuts Recipe for dairy-free or vegan diets, substitute the milk and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs or another egg replacer. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the end result is still super tasty.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

The key is thorough greasing of your donut pans. Use a nonstick spray or brush with melted butter and flour the pans lightly. Letting the donuts cool for a few minutes before removing them also helps ensure they come out cleanly.

What’s the best way to pipe the batter if I don’t have a piping bag?

No piping bag? No problem! Use a resealable plastic sandwich bag and snip a small corner off with scissors. This makes a handy disposable piping bag perfect for filling donut pans with precision and no mess.

Final Thoughts

Making these Best-Ever Baked Donuts Recipe at home is like inviting a warm and joyful moment into your kitchen. They’re simple, delightful, and easily customizable to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re sharing with family, friends, or just treating yourself, these donuts make the perfect homemade indulgence. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.