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Best-Ever Baked Donuts Recipe


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3.9 from 87 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Description

These Best-Ever Baked Donuts are a delightful homemade treat that combines a fluffy texture with a rich chocolate topping. Baked instead of fried, they offer a lighter, easy-to-make alternative that’s perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack. Flavored with vanilla and a hint of nutmeg, these donuts are topped with a luscious melted chocolate glaze and colorful sprinkles for an irresistible finish.


Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • 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

Topping

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • Sprinkles, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease two donut pans thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the donuts after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, baking soda, and optional nutmeg until evenly combined. This ensures your donuts will have a consistent texture and rise properly.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of milk, sour cream, melted butter, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  4. Form the Batter: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined—lumps are acceptable as over-mixing can make the donuts tough. This step ensures a tender crumb.
  5. Fill Donut Pans: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each mold about three-quarters full to allow room for the donuts to rise.
  6. Bake the Donuts: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the tops appear dry and the undersides are golden brown, signaling doneness. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before carefully turning the donuts out of the pans.
  7. Prepare Chocolate Glaze: While the donuts cool, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup of milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at half power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  8. Glaze and Garnish: Dip each cooled donut into the chocolate glaze or spread it evenly over the top. Add colorful sprinkles immediately for a festive touch. Allow the chocolate to set for about 10 minutes before serving to ensure the glaze firms up nicely.

Notes

  • Donuts are best enjoyed fresh the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
  • To make piping easier, fill a sturdy resealable bag and cut a small hole at one corner.
  • If you don’t have donut pans, cupcake pans can be a substitute, but the shape and bake time may vary.
  • Feel free to switch sprinkles for chopped nuts or shredded coconut for different toppings.
  • For a vegan variation, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and margarine.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American