Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts: The Ultimate Recipe for Deliciousness

Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts: Forget the deep fryer and say hello to a healthier, yet equally delicious, treat! Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut studded with melty chocolate chips, all without the guilt of excessive oil. These aren’t your average donuts; they’re a delightful twist on a classic, offering a lighter, more convenient way to satisfy your sweet cravings.

While the history of donuts stretches back centuries, with variations found in numerous cultures, the modern donut as we know it gained popularity in America. However, the baked donut is a relatively recent innovation, born from a desire for a less indulgent option. It allows us to enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of a donut without the added fat and calories of frying.

What makes these chocolate chip baked donuts so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of a soft, cake-like texture, the rich sweetness of chocolate chips, and the ease of baking. No need to worry about hot oil splatters or complicated frying techniques. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can customize them with different glazes, sprinkles, or even add a hint of cinnamon to the batter. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a fun baking project with the kids, these baked donuts are sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

• For the Donuts:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, your preference!)
• For the Glaze (optional):
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles, for topping (because why not?)

Preparing the Donut Batter

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease your donut pan really well. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also use melted butter and a pastry brush. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies! This is crucial to prevent the donuts from sticking. Trust me, you don’t want to wrestle with them later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking is important here because it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) throughout the flour. This ensures that your donuts will rise properly and have a nice, even texture. Don’t skip this step!
3. Combine Sugars: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor and a bit of moisture to the donuts. If you only have granulated sugar on hand, you can use all granulated, but I highly recommend using both for the best results.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: To the bowl with the sugars, add the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Make sure the melted butter isn’t too hot, or it might cook the egg!
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which will result in tough donuts. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
6. Add Chocolate Chips: Finally, gently fold in the chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. I like to use a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips for a balanced flavor, but you can use whatever kind you prefer. Dark chocolate chips would also be delicious!

Baking the Donuts

1. Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off one of the corners. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll overflow while baking. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can also use a spoon to carefully fill the donut pan.
2. Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
3. Cool: Once the donuts are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking to the pan and breaking apart.

Making the Glaze (Optional)

1. Combine Ingredients: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drip slightly.
2. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip them into the glaze, one at a time, and then place them back on the wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off. You can also drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon.
3. Add Sprinkles (Optional): If you’re using sprinkles, sprinkle them over the glazed donuts immediately after dipping them, before the glaze sets.
4. Let Set: Allow the glaze to set completely before serving. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Baked Donuts

• Don’t Overmix: I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing the batter will result in tough donuts. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
• Grease the Pan Well: A well-greased donut pan is essential for preventing the donuts from sticking. Use cooking spray or melted butter and make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked donuts will be dry and crumbly. Bake them just until they’re lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: If you glaze the donuts while they’re still warm, the glaze will melt and run off. Make sure they’re completely cool before glazing.
• Customize Your Donuts: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings. You can add different extracts to the batter, such as almond extract or lemon extract. You can also use different types of chocolate chips or add nuts, dried fruit, or spices.
• Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh!
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Chocolate Chip Variations: Consider using mini chocolate chips for a more even distribution of chocolate flavor. You can also chop up a chocolate bar and use that instead of chocolate chips.
• Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm and comforting flavor to the donuts.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Use a plant-based milk alternative instead of buttermilk, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delightful experience waiting to happen in your very own kitchen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of chocolate chip cookies and the satisfying texture of a perfectly baked donut. Forget the hassle of deep-frying and the guilt that often comes with it – these baked beauties are a healthier, easier, and equally delicious alternative. Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly simple. Even if you’re a novice baker, you’ll find the instructions easy to follow and the ingredients readily available. Secondly, the taste is simply divine. The soft, cake-like texture of the donut, combined with the bursts of melted chocolate chips, creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. And finally, it’s customizable! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Looking for serving suggestions? These donuts are fantastic on their own, warm from the oven with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. But if you’re feeling a bit fancy, you can drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or even dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts or sprinkles. For a truly decadent experience, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Want to add a hint of spice? Try incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter. Craving a more intense chocolate flavor? Use dark chocolate chips or add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You could even experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla, almond, or peppermint, to create unique and exciting flavor combinations. For a healthier twist, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour. You can also reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute. These Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts are also perfect for special occasions. Imagine serving them at a brunch, a birthday party, or even a holiday gathering. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and they’re a fun and festive way to celebrate. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you can whip up a batch in no time, even if you’re short on time. I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of baking donuts – this recipe is foolproof, and the results are well worth the effort. Once you’ve tasted these homemade donuts, you’ll never want to buy store-bought ones again! So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some delicious Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts. And when you do, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear your feedback, see your photos, and learn about any variations you’ve tried. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or send me an email. I can’t wait to hear from you! Happy baking! Print