What’s better than a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold day? Try these easy baked doughnuts infused with rich hot chocolate flavor, made with simple homemade ingredients. Save for later and indulge in a quick family favorite treat.

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts

Introduction

Welcome to the coziest of treats: Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts. These indulgent pastries combine the richness of hot chocolate with the delight of a fluffy doughnut, all without the need for deep-frying. Using everyday ingredients and a straightforward baking process, you can create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a doughnut enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a warm, comforting treat, this recipe is for you. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal special equipment, making it perfect for a family baking day, a gift for a friend, or a solo indulgence.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of hot chocolate mix, sugar, and high-quality cocoa powder creates a deep, satisfying chocolate flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: Unlike traditional doughnuts, these are baked, not fried, which simplifies the process and reduces the mess and danger associated with hot oil.
Impressive results with minimal effort: With a simple batter and a standard muffin tin, you can produce doughnuts that look as good as they taste, perfect for impressing friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The magic of these Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts lies in their ingredients. You’ll need all-purpose flour as the base, granulated sugar for sweetness, unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor, and a hot chocolate mix to intensify the chocolate experience. Additionally, buttermilk will provide moisture, eggs will act as a binder, and melted butter will add richness. For the topping, you can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, and if you’re feeling extra decadent, some chocolate shavings or chopped nuts can add a nice textural element. Practical substitutions include using almond milk or another non-dairy milk instead of buttermilk for a dairy-free version, and swapping the hot chocolate mix with an equivalent amount of cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, hot chocolate mix, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 of the way full. This will help the doughnuts rise nicely during baking. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a doughnut comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Once the doughnuts are cool, you can glaze them. To make the glaze, simply whisk together powdered sugar and a small amount of milk until smooth. You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Dip the top of each doughnut into the glaze, or use a spoon to drizzle it over them. If desired, sprinkle with chocolate shavings or chopped nuts before the glaze sets.
Step 4: Finally, serve your Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect as a dessert, a snack, or even as a special breakfast treat. Consider serving them with a side of hot chocolate or coffee for an extra-special indulgence.

Handy Tips

For an extra moist doughnut, don’t overbake them. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, but if you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of underbaking slightly.
Experiment with different types of hot chocolate mix for varying flavor profiles. Some mixes may have a stronger chocolate flavor, while others might include additional ingredients like marshmallows or caramel.
Consider using high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder can give your doughnuts a deeper, richer chocolate taste.

Heat Control

Since these doughnuts are baked, heat control is relatively straightforward. The ideal temperature is 375°F (190°C), and the baking time should be around 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary. The doughnuts are done when they’re firm to the touch, a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and they’ve risen nicely.

Crunch Factor

The texture of these Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts should be tender and moist on the inside, with a slight crunch from the glaze on the outside if you choose to add toppings like nuts or chocolate shavings. To achieve the right texture, make sure not to overmix the batter, and don’t overbake the doughnuts. If you’re looking for an extra crunchy exterior, you could try dusting the tops with granulated sugar before baking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For easier removal from the muffin tin, make sure to grease it well before adding the batter. You can use cooking spray or brush it with melted butter for a golden crust.
To ensure your doughnuts bake evenly, rotate the muffin tin halfway through the baking time.
If you find your glaze is too thin, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to thicken before using. Conversely, if it’s too thick, you can warm it slightly by placing the bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring constantly.

Storage Tips

These doughnuts are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you won’t be serving them within that timeframe, consider freezing them. Place the cooled doughnuts in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
For reheating, wrap a doughnut in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will help retain moisture and warmth.
When storing, keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve the texture and flavor.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re planning to give these Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or a paper bag tied with a ribbon. You could also arrange them in a gift basket filled with other sweet treats, like marshmallows, chocolate chips, or a packet of gourmet hot chocolate mix. For a more rustic look, wrap each doughnut individually in parchment paper or a paper bag and place them in a larger basket or box. Adding a handwritten note with the recipe or a personal message can make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper to the batter for a unique twist on the traditional hot chocolate flavor.
🌟 Creative toppings: Instead of the standard glaze, try topping your doughnuts with whipped cream, chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or even candy pieces for a fun and colorful look.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: Replace the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk alternative and use vegan chocolate for a dairy-free version. You could also experiment with different types of flour, like almond or oat flour, for a gluten-free option.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your doughnuts turn out too dense, it might be because the batter was overmixed. Try mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately and folding them together gently. If they’re too dry, they might have been overbaked; check your oven temperature and baking time.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken before using.
Over/undercooking signs: Undercooked doughnuts will be soft and possibly wet in the center, while overcooked ones will be dry and hard. Adjust your baking time as needed, and remember that it’s always better to err on the side of undercooking slightly, as the doughnuts will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, these doughnuts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Is it gluten-free? The original recipe includes all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours like almond or oat flour to make a gluten-free version. Note that gluten-free baking can be more unpredictable, so you may need to adjust the ratio of flours and add xanthan gum to help with texture.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as larger batches might take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Conclusion

With these Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts, you’re not just making a dessert; you’re creating an experience. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold winter night, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these doughnuts are sure to delight. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of sharing your creations with loved ones. Happy baking, and remember, in the world of doughnuts, there’s always room for a little more chocolate and a lot more joy.

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