Ever craved a sweet treat that you can whip up faster than it takes the kids to finish an episode of their favorite show? These chocolate sprinkle donuts are exactly what you're looking for.
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These donuts are like a cozy chocolate hug on a cool Manhattan morning, perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth without needing a deep fryer.
They're baked to perfection, soft inside, with a delectable chocolate glaze and fun rainbow sprinkles on top. And guess what? No donut pan? No problem, I've got a trick for that, too. Let's dive into making this cherished family favorite.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Effortless preparation: Just a quick mix and bake, ideal for those impromptu dessert cravings.
- Time-efficient: Done in under 20 minutes—just right for busy Manhattan moms like me.
- Kid-approved: The rainbow sprinkles make it visually appealing for the young ones.
- No special equipment needed: I'll share how to shape them without a donut pan.
- Rich flavor: The combination of cocoa and buttermilk ensures a deep chocolate flavor.
- Baked, not fried: Offering a healthier twist on the classic donut.
Ingredients
- 125 grams all-purpose flour
- 25 grams cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 56 grams unsalted butter
- 106 grams light brown sugar
- 113 ml buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 85 grams chocolate
- 42 grams unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons water
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Rainbow sprinkles
Step-by-step instructions
Preparing the batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get a donut pan or alternative ready by greasing it with butter. Thanks to Manhattan's tiny kitchens, I often repurpose muffin tins—just fill them halfway to mimic the donut shape.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures your donuts rise evenly.
- In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This wet mix needs to blend smoothly, incorporating all the richness of the buttermilk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and fold until incorporated, ensuring there are no flour pockets remaining.
Baking the donuts
- Pipe the batter halfway into each cavity prepared earlier. No piping bag? A ziplock bag with the corner cut off works wonders.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden brown and slightly springy. Let them cool on a wire rack after the initial five minutes.
Making the glaze
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add all glaze ingredients except for the sprinkles. Heat in the microwave in 25-second increments, stirring after each, until fully melted.
- Dip each cooled donut in the glaze and immediately sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles. It’s fun, and the kiddos love helping with this messy bit.
Recipe tips & variations
- No donut pan? Use a muffin tin, adding a ball of tin foil in the middle to create a donut shape.
- For a flavor twist: Add a dash of chili powder for a spicy kick or swap vanilla extract with almond extract.
- Avoid overbaking: Watch closely to keep them moist.
- Nut allergies? Use coconut or almond flour and skip any nutmegs for a similar taste.
Storage & reheating
- Store these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—the texture remains soft and delightful.
- For reheating, a few seconds in the microwave brings back their fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.
FAQs
Can I make these chocolate sprinkle donuts without a donut pan?
Absolutely! Use a muffin pan and fill halfway; place a small, rolled tin foil ball in the center to keep the shape.
How can I keep the donuts soft and fluffy after baking?
Ensure you don't over-bake them. They’re ready when they spring back to the touch.
What’s the best way to make the chocolate glaze smooth and shiny?
Ensure you stir the glaze well between each microwave session and dip quickly when it’s still warm.
Can I freeze these donuts and reheat them later?
Yes, they freeze wonderfully. Just thaw and microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Recipes you may like
- Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost
- Pineapple Green Smoothie
Making these donuts is like sharing a moment of happiness with your family. The simplicity and taste will surely earn you smiles, and maybe a few surprise hugs along the way. I hope you love them as much as my family does.
Print
Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate sprinkle donuts that are quick to make and kid-approved.
Ingredients
Scale
- 125 grams all-purpose flour
- 25 grams cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 56 grams unsalted butter
- 106 grams light brown sugar
- 113 ml buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 85 grams chocolate
- 42 grams unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons water
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get a donut pan or alternative ready by greasing it with butter. Thanks to Manhattan's tiny kitchens, I often repurpose muffin tins—just fill them halfway to mimic the donut shape.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures your donuts rise evenly.
- In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This wet mix needs to blend smoothly, incorporating all the richness of the buttermilk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and fold until incorporated, ensuring there are no flour pockets remaining.
- Pipe the batter halfway into each cavity prepared earlier. No piping bag? A ziplock bag with the corner cut off works wonders.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden brown and slightly springy. Let them cool on a wire rack after the initial five minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add all glaze ingredients except for the sprinkles. Heat in the microwave in 25-second increments, stirring after each, until fully melted.
- Dip each cooled donut in the glaze and immediately sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles. It’s fun, and the kiddos love helping with this messy bit.
Notes
- No donut pan? Use a muffin tin, adding a ball of tin foil in the middle to create a donut shape.
- For a flavor twist: Add a dash of chili powder for a spicy kick or swap vanilla extract with almond extract.
- Avoid overbaking: Watch closely to keep them moist.
- Nut allergies? Use coconut or almond flour and skip any nutmegs for a similar taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
