Delicious Small Batch Baked Chocolate Donuts Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Any Day

Hey there, donut lovers! Do you crave something chocolatey and delicious but don’t want a huge pile of treats tempting you all week?

This small batch baked chocolate donuts recipe is perfect for you! I’m so excited to share this with you because it’s easy, fun, and makes just enough donuts to enjoy without going overboard.

Imagine biting into a soft, chocolate-packed donut with a shiny glaze—yum! You don’t need to be a baking pro to make these, and they bake fast in the oven—no messy frying here.

Key Takeaways:

Here’s what you need to know about this awesome recipe in a quick list:

• Small Batch Goodness: This recipe makes 6-8 donuts, so you get enough to share (or not!) without tons of leftovers.
• Baked, Not Fried: These donuts bake in the oven, making them healthier than fried ones and super easy to clean up.
• Chocolate Overload: You get rich chocolate flavor in the donut and a yummy chocolate glaze on top—double the fun!
• Quick to Make: From mixing to munching, you’ll have these ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy days!
• Kid-Friendly: The steps are simple, and kids can help mix, pour, or decorate with sprinkles for extra giggles.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or even a drizzle of vanilla glaze to make them your own.
• No Fancy Tools Needed: All you need is a donut pan, a bowl, and a whisk—stuff you probably already have at home.

This recipe is all about keeping things simple and tasty. You’ll love how fast it comes together and how happy it makes everyone who tries one!

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Why Choose Baked Donuts Over Fried?

Baked donuts are awesome because they skip the frying mess! When you fry donuts, you need hot oil, and that can get tricky. Oil splashes, and cleanup takes forever.

With baked donuts, you pop them in the oven, and that’s it—no greasy pots to scrub. Plus, baked donuts have less fat since they don’t soak up oil. That makes them a little healthier, but they still taste amazing.

This small batch recipe uses a donut pan to shape them perfectly. The batter bakes into a soft, cakey texture that feels just like a classic donut. You won’t miss the fried version—I promise!

I love how I can make these on a whim without turning my kitchen into a disaster zone. They’re great for a quick treat, and you can feel good about eating them. Who doesn’t want a donut that’s yummy and easy on the guilt?

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What Makes This Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out because it’s all about small batch baking. You don’t end up with 20 donuts staring at you, begging to be eaten.

Instead, you get 6-8 perfect little donuts, just right for a small group or a solo indulgence. The chocolate flavor is bold, thanks to cocoa powder in the batter and a smooth glaze on top.

I also love that it’s quick—about 30 minutes from start to finish. You mix, bake, glaze, and eat! The ingredients are simple stuff like flour, sugar, and eggs, so you probably have them already.

And the best part? You can tweak it however you like. Want sprinkles? Go for it! Prefer nuts? Toss some on! It’s a recipe that feels personal and fun every time you make it.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into these donuts. You don’t need anything weird—just basic kitchen staples. Here’s the list:

• Flour: About 1 cup of all-purpose flour makes the base.
• Cocoa Powder: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa for that chocolate kick.
• Sugar: ½ cup of granulated sugar keeps them sweet.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon helps them rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt: A pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) balances the flavors.
• Milk: ⅓ cup makes the batter smooth.
• Egg: 1 large egg holds everything together.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted, adds richness.
• Vanilla: 1 teaspoon gives a yummy hint of flavor.

For the glaze, grab ½ cup chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons milk. That’s it! These simple things turn into something super tasty. Check your pantry—you might be ready to bake right now!

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Tools to Get Started

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make these donuts. Here’s what you’ll use:

• Donut Pan: A 6-cavity pan works best for this small batch. It shapes the donuts perfectly.
• Mixing Bowl: One medium bowl holds all the batter.
• Whisk: Mixes everything nice and smooth.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Keeps the amounts just right.
• Spatula: Helps scrape the bowl clean.
• Piping Bag or Ziplock Bag: Makes filling the pan easy (snip the corner if using a Ziplock).

If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin tin can work—just won’t have that classic donut hole. I love how simple the setup is. You’ll be baking like a pro with stuff you already own!

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Step-by-Step: Mixing the Batter

Making the batter is super easy! First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray your donut pan with cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Now, grab your bowl. Whisk together 1 cup flour, ¼ cup cocoa powder, ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. That’s your dry stuff.

In another bowl, mix ⅓ cup milk, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir it until it’s all blended. Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently with a spatula until everything combines.

Don’t overmix—it should look smooth but not too runny. This takes about 2 minutes, and you’re done! The batter smells so chocolatey already. You’re halfway to donut heaven!

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How to Fill the Donut Pan

Filling the pan is fun and easy. Take your batter and scoop it into a piping bag. If you don’t have one, use a Ziplock bag and cut off a corner.

Hold the bag over the donut pan and squeeze the batter into each slot. Fill them about ¾ full so they rise without spilling over.

If the batter looks uneven, smooth it with a spatula. This step makes sure your donuts look pretty when they bake. I love watching the pan fill up—it’s like a little chocolate art project! It takes just a few minutes, and then they’re ready for the oven.

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Baking Your Donuts

Pop the filled donut pan into your 350°F oven. Bake them for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops spring back if you touch them lightly. Or stick a toothpick in one—if it comes out clean, they’re good to go!

Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, flip the pan over a rack or plate to pop them out. They’ll be warm and smell amazing.

Don’t rush this part—cooling helps them hold their shape. I get so excited seeing those perfect little donuts ready for glaze!

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Making the Chocolate Glaze

The glaze is what makes these donuts extra special. Grab a small bowl and add ½ cup chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons milk.

Microwave it for 30 seconds, then stir. If it’s not melted, heat it for 15 more seconds. Keep stirring until it’s smooth and shiny.

You want the glaze thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk. This takes about 2 minutes total. The smell of melting chocolate is so good—it’s hard not to dip a finger in! Once it’s ready, you’ll turn your donuts into chocolate masterpieces.

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Glazing and Decorating Tips

Now for the fun part—glazing! Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze. Let the extra drip off, then set them on a rack or plate. If you want sprinkles, nuts, or anything else, sprinkle them on while the glaze is wet.

I like doing half with sprinkles and half plain—it looks cool and gives options. The glaze sets in about 10 minutes, but you can eat them right away if you can’t wait.

Decorating is where you can get creative—make them your donuts with whatever toppings you love!

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Storing Your Donuts

These donuts taste best fresh, but you can store them if needed. Put them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good at room temperature for 1-2 days.

If you want them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to 5 days. The glaze might get a little soft, but they’ll still be yummy.

You can also freeze them! Wrap each donut in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 2 months.

Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to eat. I love having a stash for surprise cravings—it’s like a little gift to myself!

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Why Kids Love This Recipe

Kids go nuts for these donuts because they’re chocolatey and fun! The recipe is simple, so they can help mix the batter or add sprinkles. It’s like a mini baking party. They love seeing the batter turn into donuts in the oven—it’s magic to them.

Plus, the small size is perfect for little hands. They get a treat without too much sugar overload. I’ve made these with my niece, and she giggles the whole time, especially when she gets to decorate. It’s a great way to make memories and snacks!

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FAQs

Can I Make These Without a Donut Pan?

Yes! Use a muffin tin instead. Fill each spot halfway and bake for 10-12 minutes. They won’t have holes, but they’ll still taste great. You can call them donut muffins!

What If I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?

No cocoa? Try melting ¼ cup chocolate chips with the wet ingredients. It changes the texture a bit, but you’ll still get that chocolate flavor.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Totally! Just double all the ingredients. Use two donut pans or bake in batches. You’ll get 12-16 donuts, perfect for a bigger crew.

How Do I Make Them Gluten-Free?

Swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Check that it has xanthan gum to help them rise. They’ll still be soft and delicious!

Can I Skip the Glaze?

Sure! They’re tasty plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. The glaze is extra, but not a must.