Who doesn’t love a warm, fluffy donut with a rich chocolate glaze on top? This easy chocolate glazed donut recipe gives you bakery-style results right from your kitchen. Soft on the inside, lightly crisped on the outside, and covered in a shiny chocolate topping—these donuts are pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or a weekend treat, this recipe will become a family favorite fast.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Glazed Donuts

Made with simple ingredients you already have at home
No oven needed—just fry, glaze, and enjoy
Kid-approved and perfect for sharing
Shiny chocolate glaze that sets beautifully
Easy step-by-step instructions for perfect results

Ingredients for Chocolate Glazed Donuts

Ingredients for homemade chocolate glazed donuts on kitchen counter

Main Ingredients

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Pure vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Sour cream
Milk
Canola or vegetable oil
Semisweet or dark chocolate chips
Heavy whipping cream
Light corn syrup

Optional Garnishes

Sprinkles
Crushed nuts
Powdered sugar dusting
Shredded coconut

Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Large mixing bowls
Donut cutter or round cutters
Deep pot or deep fryer
Wire cooling rack
Slotted spoon or tongs

Utensils

Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Whisk
Knife or dough scraper
Small saucepan

Variations

There are so many fun ways to switch up this chocolate glazed donut recipe:

Use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark for a different glaze flavor.
Add orange zest or espresso powder to the glaze for a gourmet twist.
Stuff the donuts with jam or hazelnut spread before frying.
Make mini donuts instead of full-size for bite-sized fun.
Turn it into a donut sandwich with a scoop of ice cream in between.

How to Make Chocolate Glazed Donuts

Step 1: Make the Donut Dough

First, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Mix until a soft dough forms. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

Mixing butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thick. Use a donut cutter (or two different-sized round cutters) to cut out donut shapes. Carefully lift the donuts and set them aside on a floured tray while you finish cutting all the dough.

Rolling and cutting donut dough on floured surface

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

Pour the canola or vegetable oil into a deep pot or fryer—heat it to 350°F. Gently add a few donuts at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each one for about 1–2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain.

Step 4: Dip in Chocolate Glaze

To make the glaze, heat the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and corn syrup in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and shiny. Remove from heat and add vanilla.

While the donuts are still slightly warm, dip the tops into the glaze. Set them on a wire rack so the glaze can set. If you like, add sprinkles or toppings right away before the glaze hardens.

Tips and Tricks

Chill the dough slightly if it’s too soft to handle.
Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F for even frying.
Use a candy thermometer to check oil heat—don’t guess.
Glaze donuts while they’re still warm so it sticks better.
Use a wire rack so excess glaze can drip off easily.

How to Serve Chocolate Glazed Donuts

These chocolate glazed donuts are best served fresh and slightly warm. Enjoy them with:

A cold glass of milk
Hot coffee or hot chocolate
A fruit salad for a balanced treat
As a special breakfast or dessert board item

For parties, try stacking them into a fun donut tower.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make the dough a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 8–10 seconds or warm briefly in the oven.

FAQs

How to make chocolate glaze for donuts with chocolate?
To make a rich chocolate glaze, melt semisweet or dark chocolate chips with heavy whipping cream and a bit of light corn syrup over low heat. Stir until smooth and shiny, then add a splash of vanilla for flavor. Dip your warm donuts into the glaze and let them set on a wire rack.

What is chocolate glaze made of?
Chocolate glaze is typically made with chocolate chips or baking chocolate, heavy cream, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. The cream gives it smoothness, the corn syrup adds shine, and the vanilla adds flavor depth.

Do chocolate glazed donuts need to be refrigerated?
No, chocolate glazed donuts don’t need to be refrigerated. You can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Refrigeration can make them dry out faster and affect the glaze texture.

What is the most popular donut flavor in the world?
The most popular donut flavor worldwide is glazed, especially the classic plain glazed donut. Chocolate glazed donuts and jelly-filled donuts are also top favorites in many countries.

What is a chocolate donut with filling called?
A chocolate donut with a creamy filling inside is often called a Boston cream donut if it’s filled with custard, or a chocolate cream-filled donut if it contains chocolate mousse or frosting. The name can vary by bakery or region.

Why are Long John donuts called Long Johns?
Long John donuts get their name from their shape—they’re long and rectangular, similar to the shape of long underwear, which were also nicknamed “long johns.” They’re usually yeast-raised and often topped with chocolate or maple glaze.

Conclusion

To wrap up, these homemade chocolate glazed donuts are soft, sweet, and full of classic flavor. Whether you’re a beginner or a weekend baker, this easy-to-follow recipe makes you feel like a pro. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy donuts that everyone will ask for again and again.

If you’re a fan of sweet, homemade treats like these chocolate glazed donuts, you’ll love trying some of our other popular recipes too. For a fruity and refreshing dessert, check out our super moist Mandarin Orange Cake that’s bursting with citrus flavor. Craving something creamy and chewy? These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a dreamy mix of soft cookie dough and rich cheesecake filling. And for a wholesome breakfast or snack option, don’t miss our Blueberry Yogurt Muffins—they’re light, fluffy, and loaded with fresh blueberries.

Donuts have a long and fascinating history that dates back centuries. They are believed to have evolved from Dutch olykoeks or “oil cakes,” which were deep-fried dough balls brought to America by early settlers. You can learn more about their background on Wikipedia’s page on Donuts. The rich chocolate glaze used in this recipe is closely related to Ganache, a smooth mixture of chocolate and cream used in many desserts. And if you’re curious about the science behind deep frying, the Deep Frying article explains how hot oil cooks food quickly while creating that perfect golden crust—ideal for donuts.