Indulging in a warm, freshly made doughnut is one of life’s simple pleasures, and nothing beats the rich flavor of Homemade Chocolate Old-Fashioned Doughnuts. These delightful treats combine the classic old-fashioned doughnut texture with a rich chocolate flavor, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. With a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior, these doughnuts are sure to impress your family and friends.

Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have you enjoying homemade chocolate doughnuts in no time!

Ingredients List

To make Homemade Chocolate Old-Fashioned Doughnuts, gather the following ingredients:

For the Doughnuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions:

• Cocoa Powder: Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer flavor.
• Buttermilk: Substitute with almond milk or another non-dairy milk combined with vinegar for a dairy-free option.
• Butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts

1. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This will help the dough to firm up, making it easier to shape.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
3. Cut the Doughnuts: Use a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out doughnut shapes. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out additional doughnuts.

Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
2. Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully drop a few doughnuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
3. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

1. Mix the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 5: Glaze the Doughnuts

1. Dip the Doughnuts: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
2. Set the Glaze: Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per doughnut (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 29g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 3g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’d like to make Homemade Chocolate Old-Fashioned Doughnuts a bit healthier, consider these modifications:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Reduce Sugar: Cut down the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup for a less sweet treat.
• Baked Version: Instead of frying, you can bake the doughnuts in a doughnut pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate doughnuts are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

• Serve with Coffee: Pair these doughnuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful breakfast or snack.
• Top with Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze for a fun touch.
• Serve with Fresh Fruit: Enjoy alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Dough: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough doughnuts.
2. Not Heating Oil Properly: Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying; too hot can burn the doughnuts, while too cool can make them greasy.
3. Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the doughnuts to cool slightly before glazing helps the glaze set properly.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Homemade Chocolate Old-Fashioned Doughnuts fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: These doughnuts can be frozen! Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

In summary, Homemade Chocolate Old-Fashioned Doughnuts are a deliciously indulgent treat that’s easy to make from scratch. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create doughnuts that are perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or subscribe for more delicious updates!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes! You can experiment with dark chocolate or milk chocolate for the glaze.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly!

Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?

While best fresh, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it before frying.