The Best Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Sinking your teeth into the most decadent baked chocolate chip donuts that melt in your mouth.

These little rings of joy bring pure happiness to any morning or afternoon treat.

Soft, tender, and packed with melty chocolate morsels, they redefine what a donut can be.

Forget greasy fried versions – this healthier baked approach ensures maximum flavor with minimal guilt.

Sweet chocolate pockets nestle within each fluffy bite, promising a delightful experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Baking these treats at home means you control the ingredients and can customize to your heart’s content.

Grab a mixing bowl and let’s create some donut magic that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Simple Instructions For Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your donut pan and give it a light coating of nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy donut removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated sugar

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and free of any lumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Blend these ingredients until they’re smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Create Donut Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined – be careful not to overmix. The batter should look slightly lumpy. Fold in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about three-quarters full.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the donut pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate chip donuts – a delightful treat that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!

Top Tricks For Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts

• Grease Like a Pro: Use a pastry brush or paper towel to evenly coat the donut pan, ensuring each cavity gets a light, uniform layer of nonstick spray or butter for easy donut removal.
• Chocolate Chip Distribution Trick: Gently fold chocolate chips into the batter at the last moment, preventing them from sinking to the bottom and ensuring even chocolate in every bite.
• Batter Filling Technique: Fill donut pan cavities about 2/3 full to allow room for rising and prevent overflow during baking, creating perfectly shaped donuts.
• Cooling Hack: Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, helping them set and maintain their shape without breaking.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these donuts suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising texture.

Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts Storage And Warming Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain their soft texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual donuts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 weeks when frozen properly.
• Reheat Oven Method: Warm donuts at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original softness and bring back that fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave Quick Tip: Zap donuts for 10-15 seconds to quickly revive their warmth, but be careful not to overheat and dry them out.

Good Pairings With Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts

• Brew a Morning Mocha Match: These chocolate chip donuts sing beautifully when paired with a warm cappuccino, where the creamy milk softens the sweet chocolate chips and enhances the donut's rich flavor profile.
• Elevate with Cold Milk Comfort: A chilled glass of whole milk creates the perfect classic companion, cutting through the donut's sweetness and providing a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to each bite.
• Complement with Caramel Latte Love: A caramel latte adds depth and warmth, with its smooth caramel notes harmonizing perfectly with the chocolate chips, creating a decadent breakfast or dessert experience.
• Surprise with Chai Tea Twist: A spiced chai tea offers an unexpected but delightful pairing, its warm cardamom and cinnamon undertones dancing deliciously alongside the chocolate chip donuts' sweet character.

Easy Swaps For Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts

• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Fold chopped almonds or pecans into the batter for extra texture and rich, toasted flavor.
• Espresso Chocolate Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate's depth and create a sophisticated morning treat.
• Berry Chocolate Swirl: Gently mix in fresh raspberry or strawberry puree into the batter, creating beautiful marbled swirls and fruity undertones.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: After baking, top donuts with a homemade salted caramel sauce for a decadent sweet-and-salty finish that complements the chocolate chips perfectly.

Common Questions On Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts

• Are these donuts healthier than traditional fried donuts?

Yes! These baked donuts are a lighter alternative to traditional fried versions, using less oil and being baked instead of deep-fried, which significantly reduces their overall fat content.

• Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you maintain the same measurements for a successful batch of donuts.

• What type of chocolate chips work best in this recipe?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal as they provide a perfect balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor, but you can also use milk or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.

• How can I ensure my donuts come out moist and fluffy?

The key is not to overmix the batter and to carefully measure your ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense donuts, so gently fold the ingredients until just combined for the best texture.

What You’ll Enjoy About Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts

• Effortless Baking Delight: These chocolate chip donuts come together quickly in an oven, making them perfect for lazy weekend mornings or spontaneous baking sessions.
• Healthier Indulgence: Baked instead of fried, these donuts offer a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried versions while maintaining a deliciously satisfying chocolate chip flavor.
• Texture Lover's Dream: Soft, tender donuts studded with melty chocolate chips create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that beats store-bought treats hands down.
• Kid and Adult Approved: The classic chocolate chip combination appeals to all ages, making these donuts a crowd-pleasing breakfast or snack that brings families together around the table.

What You Need For Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure and texture to the donuts.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Provides the necessary lift and lightness to the donuts.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the donuts' rich texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and soft donut with a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

• Chocolate Chips, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provide delicious chocolate bursts throughout the donuts. Dark or milk chocolate can be used based on preference.

Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent chocolate chip donuts bring sweet comfort straight from your home kitchen. Rich chocolate morsels nestled in fluffy baked dough create a delightful treat you can savor with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (90 g) mini chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry and Complementary Ingredients:

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mini chocolate chips for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat the donut pan with nonstick spray, ensuring complete coverage of each cavity to prevent sticking and promote easy donut removal.
2. Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 350F (175C), allowing sufficient time for even temperature distribution.
3. Whisk together dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder – creating a smooth, uniform mixture without lumps.
4. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy, developing a rich, creamy texture.
5. Incorporate eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
6. Gradually fold in vanilla extract and sour cream, stirring gently to maintain the batter’s airy structure.
7. Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.
8. Gently fold chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
9. Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for precise filling.
10. Carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling approximately 2/3 to 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, watching for slight springback when touched or a toothpick coming out clean.
12. Remove from oven and let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before gently transferring to a wire rack.
13. Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze for added indulgence.

Notes

• Ensure your donut pan is evenly coated with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking and achieve perfectly shaped donuts.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk to help create a smoother, more consistent batter that blends easily.
• For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these donuts accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
• Allow donuts to cool completely before adding any glaze or topping to prevent melting and maintain the ideal texture and appearance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg