Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Filled Donuts are the ultimate indulgence—soft, pillowy donuts with a rich and creamy chocolate center. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of fluffy dough and smooth filling, making them a bakery-style treat you can enjoy at home. Whether dusted with powdered sugar, rolled in cinnamon sugar, or topped with a glaze, these donuts are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
What makes this recipe so special is the combination of texture and flavor. The donuts are light and airy on the outside, while the chocolate filling adds a luscious surprise inside. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they can be enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or served at parties as a show-stopping treat. Once you try these homemade donuts, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions.
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Chocolate Filled Donuts – A Decadent Homemade Treat
- Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy donuts filled with rich chocolate cream and coated in sugar, perfect for a decadent breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (or chocolate pastry cream)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and butter. Mix until dough comes together.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough and roll out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a donut cutter or glass.
- Place rounds on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30-40 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- While warm, roll donuts in sugar to coat.
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a small tip with chocolate spread or cream. Insert into each donut and fill generously.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, use pastry cream or ganache instead of hazelnut spread.
- Best eaten fresh the same day.
- Make sure oil stays at the right temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
- Can be dusted with powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lighter coating.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the donuts, creating a soft and fluffy texture.
Yeast – Essential for leavening, it gives the donuts their light, airy rise.
Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Milk – Adds moisture and richness, resulting in tender donuts.
Butter – Infuses the dough with flavor and helps create a soft crumb.
Eggs – Provide structure, moisture, and a slight richness to the dough.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Vegetable oil – Used for frying, giving the donuts their golden, crisp exterior.
Chocolate filling – Melted chocolate, chocolate ganache, or even chocolate hazelnut spread creates the indulgent center.
Powdered sugar (optional) – For dusting the finished donuts with a light sweetness.
Directions
Begin by preparing the dough. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a cookie cutter or glass. Transfer to a parchment-lined tray, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 1–2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Allow donuts to cool slightly, then fill with chocolate using a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 donuts. Preparation and rising time takes about 2–2.5 hours, while frying and filling require around 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or oven, though donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Filled donuts should not be frozen, as the texture of the filling may change.
Variations and Customizations
Nutella donuts – Fill with chocolate hazelnut spread for extra richness.
White chocolate filling – Swap dark chocolate with creamy white chocolate ganache.
Mocha donuts – Mix espresso powder into the chocolate filling for a coffee twist.
Glazed version – Dip donuts in a simple chocolate or vanilla glaze instead of dusting with sugar.
Baked donuts – For a lighter option, bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes instead of frying.
Fruit and chocolate – Add raspberry or strawberry jam along with chocolate for a fruity surprise.
Mini filled donuts – Make smaller rounds for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight for frying the next day.
What type of chocolate is best for filling?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for a rich, smooth filling.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, though baking gives a softer texture rather than a crispy golden crust.
How do I know when the oil is ready?
The oil should be at 350°F; test with a thermometer or drop a small piece of dough—it should sizzle immediately.
Conclusion
Chocolate Filled Donuts are a decadent homemade treat that combines soft, airy dough with a luscious, creamy chocolate center. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or celebrations, they bring a touch of indulgence to any occasion. With their golden crust, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and endless customization options, these donuts are a must-try for anyone who loves sweet comfort food.