Chocolate Doughnuts

Prep: 15 min Cook: 3 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Decadent chocolate doughnuts with a rich cocoa flavor, perfect for satisfying sweet tooth cravings. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert gatherings with friends and family.

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
  • 2/3 c. sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 1/2 c. flour
  • 1 Tbsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 c. cocoa
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
  • 2/3 c. milk

Instructions

  1. Cream together butter, sugar, and egg.
  2. Add milk and slowly incorporate dry ingredients.
  3. If dough isn't stiff enough to roll, gradually add small amounts of flour.
  4. Roll on a floured surface and cut with a doughnut cutter.
  5. Deep-fry in vegetable oil for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once.
  6. Coat with sugar or frosting.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you don’t have nutmeg, cinnamon can be a great substitute. Always ensure your oil is at the right temperature for frying; too low and the doughnuts will absorb oil, too high and they will burn. Make sure to flour your surface generously to prevent sticking as you roll out the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate doughnuts are delightful on their own but also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or milk. For a special treat, serve them with a drizzle of chocolate glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. They make a perfect breakfast item or dessert, and can be complemented with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to regain their freshness and warmth, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Doughnuts contains roughly 339 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 763mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

339 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 21g 27% DV
Carbs 35.4g 13% DV
Fiber 14g 50% DV
Sugar 1.8g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 762.6mg 33% DV
Potassium 459.3mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 10.3mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3.1mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 204.2mg 16% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake these doughnuts! Preheat your oven to 375°F and spoon the batter into a greased doughnut pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Baking will yield a different texture, but they will still be delicious and a bit healthier.

What type of oil is best for frying doughnuts?

Vegetable oil is commonly used for frying doughnuts due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Canola oil is also a good option. Avoid oils with strong flavors, like olive oil, as they can alter the taste of your doughnuts.

How do I know when the doughnuts are done frying?

Doughnuts are typically done when they are golden brown and float to the surface of the oil. They usually take about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them while frying to prevent overcooking, as they can quickly go from perfect to burnt.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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