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If you have a soft spot for classic treats with a rich, chocolaty twist, you are going to adore this Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe. These doughnuts bring together that timeless cakey texture and deep chocolate flavor, elevated by a luscious mocha glaze that feels like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special gathering, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of chocolate richness and tender crumb. Each component here plays a vital role—flour and cocoa powder build the foundation, brown butter adds a nutty depth, and the espresso powder boosts the chocolate flavor beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This gives structure and a tender crumb to the doughnuts.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The main source of chocolate flavor—choose a good-quality one for best results.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cocoa’s bitterness.
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the doughnuts rise, making them light and cakey.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients for a perfect texture.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Adds tenderness and a delicate crumb.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors to make each bite sing.
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder: Intensifies the chocolate without tasting like coffee.
- 2 tablespoons malted milk powder: Adds a subtle malt flavor that elevates the doughnuts.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- ¾ cup buttermilk: Provides acidity that reacts with leaveners and keeps the doughnuts moist.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and enhances tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly: Offers a nutty aroma and depth of flavor.
- Neutral oil, for frying (about 4 cups total): Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying without affecting flavor.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar: For the luscious mocha glaze that finishes these doughnuts perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Added to the glaze for extra chocolate goodness.
- ½ cup milk: Adjusts glaze consistency to smooth perfection.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and shine to the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder: Enhances mocha flavor in the glaze.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: For a subtle aromatic lift in the glaze.
- Pinch of kosher salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out the glaze.
How to Make Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting the butter gently over medium heat. Watch closely as it bubbles and transforms from a creamy yellow to a warm, golden-brown hue. That nutty aroma signals flavor magic happening in the pan. Pour the butter into a bowl and let it cool slightly — this browned butter is what takes the doughnuts from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, instant espresso powder, and malted milk powder until evenly combined. This ensures that each doughnut will have a perfectly balanced flavor and texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy, then stir in the buttermilk, sour cream, vanilla extract, and the cooled browned butter. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly sets the stage for a smooth, velvety batter that will make your doughnuts tender and rich.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until you have a shaggy dough. Be careful not to overmix—the goal is just to combine everything to keep the doughnuts light and cakey. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this rest makes it easier to work with.
Step 5: Cut the Doughnuts
Once chilled, turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a 3-inch cutter for the doughnut shapes and a 1-inch cutter for the centers. Don’t toss those scraps—they can be gently re-rolled once for extra doughnuts!
Step 6: Fry to Perfection
Heat your neutral oil in a deep pot to 350°F, keeping it steady between 340°F and 355°F. Drop in a few doughnuts at a time, frying for about a minute per side until they develop a crackly, deep chocolate brown crust. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Step 7: Prepare the Mocha Glaze and Dip
While the doughnuts cool just enough, mix the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, melted butter, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and salt to form a smooth mocha glaze. Adjust consistency if needed by adding a splash more milk or powdered sugar. Dip each warm doughnut fully into the glaze, letting excess drip off before placing them back on the rack to set for five minutes.
How to Serve Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top of the glaze for an elegant touch. For a little extra flair, sprinkle finely chopped toasted nuts or chocolate shavings over the glaze while it’s still wet—this adds texture and a decadent look.
Side Dishes
These chocolate old-fashioned doughnuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or espresso, which complements the mocha notes beautifully. A glass of cold milk also brings out their rich chocolaty character perfectly, making for a nostalgic and satisfying snack or breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the doughnuts on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries scattered around for a vibrant contrast. You could also stack them in a doughnut tower for a fun centerpiece at brunch. Serving them with a small bowl of extra mocha glaze on the side invites guests to double-dip for maximum indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and moist without becoming soggy. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out quickly.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze them after glazing and fully setting. Wrap each doughnut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or leftover doughnuts warm, gently reheat in a 325°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or until just warmed through. This restores the softness inside and keeps the glaze intact, freshening up their just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
While this Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe is designed for frying to achieve that characteristic crisp exterior, you can bake them at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes. The texture will be slightly different, with less crunch but still delicious.
What oils work best for frying these doughnuts?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil are ideal. They won’t interfere with the chocolate flavor and handle the high frying temperature well.
Is there a way to make these doughnuts dairy-free?
You might substitute plant-based milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk, and use vegan butter to brown. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly but still delicious.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated overnight before cutting and frying. This can help develop flavors more deeply and makes your prep schedule more flexible.
What’s the purpose of the espresso powder in this recipe?
The instant espresso powder doesn’t add coffee flavor but rather enhances and deepens the chocolate taste, making the doughnuts more flavorful and complex.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, making this Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe is like a little homemade celebration of chocolate and comfort. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create doughnuts that impress with every bite—rich, tender, and topped with a dreamy mocha glaze. I can’t recommend giving these a try enough—you’ll have a favorite recipe to turn to for luscious, chocolaty happiness any time.
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Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these rich and moist Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts, perfectly fried to a deep chocolate brown and finished with a luscious mocha glaze. Combining the classic flavors of cocoa, espresso, and malted milk powder, these doughnuts offer a sophisticated twist on a beloved treat, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons malted milk powder
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
- Neutral oil, for frying (about 4 cups total)
Mocha Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Watch as the butter foams and slowly turns golden-brown, releasing a nutty aroma, about 4–5 minutes. Pour into a heatproof bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder, and 2 tablespoons malted milk powder until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until frothy. Add ¾ cup buttermilk, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the cooled browned butter. Mix until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold until a shaggy dough forms; avoid overmixing to keep doughnuts light.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Cut Doughnuts: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ½-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch doughnut cutter to cut shapes and a 1-inch cutter for the centers. Re-roll scraps once to cut more doughnuts.
- Heat Oil: Heat 3–4 inches of neutral oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F, maintaining temperature between 340°F and 355°F for frying.
- Fry Doughnuts: Fry 2–3 doughnuts at a time for about 1 minute per side until crackly and deep chocolate brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Prepare Mocha Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk 1½ cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, ½ cup milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt until smooth. Adjust consistency with milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze Doughnuts: Dip warm doughnuts into the mocha glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place back on the wire rack and let glaze set for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to maintain light and tender doughnuts.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 340°F and 355°F for best frying results.
- Brown butter adds a rich nutty flavor; do not skip this step.
- Re-roll dough scraps only once to avoid tough doughnuts.
- Adjust the glaze thickness based on preference by adding more milk or powdered sugar.
