Baked Chocolate Donuts

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### **Instructions**

#### **1. Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray or a little melted butter.

#### **2. Prepare the Donut Batter**
– In a large bowl, whisk together the **flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt**.
– In a separate bowl, combine the **milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract**. Whisk until smooth.
– Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few small lumps are fine.

#### **3. Fill the Donut Pan**
– Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with the corner cut off for easier handling.
– Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about **3/4 full**.

#### **4. Bake the Donuts**
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for **10–12 minutes**, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched.
– Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### **5. Make the Chocolate Glaze**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the **powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk**, and **vanilla extract** until smooth and pourable.
– If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

#### **6. Dip and Decorate**
– Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the chocolate glaze. Allow any excess glaze to drip off.
– Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack and top with sprinkles, nuts, or any desired toppings while the glaze is still wet.

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### **Tips for Perfect Baked Chocolate Donuts**
– **Don’t Overmix**: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined to ensure soft, fluffy donuts.
– **Use a Piping Bag**: Piping the batter makes filling the donut molds easier and less messy.
– **Let Them Cool**: Allow the donuts to cool before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.
– **Get Creative with Toppings**: Switch up the toppings for special occasions — try crushed peppermint for the holidays or colorful sprinkles for birthdays!

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### **Why Baked Donuts Are a Game-Changer**
Baked chocolate donuts are a great alternative to the traditional fried version. Not only are they quicker and easier to make at home, but they’re also lighter without sacrificing flavor. The rich chocolate glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, giving you all the decadence of a donut shop treat in a homemade version.

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### **Serving Suggestions**
– Pair your baked chocolate donuts with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate snack.
– These donuts also make a great addition to brunch spreads or dessert platters.

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### **Storage**
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to **2 days**. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to **5 days**, or freeze them (unglazed) for up to **3 months**. Simply thaw and add glaze before serving.

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### **Conclusion**
These **Baked Chocolate Donuts** are proof that you don’t need frying oil to create a rich and decadent treat. Quick, simple, and versatile, they’re perfect for any occasion — whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll never want to buy donuts from the store again!

Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful chocolatey treats! 🍩✨