Decadent Chocolate Donuts

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### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray, making sure each well is evenly coated. This will help the donuts release easily once they’re baked.

#### Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to ensure the dry ingredients are fully combined.

#### Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the ingredients are fully incorporated.

#### Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense donuts. If you’re adding mini chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now.

#### Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each well about 2/3 of the way full. You can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the tip cut off for a more controlled and mess-free process.

#### Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be slightly puffed and firm to the touch.

#### Step 7: Cool the Donuts
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they stay light and fluffy.

#### Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
While the donuts are cooling, it’s time to make the decadent chocolate glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust the amount of milk depending on how thick or runny you want the glaze. If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more.

#### Step 9: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts are fully cooled, dip the top of each donut into the chocolate glaze. Let the excess glaze drip off before placing the donuts back on the wire rack to set. For added flair, you can sprinkle chocolate shavings, colorful sprinkles, or chopped nuts on top of the glaze while it’s still wet.

#### Step 10: Enjoy!
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. These decadent chocolate donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

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### Why You’ll Love These Donuts:
– **Rich Chocolate Flavor:** The combination of cocoa powder in the batter and the chocolate glaze creates a chocolate lover’s dream.
– **Moist and Tender:** These donuts are soft on the inside, with a slight crust on the outside, giving them the perfect texture.
– **Customizable:** Add mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or other toppings to make these donuts uniquely yours.
– **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, these donuts are easy enough to whip up anytime you need a treat.

These decadent chocolate donuts are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and will make any occasion feel special. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner treat, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Happy baking!