These decadent chocolate-filled doughnuts are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. Featuring a soft, pillowy dough encasing a rich, molten chocolate center, and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze, they are the perfect treat for any time of the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chocolate-filled doughnuts offer everything you could want in a dessert: a fluffy and tender exterior, a luscious chocolate interior, and a shiny chocolate glaze on top. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack. This recipe is also versatile, allowing for different fillings and toppings based on preference. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, these doughnuts will impress every time.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Salt
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (for the filling)
- Heavy cream (for chocolate ganache)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
directions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy. Mix in the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour and salt until a smooth dough forms. Knead until elastic and smooth. Let it rise until doubled in size.
- Shape the doughnuts: Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a doughnut cutter or cookie cutter. Let them rise again until puffy.
- Fry the doughnuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry doughnuts in batches until golden brown on each side. Drain on paper towels.
- Fill with chocolate: Melt the chocolate with a bit of heavy cream to create a smooth filling. Once doughnuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag to fill each one with the chocolate mixture.
- Glaze the doughnuts: For the glaze, heat chocolate and cream until smooth and shiny. Dip the tops of the filled doughnuts into the glaze and let set.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes about 12 doughnuts
Prep Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Nutella filling: Use Nutella instead of ganache for a hazelnut twist.
- White chocolate glaze: Replace the dark glaze with white chocolate for contrast.
- Cinnamon sugar topping: Skip the glaze and roll the doughnuts in cinnamon sugar instead.
- Add espresso: Mix a small amount of espresso into the chocolate filling for mocha flavor.
- Fruit-filled version: Replace chocolate with raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity variation.
storage/reheating
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Reheat doughnuts in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain their softness.
FAQs
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough in—if it bubbles and floats, the oil is ready.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
Yes, but they will have a different texture. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or until golden.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients without proofing.
What type of chocolate works best for the filling?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate is ideal due to its rich flavor and smooth texture when melted.
How do I prevent doughnuts from absorbing too much oil?
Ensure the oil is at the right temperature and do not overcrowd the pan when frying.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.
What’s the best way to fill the doughnuts?
Use a piping bag with a long nozzle to inject the filling into the center of each doughnut.
Can I freeze chocolate-filled doughnuts?
It’s best to freeze them unfilled and unglazed. Thaw and then fill and glaze when ready to serve.
Why are my doughnuts too dense?
This could be due to under-proofing the dough or using too much flour. Ensure the dough is soft and allowed to rise properly.
How can I make these doughnuts dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and a chocolate filling made with coconut cream or a vegan chocolate spread.
Conclusion
Chocolate-filled doughnuts are a delightful combination of crispy, soft, and gooey textures, making them an irresistible treat. This recipe is a must-try for any dessert enthusiast looking to create bakery-quality doughnuts at home. Whether for special occasions or an indulgent weekend, these doughnuts are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 donuts
Description
These chocolate-filled fried donuts are crispy on the outside and molten inside—pure indulgence in every bite! Coated with a luscious chocolate glaze, they’re a next-level treat for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
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Donut dough (store-bought or homemade)
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Chocolate ganache or hazelnut spread (for filling)
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Oil (for frying)
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Chocolate glaze
Instructions
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Roll out dough and cut into circles.
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Add chocolate filling in the center, seal and shape.
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Deep-fry until golden.
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Dip or drizzle with warm chocolate glaze.
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Serve warm and gooey.
Notes
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Best served fresh.
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Use a piping bag for clean filling.
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Let them drain on paper towels post-frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Deep-fried
- Cuisine: American