Golden, fluffy, and bursting with a molten center of rich chocolate, these Chocolate Filled Donuts are a dream come true for any pastry lover. Lightly crisp on the outside and tender within, they bring a taste of bakery magic into the home kitchen, perfect for celebrations or cozy weekends when a special treat is needed.
Ingredients Breakdown
Building the perfect dough starts with quality basics. Flour provides structure, while yeast gives the donuts their airy lift. A touch of sugar feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness, ensuring that each bite is light and delicately flavored.
The wet ingredients play an equally crucial role. Margarine brings a tender richness to the crumb, while the egg helps to bind everything together and deepen the flavor. Soy milk and water, used lukewarm, activate the yeast gently and create a supple dough that’s easy to work with.
Choosing the right chocolate is key for the filling. Whether dark or milk chocolate, aim for high-quality bars or chips that melt smoothly and retain their luxurious flavor inside the donut.
Salt, though used sparingly, is indispensable. It sharpens the flavors, balances the sweetness, and enhances the depth of the chocolate and dough alike.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Activating the dough begins with properly mixing the dry ingredients and gradually incorporating the wet. The dough will start sticky, but with persistent kneading—either by machine or by hand—it transforms into a smooth, elastic mass ready for proofing.
Proofing the dough is essential for achieving that airy, light texture. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled or tripled in size. A warm, draft-free spot works best, and patience during this stage pays off with pillowy results.
Rolling and cutting the dough requires a gentle hand. Roll to about half an inch thick for the perfect balance between a tender inside and a crisp golden crust. Use a round cutter, ideally around 3 inches in diameter, to maintain uniformity, ensuring that each donut cooks evenly.
Frying to golden brown demands careful heat management. Keep the oil at a medium-low temperature to allow the donuts to cook through without burning the exterior. Frying just one or two donuts at a time avoids overcrowding and sticking.
Melting the chocolate calls for a delicate touch. Heat it in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often, to achieve a smooth, pourable texture without overheating and burning the chocolate.
Filling the donuts transforms them from simple pastries into irresistible treats. Use a chopstick or skewer to create a channel, then pipe in the melted chocolate generously, ensuring that each donut holds a rich, luscious center.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to know when the dough has been kneaded enough:
The dough should be smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. When pulled, it should stretch without tearing easily.
Best practices for proofing in cooler or warmer environments:
In cooler rooms, place the dough near a heat source or in an oven with just the light on. In warmer areas, simply cover and rest the dough at room temperature.
Preventing chocolate from burning when melting:
Always melt chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring between each session to ensure gentle, even heating.
How to avoid oil saturation and ensure crisp outsides:
Maintain medium-low oil temperature and fry in small batches. Allow the donuts to drain on paper towels immediately after frying.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, unsalted butter can be used for a richer flavor and slightly softer texture.
How do I store leftover donuts and maintain their freshness?
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat slightly before serving for best results.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
While baking will create a different texture, it is possible. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
What alternative fillings work well besides chocolate?
Caramel, raspberry jam, Nutella, or vanilla pastry cream all make delicious alternatives.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Serve these donuts warm with a rich cup of hot chocolate or a steaming mug of coffee for a classic pairing that never fails. The deep flavors of the beverage enhance the sweetness of the donuts beautifully.
Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar add a refreshing contrast, perfect for balancing the richness of the chocolate filling.
For an indulgent dessert experience, arrange the donuts on a platter with dipping sauces like caramel, berry coulis, or a cloud of whipped cream for guests to enjoy.
Creative Variations
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar immediately after frying for a sweet and slightly spicy twist that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Fill the donuts with flavored ganaches like salted caramel, raspberry chocolate, or hazelnut praline for unique and exciting variations.
For parties or bite-sized treats, create mini chocolate-filled donuts by cutting the dough rounds smaller. Perfect for buffets, brunch tables, or an irresistible snack.
Homemade Chocolate Filled Donuts are a labor of love that rewards you with incredible flavor, satisfying texture, and a moment of pure joy with every bite. Whether enjoyed fresh and warm or shared with family and friends, these bakery-style creations are sure to bring smiles and create delicious memories around the table.
Ingredients
4 cups All-purpose flour (500 g)
1 cup + 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar (70 g)
1 tablespoon Instant dry yeast (10 g)
3 tablespoons Margarine (50 g)
1 Egg
1 cup + 2 tablespoons Soy milk, lukewarm (150 ml)
1 cup + 3 tablespoons Water (100 ml)
½ teaspoon Salt (3 g)
9 oz Chocolate (250 g)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and yeast, mixing thoroughly to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Gradually add the lukewarm soy milk, water, margarine, and egg while stirring continuously until a sticky dough begins to form.
Knead the dough using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the dough turns smooth, elastic, and slightly fluffy. If kneading by hand, use the palms of your hands to push the dough down and away, fold it over itself, and repeat the process. Continue for approximately 10 minutes until the dough no longer clings to your hands and develops a supple texture.
Shape the dough into a ball and transfer it to a large, lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm environment until it has doubled or tripled in volume, typically around 2 hours depending on the ambient temperature. Positioning the bowl near a warm area or using a low-heat oven (120°F/50°C) can speed up this step if needed.
Once the dough has risen, transfer it onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Using a glass or a round cutter approximately 3 inches in diameter, cut out as many rounds as possible. Re-roll the remaining scraps and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
Place the shaped donuts onto a floured or parchment-lined tray. Cover loosely and let them rest for about 30 minutes, during which they will puff up again.
Heat 2 cups of oil in a medium pan over medium-low heat. Once the oil is ready, gently fry the donuts in batches, 1–2 at a time, for about 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan, as the donuts expand during frying and can stick together.
Once all donuts are fried and slightly cooled, prepare the chocolate filling. Melt the chocolate carefully in the microwave, heating it in 30-second intervals and stirring between each session to avoid burning.
Using a chopstick or skewer, poke a hole into the side of each donut to create space for the filling. Fill a piping bag—or a DIY piping tool made with a plastic bag and a short straw— with the melted chocolate. Insert the straw or piping tip into each donut and gently squeeze the chocolate filling inside until it starts to ooze slightly from the entry point.
Repeat the process until all donuts are generously filled. Serve warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience or let cool to enjoy later.
Chocolate Filled Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour 500 g
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar 70 g
- 1 tablespoon Instant dry yeast 10 g
- 3 tablespoons Margarine 50 g
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons Soy milk lukewarm (150 ml)
- 1 cup + 3 tablespoons Water 100 ml
- ½ teaspoon Salt 3 g
- 9 oz Chocolate 250 g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and yeast, mixing thoroughly to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Gradually add the lukewarm soy milk, water, margarine, and egg while stirring continuously until a sticky dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the dough turns smooth, elastic, and slightly fluffy. If kneading by hand, use the palms of your hands to push the dough down and away, fold it over itself, and repeat the process. Continue for approximately 10 minutes until the dough no longer clings to your hands and develops a supple texture.
- Shape the dough into a ball and transfer it to a large, lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm environment until it has doubled or tripled in volume, typically around 2 hours depending on the ambient temperature. Positioning the bowl near a warm area or using a low-heat oven (120°F/50°C) can speed up this step if needed.
- Once the dough has risen, transfer it onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Using a glass or a round cutter approximately 3 inches in diameter, cut out as many rounds as possible. Re-roll the remaining scraps and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
- Place the shaped donuts onto a floured or parchment-lined tray. Cover loosely and let them rest for about 30 minutes, during which they will puff up again.
- Heat 2 cups of oil in a medium pan over medium-low heat. Once the oil is ready, gently fry the donuts in batches, 1–2 at a time, for about 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan, as the donuts expand during frying and can stick together.
- Once all donuts are fried and slightly cooled, prepare the chocolate filling. Melt the chocolate carefully in the microwave, heating it in 30-second intervals and stirring between each session to avoid burning.
- Using a chopstick or skewer, poke a hole into the side of each donut to create space for the filling. Fill a piping bag—or a DIY piping tool made with a plastic bag and a short straw— with the melted chocolate. Insert the straw or piping tip into each donut and gently squeeze the chocolate filling inside until it starts to ooze slightly from the entry point.
- Repeat the process until all donuts are generously filled. Serve warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience or let cool to enjoy later.
