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Chocolate Frosted Donuts with Sprinkles

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Donuts
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
  • For Frying
  • Vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying)
  • For the Chocolate Frosting
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3–4 tbsp warm milk (as needed for consistency)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For Decoration
  • Rainbow sprinkles (or chocolate jimmies)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough : In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms — it should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.
  • Step 2: Roll and Cut the Donuts : Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut donuts and holes.
  • Step 3: Heat the Oil : Fill a deep pan or Dutch oven with 2 inches of oil. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  • Step 4: Fry the Donuts : Fry 2–3 donuts at a time, about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before glazing.
  • Step 5: Make the Chocolate Frosting : In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Add melted butter, vanilla, and warm milk gradually, whisking until smooth and glossy. The glaze should be thick yet pourable — adjust with a little more milk if too stiff.
  • Step 6: Frost the Donuts : Dip the top of each donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack. Immediately top with sprinkles before the glaze sets.