If you have a sweet spot for classic treats with a rich twist, this Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Combining the nostalgic charm of old fashioned doughnuts with deep, chocolatey goodness and a hint of espresso, these doughnuts boast a tender crumb with a crackly crust that’s simply irresistible. The magic lies in the browned butter and malted milk powder, which add layers of flavor that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re making them for a weekend indulgence or a special gathering, these doughnuts are a perfect crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and delightfully sophisticated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building those classic tones and luscious textures that make this Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe so special. From the cocoa powder adding a deep chocolate backbone to the browned butter infusing a nutty richness, these essentials come together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): This is the foundation that provides structure to the doughnuts.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): For that perfect chocolate depth without overpowering sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds balanced sweetness and helps with browning.
- Light brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Gives a subtle molasses undertone to enrich flavor.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Ensures the doughnuts rise to a tender fluffiness.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with the acids to lighten and soften the crumb.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Adds tenderness by lightening the flour’s strength.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Brings balance and enhances all other flavors.
- Instant espresso powder (1 teaspoon): Elevates the chocolate flavor with subtle coffee notes.
- Malted milk powder (2 tablespoons): Adds a nostalgic, creamy depth reminiscent of classic doughnuts.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients and contribute to richness.
- Buttermilk (¾ cup): Adds tang and tenderizes the dough.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Boosts moisture and adds a slight tang for complexity.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a warm sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, browned and slightly cooled (4 tablespoons): The star secret ingredient for nutty, caramelized flavor.
- Neutral oil (about 4 cups, for frying): Chosen for a clean fry that doesn’t compete with the chocolate taste.
- Powdered sugar (1½ cups): Essential for the smooth mocha glaze coating.
- Milk (½ cup): Thins the glaze to a perfect, glossy consistency.
- Melted unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the glaze’s silky texture.
- Pinch of kosher salt (for glaze): Enhances sweetness and rounds out flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting unsalted butter gently over medium heat. Watch closely as it foams and transforms to a rich golden-brown shade, filling your kitchen with a beautifully nutty aroma. This simple step is crucial since the browned butter gives the doughnuts their signature depth and warmth in flavor.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated and brown sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, espresso powder, and malted milk powder. This creates the flavorful base blend that ensures every bite is balanced and has that classic crunch.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, then add buttermilk, sour cream, vanilla extract, and the slightly cooled browned butter. Mixing these wet ingredients till smooth assures a tender, rich dough that will complement those bold dry ingredients perfectly.
Step 4: Bring It Together
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined and a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overmix here; you want to keep the texture light and airy, which is key for the ideal crumb of these Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe.
Step 5: Chill and Cut the Doughnuts
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes, making it easier to roll and shape. Once chilled, roll it out to about half an inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a 3-inch doughnut cutter to cut out shapes and a 1-inch cutter for the centers. Any scraps can be gently rerolled to get more doughnuts.
Step 6: Fry to Perfection
Heat neutral oil in a pot or fryer to 350°F. Maintain a steady temperature around 340°F to 355°F to ensure even cooking. Fry doughnuts in small batches for roughly 1 minute per side until they develop a dark chocolatey crackly crust. Drain them on a wire rack to keep their crispness intact.
Step 7: Prepare and Dip in Mocha Glaze
While the doughnuts cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, melted butter, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the glaze thickness to your liking by adding more milk or powdered sugar. Dip each warm doughnut into this luscious mocha glaze, letting the excess drip off, then return them to the rack to set.
How to Serve Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe even more enticing, try sprinkling a little sea salt or mini chocolate chips on top of the glaze before it sets. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a few coffee beans nearby can add a visually appealing touch that hints at the espresso undertones.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts pair wonderfully with fresh berries to balance richness or a hot cup of coffee or espresso that brings out their mocha notes. For a brunch spread, consider serving alongside creamy yogurt or a fresh fruit salad for contrast and brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the glazed doughnuts on a cake stand for a stunning centerpiece or arrange them individually in decorative paper liners for a charming treat box. For a fun twist, serve with small bowls of different dipping sauces like caramel or raspberry coulis to create an interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because these doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their tender crumb and glaze intact without becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze unglazed doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet initially, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to one month frozen. Thaw them at room temperature before glazing and serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the doughnuts warm after storing, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the doughnuts chewy. Glaze fresh after reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I bake these Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe instead of frying?
Yes! While frying gives the doughnuts their characteristic crackly crust, baking at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes will yield a softer version that’s still incredibly delicious. Just be sure to grease your doughnut pans well.
What’s the role of malted milk powder in this recipe?
Malted milk powder adds a nostalgic, rich flavor reminiscent of traditional doughnuts and ice cream. It enhances the overall depth without overwhelming the chocolate and coffee notes.
How important is the browned butter?
Browned butter brings a wonderful nutty, caramel-like flavor that elevates the doughnuts’ taste. While you could skip this step, you’ll miss out on one of the recipe’s signature flavor boosts.
Can I make the mocha glaze ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze ahead but keep it refrigerated. Whisk it thoroughly before dipping your doughnuts as it may thicken or separate slightly when chilled.
What if I don’t have instant espresso powder?
If you don’t have instant espresso powder, strong brewed coffee can be a substitute, especially in the glaze, although it may add more liquid that you’ll need to balance by reducing milk slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting nostalgia of old fashioned doughnuts, and the Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe takes that straight to a new level of indulgence with its rich chocolate and mocha flavors. From the browned butter to the mocha glaze, every component comes together to create a treat that’s both elegant and utterly irresistible. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find a new favorite to share with friends and family!
Print
Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts are rich, tender, and deeply chocolatey treats with a delightful mocha glaze. Made from scratch using a blend of cocoa, espresso powder, and malted milk powder, the doughnuts are fried to perfection, delivering a crispy exterior and tender crumb. The brown butter adds a nutty depth of flavor, while the mocha glaze enhances the chocolate experience with a creamy, slightly bittersweet finish. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or dessert craving.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons malted milk powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
Frying
- Neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil), about 4 cups total
Mocha Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully as it foams and slowly turns a golden-brown color, about 4–5 minutes, releasing a nutty aroma. Pour into a heatproof bowl and let cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, kosher salt, instant espresso powder, and malted milk powder until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy, then add buttermilk, sour cream, vanilla extract, and the cooled brown butter. Mix until smooth.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the doughnuts light and tender.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up and make it easier to handle.
- Cut Out Doughnuts: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick. Use a 3-inch doughnut cutter to cut out shapes and a 1-inch cutter to make the holes. Re-roll scraps once for additional doughnuts.
- Heat Oil: Pour 3–4 inches of neutral oil into a heavy pot or deep fryer and heat to 350°F, maintaining the temperature between 340°F and 355°F.
- Fry Doughnuts: Fry 2–3 doughnuts at a time for about 1 minute per side until they become crackly and deep chocolate brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Mocha Glaze: While doughnuts cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, melted butter, instant espresso powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust consistency with milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze Doughnuts: Dip each warm doughnut into the mocha glaze, letting excess drip off. Place back on the wire rack and let glaze set for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
- Maintaining the oil temperature between 340°F and 355°F is crucial to ensure the doughnuts cook evenly and absorb minimal oil.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the doughnuts tender and light.
- The brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor but be careful not to burn it.
- For a thinner glaze, add more milk; for thicker, add more powdered sugar.
- Store leftover glazed doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
