Chocolate-Filled Sugar Donuts

Chocolate-Filled Sugar Donuts are golden, fluffy yeast donuts coated in sparkling sugar and bursting with rich, creamy chocolate inside. These bakery-style treats are a luxurious twist on the classic sugar donut, offering the perfect combination of pillowy dough and indulgent filling—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a decadent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakery-Quality at Home: These donuts rival any from a pastry shop.
• Irresistible Chocolate Core: Every bite delivers a luscious chocolate surprise.
• Perfectly Fluffy Dough: Light, airy texture from a well-proofed yeast dough.
• Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples with no artificial additives.
• Customizable Fillings: Easily swap the chocolate with custard, jam, or Nutella.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Warm milk
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Butter, softened
• Salt
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Semisweet or milk chocolate (or chocolate spread)
• Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, a teaspoon of sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead in butter.
3. Knead and Rise: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
4. Shape the Donuts: Punch down the dough, roll out on a floured surface, and cut into circles using a cookie cutter or glass. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
5. Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
6. Coat in Sugar: While still warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
7. Fill with Chocolate: Melt chocolate or use chocolate spread. Fill a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip, then pipe chocolate into the center of each donut through the side or bottom.
8. Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for extra flair.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 donuts
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Nutella Donuts: Use hazelnut spread for a creamy, nutty version.
• Custard or Jam Filled: Replace chocolate with vanilla custard or raspberry jam.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix sugar with cinnamon for a warm, spiced coating.
• Baked Version: Use a donut pan and bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Glazed Option: Drizzle with chocolate glaze instead of sugar coating.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best texture, eat the same day. To reheat, warm in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or briefly in a 300°F oven. Donuts can also be frozen (unfilled) for up to 1 month; thaw and fill before serving.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, just skip the blooming step and mix directly into the flour.

Why are my donuts greasy?

This usually means the oil wasn’t hot enough. Keep oil at a steady 350°F.

What kind of chocolate works best?

Semisweet or milk chocolate melts well and balances the sugar coating.

How do I fill the donuts easily?

Use a piping bag with a Bismarck tip or a squeeze bottle.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes. Let it rise in the refrigerator overnight and proceed the next day.

Do I need a stand mixer?

It helps but isn’t required. You can knead the dough by hand.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, but the texture will be more like a brioche bun than a classic donut.

How do I make sure they stay fluffy?

Allow full rising time and avoid over-kneading or over-flouring the dough.

Can kids help with this recipe?

They’ll love sugar-coating and filling, but frying should be done by an adult.

What other toppings can I use?

Try crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or drizzle with white chocolate.

Conclusion

Chocolate-Filled Sugar Donuts are an irresistible treat combining soft, airy dough with a rich chocolate core and a sparkling sugar coating. Whether made for a special brunch or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these donuts deliver warmth, comfort, and indulgence in every bite.

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