Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts Recipe
Introduction
These Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts are a delightful homemade treat that combines rich cocoa flavor with a glossy chocolate frosting topped with colorful sprinkles. Baked, not fried, they’re a lighter way to enjoy a classic favorite without sacrificing any sweetness or fun.

Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 6 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and espresso powder.
- Step 3: In a separate small bowl, beat together the vanilla extract, egg, sour cream, milk, and vegetable oil.
- Step 4: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan.
- Step 5: Bake the donuts for about 8 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan before frosting.
- Step 6: To make the frosting, place the white sugar, butter, and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Boil for exactly 60 seconds, then remove from heat.
- Step 7: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Use the frosting immediately as it will harden quickly.
- Step 8: Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the chocolate frosting, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
- Step 9: Immediately sprinkle the tops with colorful sprinkles to ensure they stick well.
- Step 10: Let the donuts sit for about 10 minutes to allow the frosting to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer chocolate flavor, try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules instead of espresso powder.
- Use gluten-free flour to make these donuts suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Swap sprinkles for chopped nuts or shredded coconut for a different texture and flavor.
- Ensure the frosting is warm when dipping so it coats the donuts smoothly and sets shiny.
Storage
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The frosting may soften over time; to refresh, warm briefly in a low oven or microwave before serving. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk without affecting the texture significantly.
Can these donuts be made without sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk to maintain moisture and tanginess.
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Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts 1x
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts, baked to perfection with a rich cocoa batter and topped with a glossy chocolate frosting studded with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 6 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Frosting
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and espresso powder to evenly distribute all the dry elements.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, beat together the vanilla extract, egg, sour cream, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the donuts light and tender.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity nearly to the top.
- Bake Donuts: Bake for 8 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, indicating they are cooked through. Allow the donuts to cool slightly in the pan before removing.
- Prepare Frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for exactly 60 seconds, then remove from heat.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until the chocolate melts completely and the frosting becomes smooth and glossy. Use immediately as it hardens fast.
- Frost Donuts: Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the chocolate frosting, then place them on a cooling rack.
- Add Sprinkles and Set: While the frosting is still wet, immediately sprinkle the tops with colorful sprinkles. Let the donuts sit for 10 minutes to allow the frosting to set before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Use a greased donut pan to ensure easy removal of the donuts after baking.
- The frosting sets quickly, so work fast when dipping and decorating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For a richer flavor, substitute espresso powder with instant coffee granules.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Donuts, Baked Donuts, Chocolate Frosting, Dessert Treats, Easy Donut Recipe

