Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: chocolate chip donuts! These little gems have a special place in my heart, and honestly, they’re perfect for any time of day. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was filled with that warm, sweet aroma that just wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or an afternoon snack to pick me up, these chocolate chip donuts never disappoint. They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with gooey chocolate goodness—what’s not to love? Honestly, once you’ve had one, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one! So, let’s get ready to whip up a batch of joy with these delightful donuts that are sure to brighten your day!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Chocolate Chip Donuts
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that those donuts bake evenly and rise just right. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than undercooked donuts!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until everything is evenly mixed. I like to give it a good stir to make sure there are no lumps. This is where the magic begins, so take your time to get it just right!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, grab another bowl and mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure to whisk these together until well combined—every ingredient needs to blend harmoniously to create that moist texture we’re after. I usually whisk until I see a smooth mixture, which is key!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir them together until just combined. Here’s a tip: don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and nobody wants that! Just be gentle and let the ingredients come together.
Add Chocolate Chips
Time for the fun part! Fold in those chocolate chips. I usually sprinkle them in and carefully fold them with a spatula so that they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This way, every bite has that delicious chocolatey goodness!
Fill the Donut Pan
Next, grease your donut pan (you can use non-stick spray or a little melted butter) and fill each cavity about two-thirds full with the batter. I like to use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off for easy filling. This helps avoid any messy spills and gives you that perfect donut shape!
Bake the Donuts
Pop those filled pans into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once they’re baked to perfection, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully removing them. They’ll be warm, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious—ready to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each delightful chocolate chip donut. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
These little treats are not only a delicious way to start your day but also provide a nice balance of flavors and nutrients. Enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll feel great indulging in a sweet moment!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect chocolate chip donuts is all about a few simple tips and tricks that I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your baking game to the next level!
- Storage: Once your donuts are cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just know that they might get a bit firmer over time, so a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can bring back some of that softness!
- Variations: Don’t hesitate to mix things up! You can add chopped nuts for extra crunch, or how about some grated orange zest for a citrus twist? Want a richer chocolate experience? Swap in dark chocolate chips or even try peanut butter chips for a fun flavor combo!
- Donut Pan Tips: If you don’t have a donut pan, no worries! You can use a muffin tin; just fill each cup and bake a little longer. They’ll be more like chocolate chip muffins, but still delicious!
- Don’t Overmix: Remember, gentle hands are key! If you overmix your batter, you might end up with dense donuts instead of fluffy ones. Just mix until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and you’re golden!
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test to check if your donuts are done. If it comes out clean, they’re ready. If there’s wet batter on it, give them a couple more minutes in the oven.
- Glazing or Topping: Feeling fancy? Once your donuts are cool, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or dust them with powdered sugar for a classic touch. You could even dip them in melted chocolate for a double chocolate experience—yum!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating chocolate chip donuts that not only taste amazing but also look like they came from a bakery. Happy baking!
FAQ About Chocolate Chip Donuts
Can I make these donuts without buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Just mix one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make one cup. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and voilà! You’ve got homemade buttermilk that works perfectly in this recipe.
How do I store leftover donuts?
To keep your chocolate chip donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember, they can get a little firmer over time, so a quick 10-second spin in the microwave can bring back that lovely softness!
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Totally! Feel free to get creative with your chocolate choices. You can use semi-sweet, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips for an exciting flavor explosion. The possibilities are endless, and each option brings something unique to your donuts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—these donuts come together in just about 15 minutes!
- Deliciously fluffy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Perfectly sweet with gooey pockets of chocolate chips throughout.
- Versatile recipe—feel free to customize with nuts, different chocolates, or fun toppings!
- Baked, not fried, making them a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert—anytime is a good time for chocolate chip donuts!
- Ideal for sharing with friends and family or enjoying all by yourself (I won’t judge!).
Chocolate Chip Donuts: 7 Reasons They Bring Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate chip donuts perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Grease a donut pan and fill each cavity about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool before removing them from the pan.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate chip donuts, baked donuts, dessert recipes
