I must admit to some confusion.
Several different sites claim that today is National Doughnut Day, but if memory serves me correctly, didn’t we already celebrate that all the way back in June? And while we’re on the topic of donuts and my confusion, is it spelled donut or doughnut? Is it an American vs. Canadian thing? A personal preference thing? Both?
Either way, I suppose it doesn’t really matter since today’s recipe is neither a donut nor a doughnut, making the issue of spelling and holidays a moot point. See, donuts (I’m committing to this spelling) are fried whereas my little gems are baked… but for simplicity’s sake, I’m calling them donuts anyways. I know it’s slightly false advertising, but if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck… it’s probably a duck. And if it looks like a donut and tastes like a donut… it’s probably a donut.
I was a huge fan of donuts back in the day — we’re talking 2 or 3 trips to Timmy’s every week. And my favourite kind? Chocolate glazed. Fluffy chocolate dough surrounded by a sweet crackly glaze? Dreamy.
Not so dreamy? The nutritional stats. I’m all for occasional indulgences, but I’m pretty sure my body wouldn’t appreciate that much sugar and saturated fat on a regular basis. I have no idea how I used to pull it off back in the day, but I must be getting old or something because I definitely notice a big difference in how I feel when my diet tips towards the more indulgent side for any extended period of time. But thanks to healthier options, I can have my cake donut and eat it too.
First, these guys are baked instead of fried, but you’d be hard-pressed to tell if you didn’t know beforehand. They’re moist, fluffy, and rich without being greasy or heavy… they do look like little chubsters though…
Second, they contain minimal amounts of sugar and oil, and can be made even healthier by replacing the powdered sugar in the glaze with a vanilla protein powder (it works, I promise).
Third… they’re chocolatey, relatively healthy, and [shaped like] donuts — do you really need more convincing?
I’d love to know if you make this (or any!) recipe! Tag @runwithspoons on Instagram and Twitter, and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy and delicious recipes straight to your inbox!
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Healthier Chocolate Glazed Donuts
- Total Time: 18 mins
- Yield: 6 donuts 1x
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or any milk)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (can also use vanilla)
- 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
- Optional: 2 Tbsp. chocolate chips, melted (for a more chocolatey donut)
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
OR…
- ¾ cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 Tbsp. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF and lightly grease a standard donut pan.
- For the donuts: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir until well combined and set aside. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, yogurt, coconut oil, melted chocolate, and vanilla. Mix well before adding to flour mixture and stir gently until just combined.
- Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off to pipe the batter into your prepared pan, filling each one about ⅔ full. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until donuts spring back when touched. Allow to cool before applying the glaze.
- For the glaze: Combine sugar, milk, and vanilla in a medium sized mixing bowl, stirring until smooth. Feel free to add more sugar (to thicken) or milk (to thin) to achieve desired consistency.
- Place a wire rack over a sheet of parchment paper or baking sheet. Dip each donut into the glaze, using a fork to turn it over so that both sides are well coated. Remove from bowl and place on wire rack to set. Repeat until all donuts are coated.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
Fluffy chocolate dough. That crackly glazed shell… Everything I love about chocolate glazed donuts without any of the less-desirable aspects. And if you don’t have a donut pan in your kitchen arsenal? No problem — you can make donut holes! Simply roll the dough into little balls and bake them on a cookie sheet.
See what I did, just there? I took away all your excuses. And if you didn’t pick up on it, I’ve been secretly trying to take away your willpower with all these pictures…
Dit it work? 😉
Yep. It completelyyyy worked. Just as I was reading/drooling over this I was thinking how I wish I had a donut pan. Little donut holes are the solution to that! Your pictures never fail to make me hungy…thank you. 🙂
I’m pretty sure that if you scrolled through all of my past blog posts I’ve called them both donuts AND doughnuts. This morning I actually went to look up what the difference was (now for the life of me I can’t remember why… because I didn’t see your post until now. I must be psychic 8O).
Anywho, Grammar Girl explained it beautifully here: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/donut-versus-doughnut
Basically “donut” is just a nickname or shortened version of “doughnut.” While Dunkin Donuts did increase the use of that version, it was actually thought up about 50 years earlier. Interesting.
Also, I think today is “Doughnut Appreciation Day” and back in June was “National Doughnut Day.” Maybe. There’s also a cream-filled doughnut day but I appreciate the simpler things in life 😉 Like glazed. Or perhaps chocolate glazed?
mmmmmmmm so lovin these girl!! I actually made some pumpkin donuts last week, which were the bomb.com. I think a mix of chocolate and pumpkin in donut form is going to be showing up soon on my blog. You’ve got my wheels turning!! I will most DEFINITELY be making these for my family for breakfast Thanksgiving break!
So I have to admit that sour cream glazed donuts are my absolutely fav, but chocolate glazed were up there as well…it’s all about the glaze, clearly. I don’t usually go out of my way for donuts, but once in a while they’re perfect. I think I usually go for Timbits/donut holes, just because I like being able to grab like 4 different kinds and still have it be an appropriate serving size 😉
I miss being able to eat Timbits! Stupid allergies 😡
You are a temptress! These look diiiiivine.
Okay, you’ve done it again – although I’ve never been a doughnut fan, I might be a convert now. Seriously, how do you achieve this beauty? It’s not just the recipe experimentation (and eventual success), but also those gorgeous photos you take! My boyfriend is a doughnut fan, and I think these may have to make their way into my Sunday baking rotation… perfect amount at only 6, too!
Thanks so much for sharing these, Amanda. I could see the temptation to hide this recipe away in your secret weapon pile, but I love that you’re spreading the joy (and sweetness) with all your readers.
Regarding spelling, I’m kind of a grammar FREAK, so I always spell it “doughnut” (the correct spelling), but I’m pretty sure these are delicious no matter how you spell it 🙂
These look incredible. I need a donut pan stat. My boyfriend would be so impressed if I made homemade donuts, and I think I have all the ingredients on hand already. 🙂
DONT LIE – you totally just took some donuts out of the package and took pics, saying you made them – LOL! These look TOO perfect.
😆 I felt bad enough for calling them donuts when they’re technically not — that level of deception is too much for my conscience to handle 😛
I’m not a big donut fan but these look really good! Personally I would usually choose a bagel over a donut though. My coworkers would love these, thy are always fighting over the donuts clients bring in.
Must. Get. Donut. Pan. Now.
I’ve never been a HUGE donut person (the fried kind anyway) but there’s a place called ‘Fonuts’ in LA that serves all baked and mostly vegan/gf donuts that are to die for. These actually look really similar to them! Yeeee! Thanks for sharing another amazing recipe, lady. (:
I hate to say I’m NOT a donut fan. I KNOW! I apologize. I die for bakery cookies, muffins, and cupcakes! HOWEVER, this is my dad’s favorite kind of donut and since it’s relatively easy (and healthy!), I think I might have to give it a shot! I’ve been wanting to buy a donut pan for A LONG time now, but never got one since I’m not a fan… So, maybe this will help give me a push, eh? (my Canadian lingo is growing 😉 )
So proud
I definitely recommend getting a donut pan — since they’re baked, they basically feel like cupcakes or cakes, but in a fun donut shape. I dunno. Maybe I’m just too easily amused 😉
I’m throwing a temper tantrum inside of my head right now because I can’t have one of these immediately. I love every single thing about this recipe and want one in my face RIGHT NOW! Ahem.
I always spell it donut but I think it could either way. Another word that stumps me- portobello or portabella? I think one is feminine and one is masculine but when it’s in English, which one do you use? IDK.
Donuts are seriously my weakness. Everyone makes fun of me in the real world because I can literally eat 5-6 donuts like no big deal. I don’t feel good per say after but I love donuts hahaha.
These are almost too pretty eat! I’m actually more of a cookie/cupcake fan than donuts, but donuts with icing are always delicious!
To me, donuts are spelled donut…I always liked a good chocolate crème filled or just like you, the chocolate donut with the glaze. Dunkin calls it a chocolate kruller if u get it in the stick shape…Anyway, I have been considering a donut pan to make donuts and you just convinced me with this recipe. I am a sweet tooth, as we know, and I can’t resist hunks of chocolate fudge cake or a classic chocolate chip cookie. I may start to love donuts though if I can perfect them.
I put off getting a donut pan for a long time too, but I’m glad I finally buckled down and got one because it’s a fun thing to have. Something about eating baked goods in a donut shape just make them that much more appealing.
Wow…. you’ve done it again!! You don’t even know what a huge fan of donuts I am. The cakey blueberry ones are my favorite, but I’m down with chocolate any day. I also never would have thought to use the protein powder for powdered sugar… can’t wait to try this!!
I’m actually not a big donut fan but these look too good not to love!
These look delicious!!! And not even that complicated but I do not have the proper baking tool *sigh*. So funny you mentioned Timmys chocolate glazed donuts. I was a HUGE timbit girl!! My fave? Chocolate obvs. I had one recently and it just didn’t taste the same.
You always amaze me with your recipes! These look fantastic!
I LOVE donuts, and I don’t really discriminate… Love them all. 😉 Of course I have my favorites – Boston cream and maple long johns are two on the top of my list. Krispy Kremes are in a category all by themselves – they are my all time favorite!
One of these days I seriously have to try the famous Krispy Kremes. We don’t have Dunkin’ up here in Canada, so I’ll have to add it to my list of places to visit when I’m down in the States.
Oh love your lil secret of using protein powder as a glaze…I do the same and top strawberries with it. It’s Devine….just like these donuts!!! Can’t wait to make them 🙂
I’ve actually never been crazy about donuts BUT I do have a random craving once a year and I would always get a chocolate glazed and a sour cream glazed timbit. I’ve never made donuts but these look so simple 🙂
I don’t go out of my way to buy donuts, but if someone brings them in to work I’m all over it! I love chocolate donuts the best, so these look awesome! I had a pumpkin donut from Dunkin’ that was also really good.
One of these days I really need to try a donut from Dunkin’ — we don’t have it up here in Canada.
Chocolate cake donuts are my favorite kind too! Though I love some chocolate frosting and sprinkles on top as well 🙂 I need a donut pan now!
Ohhhh man. These look good, girl!! Chocolate glazed was always my favourite!
Oh my! When I started reading the post, I was honestly thinking about how quickly I could get to the store to buy a donut pan. But then when I read that you can turn these into donut holes, I got really excited! That’s exactly what I’ll be doing sometime very soon! You, my friend, are a genius!
Those doughnuts…. AH-mazing.
My favorite indulgent dessert is a premium ice cream with chocolate somewhere in the mix.
Oh man I really like donuts even though I never really think of them. I say I like pancakes the best but donuts are definitely up there. I’m too lazy to bake so I usually would just get them if I’m in a dining hall or something but they look so good! And since they’re healthier, it means I can eat triple the amount 😉
Shockingly, I used to not like donuts! I loved them as a kid becauseh dad would always run out and get the day-old sprinkled ones for us on Sundays before church but after college they kind of fell off of my radar. Thank goodness for the move to Chicago and my introduction to Dunkin’ – it has saved my donut-lovin’ soul 😉 I can’t have them all of the time because they make my tummy feel wonky but these healthy ones I could probably pull off without any troubles!
YUMMY. Those look seriously amazing! Super moist and sweet. I am inspired to stop frying doughnuts now and start altering the recipes I use to bake them. Much better. I am intrigued greek yogurt is part of the ingredients too.
Greek yogurt is actually one of my favourite healthy substitutions! It adds such a great texture to things like donuts, muffins, and cakes, and the added protein boost doesn’t hurt either 😉
Great recipe!:) My favorite donut was always the boring old glazed:( If I got crazy, I’d opt for sprinkles:) I love how you substituted protein powder. I haven’t tried that trick yet!
It’s settled. I need a donut pan, like, yesterday.
I DIE over these!! If only they were GF… hummm….
Oh Amanda. There you go again reminding me of one of my favourite Canadian classic treats: the Tim Hortons chocolate glazed D. At least I can try to re-create them with this recipe. Now I just need a donut pan! Also, great photos!
I’m not a doughnut (British spelling all the way) fan at all because I find them way too sweet….to the point that I can feel a cavity coming on with each bite ;)! Like you, it’s just a matter of changing tastes as back in the day, I used to eat a glazed doughnut daily thanks to them being sold at school. These bad boys, however, are an exception- they look all kinds of perfect. Glazed doughnuts without a sugar hangover? SIGN ME UP!! If only the day would come where we could eat through our screen ;)!
As for my favorite more indulgent dessert? That would be cheesecake without a doubt…and no skimping on the biscuit layer ;)!
Being able to eat through the screen would seriously be my favourite technological advancement of ALL time… then I could ask you to pick up Chipotle for me when you travel 😉
What a beautiful baked donut variation (if you ask me spelling them doughnut just looks WRONG!). I’ve actually never eaten one with chocolate in the dough, only as glace, but I would totally give yours a try. Bookmarked for one of the next cold-weather-chee.-me-up-baking-sessions.
Drooling! Seriously girl, I think you should open up a cafe and offer all your goodies, you’re getting more and more genius!!
I am not a donut fan at all. Maybe it’s because they weren’t available in Switzerland until only a few years ago, but even when I was in the US they never spoke to me. Still, i am intrigued to try your baked version and considering we have guests this Friday…..maybe they would love these as dessert?!
chocolate glazed are my favouriteeeeee! You knew that right? Also the pictures are beautiful. No more complaining about food photography because girl you got skill!
So, I haven’t eaten breakfast yet and now I’m literally dying for one of these donuts and completely kicking myself that I don’t have a donut pan (searching Amazon for one right now!). Not to mention the fact that chocolate glazed donuts just so happen to be a favorite of mine. They look amazing Amanda!
You could always make donut holes! But a donut pan definitely makes things more fun.
holy deliciousness batman! you had me from the first photo (actually the word donut- thats how i spell it, purely because its faster than doughnut) seriously these look amazing! and they’re healthy?! be still my heart. i think you should open a donut bakery (actually a regular bakery bc you make other goodies too) everything you make looks and tastes awesome- monetize! 🙂
That would seriously be a dream come true. And I love that you say holy Batman… a girl after my own heart.
Yum! Looks good and I love all the ingredients! I am a fan of donuts and I’d have to say my favorite is a glazed one – classically sweet and yummy.