Coffee Chocolate Rings

These baked donuts bring together coffee and chocolate flavors in an easy-to-make treat. Made with instant coffee in the batter and topped with rich chocolate glaze, they're perfect for coffee lovers.

Clare Greco
Updated on Thursday 12 December 2024
A plate of chocolate-glazed donuts topped with chocolate chips, arranged on a cooling rack.
A plate of chocolate-glazed donuts topped with chocolate chips, arranged on a cooling rack. Pin it
A plate of chocolate-glazed donuts topped with chocolate chips, arranged on a cooling rack. | Recipesbyclare.com

The aroma of coffee and chocolate fills my kitchen every time I make these Baked Mocha Doughnuts. They combine everything I love about my morning coffee with a soft chocolatey doughnut dipped in rich fudge glaze. The perfect excuse to have chocolate for breakfast if you ask me!

What Makes These So Special

Every bite of these doughnuts brings together dark coffee notes rich chocolate and a wonderfully fluffy cake texture. I love that they're baked instead of fried it makes them lighter and so much easier to whip up. Plus the coffee and chocolate combo is simply irresistible.

Your Shopping List

  • Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly here.
  • Sugar: Just regular granulated sugar.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The darker the better.
  • Baking Powder: For that perfect rise.
  • Coffee: I use my morning brew just cooled down.
  • Milk: Makes everything tender and moist.
  • Egg: One large egg holds it all together.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted and slightly cooled.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a splash makes everything better.
  • Chocolate for Glaze: Use your favorite dark or semi-sweet.
  • Heavy Cream: For that silky smooth glaze.

Let's Make Some Doughnuts

Start With the Dry Mix
Whisk your flour sugar cocoa powder and baking powder in a big bowl. Get all those lumps out!
Mix Your Wet Ingredients
In another bowl stir together your coffee milk egg melted butter and vanilla until well combined.
Bringing It Together
Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ones and whisk just until smooth. Don't overmix or they'll get tough.
Fill Those Pans
Pipe or spoon the batter into your greased doughnut pan. I find a piping bag makes this super easy.
Time to Bake
Pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. You'll know they're done when a toothpick comes out clean.
That Gorgeous Glaze
Heat your cream until it's steamy then pour it over chopped chocolate. Stir until it's silky smooth then dip each cooled doughnut.

Perfect Pairings

These are amazing with your morning coffee or a cold glass of milk. I love serving them at brunch or keeping them around for afternoon treats. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped nuts or a dusting of cocoa on top for extra crunch.

Keeping Them Fresh

Keep your doughnuts in an airtight container and they'll stay good for a couple days on your counter. If you need longer pop them in the fridge just warm them up a bit before eating. Use good quality chocolate for the glaze it really makes a difference.

A close-up of a chocolate frosted donut topped with chocolate chips, placed on a cooling rack with more donuts in the background. Pin it
A close-up of a chocolate frosted donut topped with chocolate chips, placed on a cooling rack with more donuts in the background. | Recipesbyclare.com

Why I Love Baking These

Baking these doughnuts is so much easier than dealing with hot oil. They turn out just as fluffy and delicious but with less mess and fewer calories. Plus I can have fresh doughnuts ready in no time with minimal cleanup which is always a win in my book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without a donut pan?

You really need a donut pan for this recipe. The batter is too soft to shape by hand and won't hold its shape on a regular baking sheet.

Why use room temperature ingredients?

Room temperature ingredients blend better and create a smoother batter, leading to more even baking and better texture.

Can I use regular coffee instead of instant?

Stick with instant coffee powder as regular ground coffee won't dissolve properly and will leave grainy texture in the donuts.

How should I store these?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. The glaze might soften over time.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, freeze them unglazed for up to 2 months. Thaw and add the glaze fresh before serving.

Mocha Cake Donuts

Soft cake donuts infused with coffee and topped with fudgy chocolate glaze. A perfect breakfast treat that combines your morning coffee and donut cravings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour.
02 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
03 1/4 teaspoon salt.
04 1 large egg.
05 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
06 1/3 cup milk, room temperature.
07 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or sour cream.
08 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder.
09 1 teaspoon vanilla.
10 6 tablespoons light brown sugar.
11 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
12 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
13 1 tablespoon heavy cream.
14 1 tablespoon corn syrup.
15 Chocolate sprinkles (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Grease donut pan.

Step 03

Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt.

Step 04

Whisk wet ingredients: egg, butter, milk, yogurt, coffee, vanilla, sugar.

Step 05

Fold wet into dry ingredients.

Step 06

Fill donut pan 2/3 full.

Step 07

Bake 8-10 minutes until firm.

Step 08

Cool 5-10 minutes in pan.

Step 09

Remove and cool completely.

Step 10

Melt glaze ingredients together.

Step 11

Dip donuts in glaze.

Step 12

Add sprinkles if desired.

Notes

  1. Easy baked donuts perfect for coffee lovers.
  2. Use room temperature ingredients for best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Donut pan.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Double boiler (optional).
  • Wire cooling rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (butter, milk, yogurt).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 502
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45g
  • Protein: 6g