Craving something sweet, chocolatey, and a little sophisticated? These Chocolate Espresso Donuts are here to satisfy your craving. The subtle kick from the espresso powder enhances the rich chocolate flavor, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. The smooth chocolate glaze on top adds an additional layer of decadence.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup milk, room temperature
- 1/4 cup plain, full-fat yogurt, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup (85 g) good quality semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare Oven and Donut Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare your donut tin by lightly greasing it to ensure easy removal of donuts.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. Whisk them together until they are evenly mixed.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk the egg and sugar together until smooth. Stir in the milk, yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, well-incorporated mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix as this can lead to dense donuts.
- Fill the Donut Tin: Using either a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill the donut cavities about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Place the donut tin in the oven and bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they're done. Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the tin for a couple of minutes. After, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Heat at 50% power for one minute. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, then stir. If the chocolate hasn't fully melted, heat again for an additional 30 seconds at 50% power. Mix until smooth.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the chocolate glaze, ensuring the top is well-coated. Place them back onto the wire rack to let the glaze set. For added flair, garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles if desired.
Serve and Enjoy!
Tip: The espresso powder is optional but recommended, as it enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor without making the donuts taste overly like coffee. If you're a true coffee lover, you can also pair these donuts with your favorite cup of joe!
