Cocoa donuts are one of those sweets I make when I crave something simple, fragrant, and perfect for breakfast. They are prepared in a few minutes, without butter, and the result is a soft cookie on the outside and slightly denser inside, ideal for dunking.
While kneading, I naturally think of family recipes, like my jam tart and grandma’s apple pie, two sweets I often make when I want something genuine and quick.
The donuts are light, easy, and simply decorated with a little sugar: one of those sweets you put on the table, and they always run out too soon. A scent that smells like home and immediately brings a smile.
See you soon, Susy!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 16 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Electric Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Fall, Winter, and Spring
- Energy 139.29 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 23.11 (g) of which sugars 9.46 (g)
- Proteins 2.97 (g)
- Fat 5.20 (g) of which saturated 1.03 (g)of which unsaturated 2.79 (g)
- Fibers 1.52 (g)
- Sodium 2.91 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 38 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Cocoa Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup partially skimmed milk (or plant-based beverage)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- to taste sugar (for coating)
Useful Tools
- Bowl
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
How to Make Cocoa Donuts
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix until you obtain a soft and homogeneous dough. When the mixture is ready, tear off small pieces and form soft little cords. Join the two ends to create the shape of the donuts.
Roll each donut in granulated sugar, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, until they are firm but not too hard. Once ready, let them cool completely before enjoying.
Storage and Useful Tips
Cocoa donuts can be stored in a tin box or airtight container for up to 4-5 days. You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a more intense aroma.
Gluten-free variant: replace all-purpose flour with a pre-balanced gluten-free mix for desserts.
Freshness effect: add a pinch of grated orange zest for a fragrant note that pairs beautifully with cocoa.
