Cocoa donuts are one of those desserts I make when I want something simple, fragrant, and perfect for breakfast. They are made in a few minutes, without butter, resulting in a biscuit that’s soft on the outside and slightly firmer on the inside, ideal for dipping.
While mixing, it’s natural for me to think of my homemade recipes, like my jam tart and grandma’s apple cake, two desserts I often prepare when I want something genuine and quick.
They are light, easy donuts that are simply decorated with a bit of sugar: one of those desserts you put on the table, and they always disappear too quickly. A scent that feels like home and instantly 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: Autumn, 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 low-fat milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- to taste sugar (for coating)
Useful Tools
- Bowl
- Spatula
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
How to Make Cocoa Donuts
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix until you get a soft and homogeneous dough. Once the mixture is ready, break off pieces and form small soft cords. Join the two ends to create the donut shapes.
Roll each donut in granulated sugar, then place them on a baking tray 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 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 variation: replace all-purpose flour with a balanced gluten-free baking mix.
Freshness effect: add a pinch of grated orange zest for a fragrant note that pairs wonderfully with cocoa.
