Name: Cocoa Powdered Sugar Baked Doughnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 ⅔ cups all purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon salt; 4 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup vegetable, avocado or canola oil; 1/2 cup sugar; ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed); 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoons AND 2 teaspoons cocoa

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When you’re craving something sweet but want to avoid anything fried, these baked doughnuts not only are delicious on their own, but you can easily cover them in cocoa powdered sugar for extra yumminess and a rich chocolate flavor.

Usually doughnuts are fried in oil, which is not very healthy. I do have an air fryer glazed donuts recipe that always gets rave reviews but my kids love powdered sugar treats. After a bit of trial and error, I landed on this cocoa powdered sugar baked doughnuts recipe, which I am delighted to share with you.

When you’re craving something sweet but want to avoid anything fried, these baked doughnuts are delicious and covered in cocoa powdered sugar.

Can I use other toppings for the baked doughnuts?

Of course! You could always glaze them after you bake them instead of using cocoa powdered sugar. You may also add sprinkles or pour melted chocolate to decorate them.

If chocolate is not your thing, just take out the cocoa and you can cover the doughnuts in powdered sugar.

And for a delicious fall twist, you can add cinnamon to the powdered sugar instead of cocoa powder. They are so good! However, once you try these cocoa donuts, you probably won’t want to alter the recipe.

Is baking the doughnuts a better option than frying them?

Don’t get me wrong. I do enjoy fried foods but they can be so unhealthy. Baking is a healthier cooking method than frying, especially if you are trying to lower your fat intake.

Will the baked doughnuts taste the same as fried ones?

They are delicious and quite similar but the texture will be a bit denser and less crisp.

How to make cocoa powdered sugar doughnuts

Prep: 15 minutes

Baking time: 10 minutes

Yield: 18 to 20 doughnuts

Ingredients:

2 ⅔ cups all purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup vegetable, avocado or canola oil
½ cup sugar
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons AND 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F or 218 C. Prepare two doughnut pans with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, oil, brown sugar, and sugar until well blended. Scrape down the sides. To the batter, add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
Add the flour mixture about ⅓ at a time, alternating with the buttermilk. Beat just until blended.
In batches, transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe in circles into the prepared doughnut pans, filling them about two-thirds full.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted returns clean.
Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pans for 5 minutes on a wire rack before removing them from the pans. Allow the doughnuts to cool completely prior to decorating.
For the cocoa powdered doughnuts, place the powdered sugar and cocoa into a gallon-sized zip top bag. Seal the bag and shake to combine. Add the doughnuts about 4 at a time, sealing the bag, and turning until the doughnuts are coated.
Store in an airtight container.

These baked cocoa powdered sugar doughnuts go great with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, a cup of coffee or even a cup of tea. Let me know if you like this baked chocolate donut recipe!