These Glazed Chocolate Donut Holes are rich, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—just like the ones you dream about from your favorite donut shop! Baked instead of fried, they’re lighter but still incredibly indulgent, thanks to a deep cocoa flavor and a sweet vanilla glaze. Whether you’re making them for brunch, dessert, or a snack with coffee, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit for any occasion.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Donut Holes:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ½ cup whole milk

• ⅓ cup sour cream

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• ¼ cup whole milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease three to four donut hole pans or two 24-cup mini muffin pans.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk the melted butter with both sugars until thick and smooth. Add eggs, yolk, and vanilla, and mix well.

4. In a measuring cup, stir together the milk and sour cream.

5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix.

6. Scoop batter into each muffin or donut hole cavity, filling about ¾ full.

7. Bake for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack.

8. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.

9. Dip cooled donut holes into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Repeat 2–3 times for a thicker coating if desired.

10. Let the glaze set before serving.

Nutrients (Per donut hole, approx. based on 36 pieces)

• Calories: ~120 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~18 g

• Protein: ~2 g

• Fat: ~5 g

• Saturated Fat: ~3 g

• Sugar: ~11 g

• Fiber: ~1 g

• Sodium: ~80 mg

• Calcium: ~25 mg

• Iron: ~1 mg

A Baked, Better-For-You Take on Classic Donut Shop Favorites

One of the best things about these donut holes is that they’re baked, not fried. While traditional donut holes are dunked in hot oil for their signature crispness, this version is oven-baked, which significantly reduces the mess, time, and fat content. The result? A soft and fluffy interior with all the rich taste you expect—without the greasy aftermath.

Because they’re baked in mini muffin tins or donut hole pans, you also get consistent results every time. No special frying equipment is required, and cleanup is a breeze. It’s the perfect way to enjoy homemade donuts without the hassle.

Deep Cocoa Flavor in Every Bite

These donut holes don’t just hint at chocolate—they’re bursting with it. Thanks to a generous helping of unsweetened cocoa powder and a blend of brown and white sugars, the flavor is rich, slightly fudgy, and perfectly balanced. Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while vanilla enhances the chocolatey base and ties everything together.

The texture is equally delightful—light and cake-like with a soft crumb that almost melts in your mouth. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or dipped in glaze and served later, each bite delivers a satisfying combination of softness and sweetness.

The Glaze That Takes It to the Next Level

While the donut holes themselves are delicious on their own, the real magic happens when you add the vanilla glaze. It’s a simple mixture of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract that firms up into a smooth, slightly shiny coating once it sets. Dip once for a light sugar-kissed finish, or go all in with two or three coats for a bakery-style shell.

As the glaze dries, it forms that delicate, crackly layer that contrasts beautifully with the tender donut inside. It not only adds visual appeal but also gives that classic donut shop taste that’s instantly nostalgic.

Perfect for Brunch, Parties, and Coffee Breaks

These glazed donut holes are versatile enough for any occasion. Serve them as part of a weekend breakfast spread, pack them into lunchboxes for a special treat, or pile them onto a platter at your next gathering. They’re portable, crowd-pleasing, and disappear fast—especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

You can also use them to build a fun donut hole tower or skewer them onto sticks for donut kabobs. With their perfect bite-size shape and sweet coating, they’re a playful addition to any dessert table.

Easily Customizable for Any Flavor Mood

While this recipe is centered on classic chocolate and vanilla, there’s no limit to how creative you can get. Try swapping the vanilla glaze for a chocolate ganache, peanut butter glaze, or even a maple drizzle. Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter to change the flavor profile slightly, or stir mini chocolate chips into the dough for even more chocolate goodness.

Feeling festive? Decorate them with colorful sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a dusting of cocoa powder. The base recipe is simple enough to adapt, making it a great starting point for endless flavor variations.

A Fun Baking Project for Families and Kids

If you’re looking for a baking activity that’s easy, fun, and kid-approved, glazed chocolate donut holes are a great choice. The batter is simple to mix, the baking time is short, and dipping each donut in glaze is a hands-on step that kids will love. You can even set up a donut hole decorating station with different glazes and toppings for a DIY dessert experience.

Because they’re small and not fried, they also feel more approachable and less intimidating than traditional donuts. You’ll get all the satisfaction of making a sweet treat from scratch—without spending hours in the kitchen.

Make Ahead and Store Like a Pro

Donut holes are best enjoyed the day they’re made, especially if you love that fresh, bakery-soft texture. However, they also store well for a couple of days in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze may lose a bit of its shine over time, but the flavor remains delicious.

If you want to plan ahead, you can also freeze unglazed donut holes and add the glaze after reheating. To freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave, then dip in freshly made glaze for that just-baked taste.

Healthier but Still Indulgent

Baking instead of frying already makes these donut holes a more health-conscious option, but you can go further if you wish. Swap in whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour for extra fiber, or use reduced-fat milk and sour cream. You can also cut back slightly on the sugar or use a sugar substitute if desired.

That said, these are still a treat—and they’re meant to be enjoyed as one. With a reasonable portion size (just one or two donut holes), you get all the indulgence of a traditional donut with less guilt and more convenience.

Conclusion

Glazed Chocolate Donut Holes are the ultimate indulgent snack that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and convenience. With their deep cocoa flavor, tender crumb, and sweet vanilla glaze, they’re everything you love about donut shop favorites—made right in your own oven.

Whether you’re baking for brunch, a birthday, or a simple weekend treat, these baked donut holes deliver all the rich, chocolatey goodness you crave without the mess or stress of frying. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.

So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, skip the donut run and try baking a batch of these chocolatey gems. Once you taste that melt-in-your-mouth goodness, they’ll become a staple in your baking rotation.