Baked Chocolate Glazed Orange Donuts: A Zesty, Sweet Homemade Treat
Prepare to be enchanted by a truly delightful breakfast treat or an exquisite dessert: these naturally flavored, incredibly moist orange donuts. Each golden ring of citrus goodness is generously topped with a rich, dark chocolate glaze, beautifully infused with fresh orange zest. This combination creates a unique and unforgettable flavor pairing that will quickly become a household favorite. Forget store-bought; these homemade baked chocolate glazed orange donuts are a game-changer.
The Irresistible Allure of Chocolate and Orange
Have you ever enjoyed those wonderful chocolate oranges that make their annual appearance around Christmas time? The sheer joy of unwrapping that foil and then *smashing* it to break off a segment is a festive ritual for many. That iconic flavor combination is truly a masterpiece, and it’s the inspiration behind these delectable chocolate orange donuts. In fact, this isn’t my first foray into this winning duo; I’ve previously created chocolate orange shortbread cookies, which were equally adored.
The pairing of chocolate and orange is a classic for a reason. The bright, acidic notes of fresh orange perfectly cut through the richness of dark chocolate, creating a symphony of flavors that is both complex and comforting. It’s a sophisticated taste that appeals to nearly everyone, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Beyond the exquisite taste, there’s something uniquely satisfying about those chocolate oranges. There’s an undeniable playful element involved – a giant ball of chocolate that requires a satisfying smash to break into individual pieces!
Chocolate oranges aren’t just a holiday treat; they’re like the perfect indulgence for when you need a little pick-me-up or a moment of stress relief. The simple act of breaking them apart can be surprisingly cathartic, adding to the overall enjoyment.
Why These Chocolate Orange Donuts Are a Must-Try
It’s a mystery why those delightful chocolate oranges aren’t available year-round! Surely, chocolatiers understand the universal need for a comforting chocolate fix, especially during stressful times. The act of smashing it into pieces is incredibly therapeutic – it just makes sense! Someone out there is missing a huge market opportunity.
But I digress… since the seasonal availability of chocolate oranges can be a real tease, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I’ve combined two of my absolute favorite things – the irresistible chocolate orange flavor and the joy of homemade donuts – to create something truly wonderful. The result? These incredible chocolate orange donuts!
The Secret to Our Orange Donuts’ Flavor
These homemade baked donuts derive their bright, authentic orange flavor from a delightful combination of sweet orange marmalade and vibrant, freshly squeezed orange juice. This dual approach ensures a rich, deep citrus essence that permeates every bite of the moist donut crumb. And to truly capture that iconic chocolate orange magic, we’ve infused the luxurious dark chocolate glaze with finely grated orange zest. The zest releases essential oils, adding an aromatic burst of citrus that perfectly complements the decadent chocolate. These beauties are truly best savored on the day they are made, offering optimal freshness and flavor. While sharing is caring, we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to enjoy them all yourself!
Making donuts at home can seem daunting, but these are baked, not fried, making the process much simpler and resulting in a lighter, healthier treat. The baking method ensures a wonderfully moist texture that complements the zesty orange and rich chocolate without the fuss and mess of deep frying. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, bringing the joy of a bakery-quality donut right to your kitchen.
Perfect for a special weekend breakfast, a delightful brunch centerpiece, or even a unique dessert to impress your guests, these baked chocolate glazed orange donuts are versatile. The vibrant citrus notes make them particularly refreshing, while the deep chocolate provides a comforting richness, creating a perfectly balanced indulgence. They are also an excellent way to use up any fresh oranges you might have on hand.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of homemade donuts. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying these warm, fragrant treats in no time. The aroma filling your kitchen as they bake is a reward in itself! We recommend using good quality chocolate chips for the glaze, as it truly makes a difference in the final taste and texture of the chocolate coating.
Chocolate Glazed Orange Donuts
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Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose unbleached flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed)
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 teaspoons corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and generously prepare your donut pan with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your baked donuts release easily.
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In a small bowl, carefully whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside.
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In a separate, larger bowl, combine the wet ingredients: eggs, melted butter, orange marmalade, and fresh squeezed orange juice. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts.
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Transfer the donut batter into a large ziploc bag or a piping bag. Snip off a small portion of one corner of the bag with scissors. Carefully pipe the donut batter into each cavity of your prepared donut pan, filling each about two-thirds full.
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Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. The baking time will vary depending on the size of your donut pan: approximately 7-9 minutes for mini donut pans, 9-11 minutes for medium-sized donut pans, or 13-15 minutes for large-sized donut pans. Bake until the tops are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before gently removing them from the pans.
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To prepare the luscious chocolate glaze, melt the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in the microwave. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Stir in the fresh orange zest, water, and corn syrup until the glaze is uniform and glossy. Dip each cooled donut into the warm glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on wire racks to let the glaze set completely. Enjoy!
Nutrition
More Donut Delights to Explore
If you’re as big a donut enthusiast as I am, don’t stop here! Be sure to check out these other fantastic donut recipes. You can also find more inspiration and unique ideas on my “Go Nuts for Donuts” board on Pinterest!
Banana Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze
Indulge in the sweet, comforting flavor of ripe bananas baked into a tender donut, then enrobed in a luscious, buttery salted caramel glaze. This recipe offers a sophisticated twist on classic banana bread, presenting it in a fun, individual donut form. The pinch of salt in the caramel perfectly balances the sweetness, creating an irresistible treat for any time of day. It’s a wonderful way to use up overripe bananas and impress your family and friends with your baking skills.
Chocolate Zucchini Donuts
Sneak some vegetables into your dessert with these surprisingly delicious chocolate zucchini donuts! The shredded zucchini adds incredible moisture to the donuts, making them incredibly tender and preventing them from drying out, all without imparting any noticeable “vegetable” flavor. Paired with rich cocoa and a sweet glaze, these donuts are a fantastic way to enjoy a chocolate treat while feeling a little virtuous. They are especially perfect during zucchini season when you’re looking for creative ways to use your garden harvest.
Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts Every Time
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
- Use a Piping Bag or Ziploc: This makes filling the donut cavities much easier and less messy than using a spoon.
- Grease Your Pan Well: Even with nonstick pans, a good spray ensures your donuts pop out easily.
- Watch Baking Times: Donut pans come in different sizes, so keep an eye on your donuts. They are done when lightly golden and spring back when gently touched.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: If your donuts are warm, the glaze will melt and slide right off.
- Fresh Zest is Key: For the most vibrant orange flavor, always use fresh orange zest in both the batter and the glaze.
- Storage: While best enjoyed the day they are made, these donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
These baked chocolate glazed orange donuts offer a delightful balance of zesty orange and decadent chocolate in every bite. They’re simple to make, perfect for any occasion, and a wonderful alternative to fried donuts. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to these amazing homemade delights. Happy baking!