The Chocolate Frosted Donut from Dunkin' Donuts features a soft, fluffy yeast donut topped with a rich, glossy chocolate frosting, delivering a delightful blend of sweet and indulgent flavors with a smooth, creamy finish.
Equipments
- Stand mixer (with dough hook)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rolling pin
- Donut cutter or round cutters
- Baking sheet or tray
- Parchment paper
- Deep fryer or large heavy pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (for frosting)
- Whisk
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Active dry yeast must be fresh and properly activated in warm milk to ensure the donut dough rises correctly, producing the desired soft and fluffy texture. Measuring ingredients accurately, especially flour and sugar, is crucial for dough consistency and sweetness balance. Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning. The chocolate frosting requires unsweetened cocoa powder and butter to be melted and mixed smoothly for a rich, glossy finish. Your homemade Chocolate Frosted Donut from Dunkin' Donuts copycat menu will perfectly replicate the indulgent taste and texture of the original.
Instructions
- Chocolate Frosted Donut (Dunkin' Style) - Instructions:
- Warm 1 cup whole milk until lukewarm.
- Add 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast to milk; let sit until foamy (5 min).
- In stand mixer bowl, combine milk/yeast, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp salt.
- Add 4 cups all-purpose flour gradually; mix with dough hook until dough forms.
- Knead with dough hook on medium speed (5–7 min) until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to greased bowl; cover and let rise in warm place (1–2 hrs, until doubled).
- Turn dough onto floured surface; roll to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut out donuts with donut cutter; place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise again (30–45 min, until puffy).
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry donuts in batches (1–2 min/side) until golden brown.
- Remove with slotted spoon; drain on cooling rack.
- For frosting: In saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup cocoa powder until smooth.
- Add 2 tbsp whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 cup powdered sugar; whisk until glossy.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Dip tops of cooled donuts in chocolate frosting; use spatula to spread if needed.
- Let set on cooling rack before serving.
Substitution
The Chocolate Frosted Donut from Dunkin' Donuts copycat recipe replicates the soft yeast donut topped with a rich, glossy chocolate frosting, capturing the sweet and indulgent flavor profile. If you don't have a stand mixer, mixing the dough by hand with a wooden spoon and kneading on a floured surface is a practical alternative. When deep frying, maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to achieve a golden exterior without absorbing excess oil. Substitute vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil for frying if preferred, as both have high smoke points and neutral flavors. Your homemade frosting can be thickened or thinned by adjusting the cocoa powder and milk quantity to match the desired consistency.
Tips
Make sure your milk is lukewarm, not hot, before adding yeast to activate it properly and avoid killing the yeast. When kneading the dough with your stand mixer's dough hook, maintain medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes to develop gluten, which gives the donuts their soft, elastic texture. Fry the donuts at a consistent oil temperature of 350degF (175degC) to ensure even cooking and prevent greasy absorption. For the chocolate frosting, allow it to cool slightly before dipping your donuts to achieve a smooth, glossy finish without melting the coating.
Nutritions
The Chocolate Frosted Donut from Dunkin' Donuts contains approximately 250-300 calories per serving, largely due to its yeast dough base made with all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. The rich chocolate frosting adds a significant amount of sugar and fat, including saturated fat from butter, boosting the overall calorie content. This treat provides minimal protein and dietary fiber while being high in simple carbohydrates, which can cause rapid blood sugar spikes. Enjoy this indulgent donut occasionally, keeping your overall sugar and fat intake balanced throughout the day.
Storage
Store your Chocolate Frosted Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and prevent the frosting from drying out. If you want to keep them fresh for up to 2 days, placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers will avoid sticking. For longer storage, refrigerate the donuts in an airtight container for up to one week, then warm slightly before serving to restore their fluffy texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk or almond milk to add a slight tang or a dairy-free alternative. Instead of frying, bake the donuts at 375degF (190degC) for 10-12 minutes to make them lighter and less oily. For the frosting, try incorporating espresso powder or cinnamon to enhance the chocolate flavor with a subtle twist. Using coconut oil instead of unsalted butter can provide a different rich texture and a hint of tropical aroma in the frosting.
Allergies
Your Chocolate Frosted Donut contains common allergens such as milk, eggs, and wheat, which may trigger reactions in individuals with dairy, egg, or gluten allergies. The use of unsalted butter and whole milk introduces lactose, while the all-purpose flour contains gluten. People with food allergies should exercise caution and check with the vendor to ensure safety.
Why this recipe?
Dunkin' Donuts' Chocolate Frosted Donut stands out for its perfectly balanced sweetness and rich chocolate glaze that melts in your mouth. The donut's soft, fluffy texture combined with a smooth chocolate coating makes it a favorite indulgence among customers seeking a satisfying treat. Recreating this copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the same delightful taste and freshness at home, saving money while customizing ingredients to your preference. Your bakery skills will shine as you master a classic flavor beloved by many, enhancing your homemade dessert experience.