Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
Today, I want to share a recipe that’s close to my heart: Chocolate Heart Donuts (Baked). I still remember the first time I made these. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I wanted something that felt like a warm hug in dessert form. I could hear the rain tapping against the window while the sweet smell of chocolate filled the kitchen. The joy of cutting out the little heart shapes and knowing these donuts would bring smiles around my table is a memory I’ll never forget. Since then, I’ve baked these Chocolate Heart Donuts countless times for friends, family, and even impromptu tea parties. They are my little reminder that comfort can come in bite-sized, chocolatey forms.
I love how versatile this recipe is. You can make it for Valentine’s Day, a cozy Sunday brunch, or even just a midweek treat. Every bite is soft, chocolatey, and just a little decadent without being overwhelming. These baked donuts are lighter than fried ones but still rich in flavor. The heart shape adds a special touch that always makes people smile.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
What makes Chocolate Heart Donuts (Baked) so special to me is how simple yet impressive they are. The batter comes together quickly, the donuts bake perfectly in the oven, and the chocolate glaze gives them that extra wow factor. Baking them in heart shapes adds a playful, personal touch. Whenever I serve them, I feel like I’m sharing a little piece of love with everyone around me. Cooking is all about connecting, and this recipe does just that.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for a batch of about 8–10 heart-shaped donuts:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey bites)
For the chocolate glaze:
- 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder; it really makes a difference.
- Let your donuts cool slightly before glazing to avoid melting the chocolate too much.
- You can sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of the glaze it enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a heart-shaped donut pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix sugar, oil, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips if you’re using them.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each heart about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the donuts cool, prepare the chocolate glaze: melt chocolate chips and butter together over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle it on top. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving these Chocolate Heart Donuts with a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate. For a festive touch, I sometimes add edible gold dust or colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze. They’re perfect for breakfast in bed, a cozy afternoon snack, or a sweet surprise for loved ones. Pairing them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream adds a little extra indulgence.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- You can freeze unglazed donuts for up to a month; just thaw and glaze before serving.
- To reheat, warm in the oven for 5 minutes at 160°C (320°F) or briefly in the microwave.
- Make the glaze ahead of time and store in the fridge; gently reheat before using.
100-Word Short Version
These Chocolate Heart Donuts (Baked) are soft, chocolatey, and perfect for sharing. Made with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, flour, and buttermilk, they come together quickly and bake in just 12–15 minutes. Heart-shaped and coated with a rich chocolate glaze, they are a delightful treat for any occasion Valentine’s Day, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt or colorful toppings for extra charm. Store them in an airtight container or freeze for later. Quick, easy, and irresistible, these baked donuts are my go-to for bringing warmth and sweetness to the table.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 12–15 mins
- Total: 25 mins
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional)
- Chocolate glaze:
- 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease heart-shaped donut pan.
- Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix sugar, oil, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; fold in chocolate chips.
- Spoon into pan, filling 3/4 full.
- Bake 12–15 minutes; cool slightly.
- Melt glaze ingredients; dip or drizzle donuts.
- Let set, then serve.
📝 Notes
- High-quality cocoa enhances flavor.
- Slightly cooled donuts help glaze set perfectly.
- Sprinkle sea salt for a flavor boost.
- Freeze unglazed for up to a month.
🍽️ Nutrition
Calories: 220 per donut 🍫
Sugar: 18g 🍬
Fat: 12g 🧈
Saturated Fat: 6g 🥥
Carbs: 28g 🍞
Protein: 3g 🥚
Fiber: 2g 🌾
Sodium: 120mg 🧂
Cholesterol: 25mg 🥛
Chocolate Heart Donuts (Baked)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12-15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8–10 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These baked Chocolate Heart Donuts are soft, chocolatey, and perfect for sharing. Made with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, flour, and buttermilk, they come together quickly and bake in just 12–15 minutes. Heart-shaped and coated with a rich chocolate glaze, they are a delightful treat for any occasion, from brunch to cozy afternoon snacks. Sprinkle with sea salt or colorful toppings for extra charm. Quick, easy, and irresistible, these baked donuts bring warmth, love, and sweetness to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional)
- Chocolate glaze: 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp milk or cream, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease heart-shaped donut pan.
- Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Mix sugar, oil, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract in another bowl until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; fold in chocolate chips.
- Spoon batter into donut pan, filling 3/4 full.
- Bake 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean; cool slightly.
- Melt glaze ingredients; dip or drizzle over donuts.
- Let set before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor. Let donuts cool slightly before glazing. Sprinkle sea salt or decorations for extra flair. Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze unglazed for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Conclusion
Baking these Chocolate Heart Donuts always brings a little extra joy into my kitchen. They are a simple, comforting way to show love, whether for a special occasion or just a quiet afternoon treat. The soft, chocolatey texture and glossy glaze make them feel like a celebration in every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do. Cooking is about love, memories, and connection and these donuts do it beautifully. Happy baking!