Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Donut Holes

Name: Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Donut Holes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 donut holes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon milk; Sprinkles (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Donut Holes because they are the perfect sweet treat for game day. The delightful combination of chocolate and the soft, doughy texture makes them irresistible. I appreciate how easy they are to whip up, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Plus, they can be prepared ahead of time, so I can enjoy the game without fuss. These little indulgences are perfect for sharing while cheering for our favorite team!

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:34:12.121Z

Creating these chocolate donut holes was a delightful experience that had my kitchen smelling heavenly. I experimented with adding a bit of espresso powder to the batter, which really enhances the chocolate flavor. It was a game-changer that took them to the next level!

I found that using a mini muffin tin helps achieve the perfect round shape, making them look as good as they taste. Plus, they bake evenly and come out effortlessly, which is a huge bonus when you're trying to impress guests!

        Why You'll Love These Donut Holes
        Decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth
Soft, fluffy texture that makes them irresistible
Perfectly portioned bites for sharing with friends

      

Mastering the Donut Hole Technique

Achieving the perfect donut hole is all about the mixing technique. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. This helps ensure your donut holes remain soft and fluffy. Stir until just combined and avoid any large flour pockets, but a few small lumps are fine. This gentle approach will give you that desired light texture in every bite.

One crucial step is filling the mini muffin tin. Aim to fill each cup to about three-quarters full; too little won't create that perfect donut shape, while too much can lead to overflow. I find using a small cookie scoop is super helpful for even distribution. It ensures each donut hole bakes uniformly and gives them a nice rounded top.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

Feel free to experiment with the base recipe by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor. I’ve had great success adding about half a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, which melt slightly during baking and create delicious little pockets of gooey goodness. If you're looking for a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Another fun option is to customize the coating. Instead of just powdered sugar and cocoa, you might incorporate flavorings like cinnamon or espresso powder into your glaze for a mocha effect. You could also dip them in melted chocolate for a richer treat or roll them in crushed nuts or coconut for an added crunchy layer.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a perfect batch of chocolate donut holes:

For the Chocolate Donut Holes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon milk
Sprinkles (optional)

Make sure to have these on hand before starting!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious donut holes:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool.

Prepare the Coating

In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk to create a glaze.

Coat the Donuts

Roll the cooled donut holes in the glaze and then in sprinkles if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously made chocolate donut holes with friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for a unique flavor twist.

Make-Ahead Tips

These donut holes can be made in advance, making them a fantastic treat for game day. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to prepare them further in advance, consider freezing the uncoated donut holes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag, where they can last for up to a month.

To enjoy frozen donut holes, just allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before coating with glaze. This helps maintain their delicious texture while ensuring you still achieve that irresistible coating. Always remember to prepare the glaze fresh to ensure that it's just the right consistency for coating.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate donut holes are best served warm, but they also make a delightful snack at room temperature. For an elegant touch, serve them on a platter sprinkled with powdered sugar, or place them in small cupcake liners for easy grabbing during game day. They’re a hit when paired with hot cocoa or coffee, enhancing the chocolate experience.

For a fun party element, consider creating a donut hole bar with various toppings. Set out bowls of melted chocolate, flavored glazes, and toppings like crushed candy canes, nuts, or colorful sprinkles. This interactive approach to serving encourages guests to customize their treat, adding an extra level of enjoyment to your Super Bowl gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make these donut holes gluten-free.

→ How do I store leftover donut holes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

→ Can I bake these in a regular muffin tin?

Yes, simply adjust the baking time, as larger donuts may take a few extra minutes.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with a cup of regular milk to create a buttermilk substitute.