Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Donut Holes

Name: Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Donut Holes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 donut holes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 1-2 tbsp milk (for consistency); Chocolate sprinkles (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Donut Holes each year. They are a game-day favorite that combines the richness of chocolate with a soft, chewy texture. The best part? They are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute game day treats. Each bite is a delightful explosion of chocolatey goodness and they disappear faster than a touchdown run! I can't wait to share this recipe with you, so you can impress your friends and family during the big game.

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:19:11.526Z

Making these chocolate donut holes was a joyful experience for me. As I mixed the batter, the rich aroma of cocoa wafted through my kitchen, and I knew I was onto something special. I love that these donut holes can be baked instead of fried, which gives them a lighter feel without sacrificing flavor. Using quality chocolate really enhances their taste, bringing warmth and depth to each bite.

My friends were utterly amazed when they devoured these during the Super Bowl; one even declared them the best thing he’d ever tasted! A tip I swear by is to freeze the donut holes right after baking. This subtly intensifies the flavor by letting them mature. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this secret to yourself!

        Why You'll Love These Donut Holes
        Rich chocolate flavor that is oh-so-satisfying
Soft and chewy with a delightful crust
Perfectly bite-sized for sharing at parties

      

The Secret to Soft and Chewy Donut Holes

To achieve the ideal soft and chewy texture in your donut holes, the key lies in the buttermilk and the correct mixing method. Buttermilk not only adds moisture but also reacts with the baking soda to create a tender crumb. When mixing your wet and dry ingredients, aim for just combined; overmixing can lead to dense donut holes. You should still see some small lumps in the batter for the best results.

Another important factor is your baking time. Checking for doneness with a toothpick is crucial; you want to pull them from the oven when they are just set. If they bake too long, they will become dry. Once they cool slightly but still warm, removing them quickly ensures they maintain their tender inside without sticking to the pan.

Customizing Your Toppings

The glaze that coats your donut holes is highly customizable, providing endless possibilities for flavor. Aside from the basic chocolate glaze created from powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk, feel free to experiment. Adding a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of almond extract can enhance the flavor profile significantly. To achieve a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk; for a thinner coat, simply add more until you reach desired consistency.

If you want to diversify visual appeal, consider mixing in some spices along with your cocoa powder or drizzling a contrasting colored icing on top. Besides chocolate sprinkles, crushed nuts or candy can also add a fun texture and flavor contrast. This allows your donut holes to stand out, making them even more enticing on your Super Bowl spread.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these divine chocolate donut holes.

Donut Holes

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

Toppings

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1-2 tbsp milk (for consistency)
Chocolate sprinkles (optional)

Make sure to have everything pre-measured to make your baking experience seamless!

Instructions

Follow these steps to achieve the perfect donut holes.

Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.

Mix until combined, then gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

Bake

Spoon the batter into the mini muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool slightly before removing from the pan.

Prepare Toppings

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk to create a glaze. Adjust milk for desired consistency.

Glaze and Serve

Dip the cooled donut holes into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to set. Optionally, sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles before the glaze hardens.

Enjoy your delicious and decadent donut holes while cheering for your favorite team!

Pro Tips

Make sure to check the doneness with a toothpick
they might look soft but should not be batter-like inside. To keep them fresh, store in an airtight container.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These donut holes are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the dough the day before, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and bake fresh when you need them. They are best enjoyed the day of baking, but if you have leftovers, store them in the same container to maintain their moisture. They will keep well for up to 2 days at room temperature but can also be frozen for longer storage.

To freeze, place the cooled donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue you might encounter is donut holes sticking to your muffin pan. To prevent this, ensure that your pan is well-greased before adding the batter. Using a non-stick spray or brushing oil helps maintain easy release. If they still stick, letting them cool a little longer in the pan might help, as the donut holes will oftentimes release more easily as they cool and contract slightly.

If your donut holes come out overcooked or dry, double-check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accuracy. Ovens can vary, and 350°F may not be exactly what your oven produces. If you're consistently having trouble, consider reducing the baking time by a minute or two and monitoring closely—start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of flour?

Yes, but it may change the texture. Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option.

→ Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day in advance and glaze them just before serving.

→ What if I don't have buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

→ How do I store leftover donut holes?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.