Looking for a sweet, playful, and party-ready dessert? These chocolate-filled donut bites are soft, fluffy, and stuffed with gooey melted chocolate. Topped with colorful candy pieces, they’re the ultimate bite-sized treat for birthdays, holidays, or just a fun baking session with the family.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gooey Center: Each bite reveals a melty chocolate surprise.
- Party-Perfect Size: Ideal for dessert tables and kid-friendly snacks.
- Customizable Toppings: Choose your favorite candies for decoration.
- Oven-Baked: No frying required—less mess, more joy!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Donut Bites:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + ½ tbsp lemon juice)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella) or melted chocolate
For the Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate, melted
- Assorted candy toppings (sprinkles, crushed candy bars, mini M&Ms, crushed cookies, etc.)
👩🍳 How to Make Chocolate-Filled Donut Bites
Step 1: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix buttermilk, sour cream, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Gently combine wet and dry ingredients—do not overmix.
Step 2: Fill with Chocolate
Scoop about 1 tbsp of dough, flatten in your hand.
Add ½ tsp of chocolate in the center, seal and roll into a ball.
Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 3: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or use a silicone mold.
Place dough balls in the tin, spaced slightly.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool in tin for 5 mins, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 4: Dip and Decorate
Melt chocolate in the microwave or double boiler.
Dip tops of donut bites in melted chocolate, letting excess drip.
Immediately sprinkle with candy toppings before chocolate sets.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let set fully before serving.
Store in an airtight container for 2 days at room temp or 5 days in the fridge.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve as part of a dessert platter or kids’ birthday table.
- Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or a milkshake.
- Offer as a fun DIY decorating activity for parties.
- Add to holiday treat boxes or gift tins for festive flair.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncoated bites for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate after reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness before serving.
🍩 Chocolate-Filled Donut Bites (Baked & Decorated)
Equipment
- 2 Mixing bowls
- Mini muffin tin or silicone mold
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk & spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler (for melting chocolate)
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- For the Donut Bites:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup buttermilk or milk + ½ tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread e.g., Nutella or melted chocolate
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate melted
- Assorted candy toppings:
- Sprinkles
- Mini M&Ms
- Crushed candy bars
- Crushed cookies
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Batter
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, sour cream, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Gently fold wet ingredients into dry just until combined—do not overmix.
- Step 2: Fill with Chocolate
- Scoop about 1 tbsp of dough, flatten it, and place ½ tsp of chocolate spread in the center.
- Seal the dough around the chocolate and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Step 3: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease mini muffin tin or silicone mold.
- Place dough balls in the tin. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Step 4: Dip and Decorate
- Melt chocolate in the microwave or double boiler.
- Dip tops of donut bites in chocolate and let excess drip off.
- Quickly add candy toppings before chocolate sets.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let chocolate set fully.
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Notes
🔍 Nutrition (Per Donut Bite – Approximate)
- Calories: ~140
- Carbs: ~18g
- Fat: ~6g
- Sugar: ~10g
- Protein: ~2g
- Sodium: ~80mg
🔍 Nutrition (Per Donut Bite – Approximate)
- Calories: ~140
- Carbs: ~18g
- Fat: ~6g
- Sugar: ~10g
- Protein: ~2g
- Sodium: ~80mg
🔥 Pro Tips
- Seal Well: Pinch the dough tightly to avoid leaks while baking.
- Cool Before Dipping: Let bites cool completely before dipping into chocolate.
- Topping Station: Set up multiple bowls of toppings for a decorating party.
- Use a Silicone Mold: Makes removal easier and ensures uniform shape.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ons
- Flavor the Dough: Add ½ tsp almond or orange extract for a twist.
- Change the Filling: Use peanut butter, caramel, or fruit jam instead of chocolate.
- Holiday Style: Use red & green sprinkles for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or spooky candy eyes for Halloween.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bites gluten-free.
- Mini Donut Pops: Insert sticks into the bites after decorating for fun donut pops.
❓ FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and chocolate filling ahead and bake just before serving for fresh, gooey centers.
Can I freeze the donut bites?
Yes. Freeze the baked (uncoated) bites for up to 2 months. Thaw and add chocolate and toppings after reheating.
Can I fry instead of bake?
Absolutely! Fry in oil at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain and cool before dipping.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Make a quick substitute with ½ cup milk + ½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
✅ Final Thoughts
These Chocolate-Filled Donut Bites with Candy Toppings are a whimsical, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers on both taste and fun. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply want a sweet treat to brighten your day, these mini donuts are guaranteed to impress.
So preheat your oven, grab your favorite toppings, and get baking! 🍬🍫🎉
