A glossy glaze is the ultimate finish for any homemade donut! This chocolate glaze for donuts is delectable and ready in just 10 minutes!
Whether you are a fan of Chocolate Donuts or Old Fashioned Donuts, if you enjoy baking, this easy chocolate icing is a recipe you’ll want to hold on to. Smooth as silk and simple to make, this versatile chocolate glaze for donuts transforms a simple donut into something extraordinary!
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Table of Contents
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Why This Recipe Works
- Adding corn syrup gives it a shiny finish.
- Vanilla adds an extra depth of flavor.
- A little salt cuts the sweetness giving a perfect balance.
Ingredient Notes
- Confectioner’s Sugar – Any powdered sugar can be used. I highly suggest sifting to avoid lumps.
- Vanilla – Vanilla extract, paste, or flavoring can be used.
- Cocoa Powder – I used dark cocoa powder for deep color, but you can use any unsweetened cocoa powder you prefer. Just be sure to sift it first for a smoother, lump-free result.
- Milk – any milk you have on hand works fine.
- Corn Syrup – this is used to add shine to the icing. It’s totally optional, though, and not necessary for flavor.
- Salt – Any salt will work here as it’s used in such a small amount just to cut the sweetness.
Step By Step Directions
Start by sifting the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt into a bowl.
Pour in the milk.
Then mix in the vanilla and corn syrup to make a smooth glaze.
Use to spoon over donuts or just simply dip them into the bowl one at a time.
Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.
Erren’s Top Tips
- Don’t skip the sifting – this will save you the headache of a lumpy glaze.
- To make a nondairy glaze, use water in place of the milk.
- For a deeper color and flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Don’t cover the donuts. This glaze is meant to top donuts not cover them. The glaze may not be set enough to cover it entirely.
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Let’s Make Chocolate Glaze for Donuts
A shiny chocolatey glaze enhanced with vanilla and salt to create a delectable Chocolate Glaze for Donuts everyone will love.
Prep10 minutes
Total10 minutes
Serves: 12 donuts
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 4 tablespoons dark cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla
- 2 teaspoons corn syrup optional
Instructions
- Sift together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the milk, then mix in the vanilla and corn syrup to make a smooth glaze. If the glaze is thick, add a little extra milk to loosen to a pourable consistency.
Tips + Notes
- Don’t skip the sifting – this will save you the headache of a lumpy glaze.
- To make a nondairy glaze, use water in place of the milk.
- For a deeper color and flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Don’t cover the donuts. This glaze is meant to top donuts not cover them. The glaze may not be set enough to cover it entirely.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 11 (1%)| Carbohydrates: 15g (5%)| Protein: 1g (2%)| Fat: 1g (2%)| Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)| Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g| Monounsaturated Fat: 1g| Cholesterol: 1mg| Sodium: 27mg (1%)| Potassium: 30mg (1%)| Fiber: 1g (4%)| Sugar: 1g (1%)| Vitamin A: 4IU| Calcium: 5mg (1%)| Iron: 1mg (6%)
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Jo Mamma says
This is hands down the worst chocolate icing recipe I have encountered in 25 years of professional baking. if your chocolate glaze recipe does’t revolve around actual chocolate, you are wasting your time. This is essentially a “chocolate paste” and looks like play dough.
Erren's Kitchen says
Hi Jo. I would love to troubleshoot this for you because it will not look like the consistency of play dough if made correctly. There have been many positive reviews and feedback on this chocolate glaze.
Bo Youngblood says
I want to try this on my home made donuts. Does serving size mean it will be enough to cover 12 donuts?
Erren's Kitchen says
That’s correct! Should be enough to top 12, not cover. The glaze won’t set enough to cover it entirely. Hope you like it! 😋
Jenn says
Worked beautifully, great for snacks
Erren's Kitchen says
So glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you for giving it a try!
Darlena says
I have a question. Will the glaze harden and require heating up to glaze the doughnuts?
Erren's Kitchen says
Hi Darlena. The glaze will not harden. Once it sets on the donuts, it will still stay soft. We hope you enjoy it! 😊
Jonathan says
Really good, moist, soft donuts. For a non deep fried donuts, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you so much giving it a try and leaving feedback, Jonathan! We are so glad you were pleasantly surprised!!
Jayne says
My husband is so picky about his donuts. The store was out of the chocolate covered raised donuts, the ones he prefers, so I had no choice but to buy the plain raised ones. I decided to see if I could find an easy frosting for them online, and this is the one I landed on. I can’t believe what a fantastic recipe this is, and SO quick and easy to make!!! The frosting is absolutely delicious, compared to the not fantastic frosting on the store donuts. The corn syrup adds a gloss to the frosting that looks so professional, and it spreads beautifully. I’m probably going to have to frost all his donuts from now on! The recipe frosted a dozen donuts. So happy I found this!
Erren's Kitchen says
Jayne this is such wonderful feedback!! Thank you!! How awesome that that you’ll be making it often from now on! We are so glad they added a delicious touch to your husbands donuts!
Sonia V. says
The recipe is so simple I would love to try this on my donuts
Erren's Kitchen says
Please let us know if you do and how they turn out! 🥰
Jenna says
Did I read it wrong? Vanilla extract right?
Erren's Kitchen says
That is correct! Vanilla extra or paste can work as well.
Nelly says
This is a really great recipe for chocolate glaze!! I made a bunch of donuts for my crew and they all loved this glaze, including me lol! Also loved the shine and texture it gave!
Erren's Kitchen says
I’m so glad to hear that you and your crew enjoyed the chocolate glaze for your donuts! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! Enjoy!!
Nanette Rodin says
I have tried many recipes for chocolate glaze. This is by far the best one I have tried. I loved it! It was easy, set up. Ice and tasted great! Thank you!
Erren Hart says
Thank you so much for trying out the recipe and leaving such a positive comment! I’m happy to hear that you found it the best you’ve tried. Your feedback means a lot, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.