Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Cake Donuts

CHOCOLATE CAKE DONUTS

"When I go to a donut shop my first choice is a simple chocolate cake donut with a rich chocolate glaze."

3 cups all-purpose flour, divided use
1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1⁄2 tsp baking soda
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 large eggs, beaten
1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1⁄4 cup whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
Canola oil

EQUIPMENT:
Stand mixer with paddle attachment
Digital candy/deep-fry thermometer
3-inch (7.5 cm) round donut cutter
Baking sheet, lined with parchment paper

In a bowl, whisk together 2 1⁄2 cups of the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Set aside.

In mixer bowl fitted with paddle attachment, combine brown sugar, eggs, butter, milk and vanilla. On low speed, mix until well combined. Add dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Gradually mix in more of the remaining flour, as necessary, until dough starts to come together and is the consistency of biscuit dough. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

On a floured work surface, roll out dough to slightly thicker than 1⁄4-inch. If dough is tacky, dust with additional flour. Cut dough with cutter into 18 donuts, re-rolling scraps as necessary. Place at least 1-inch apart on prepared baking sheet.

Meanwhile, in a large, deep pot or deep fryer, heat about 4-inches oil over medium heat until temperature registers 360 degrees F.

Deep fry 4 donuts at a time in hot oil, turning once with wooden chopsticks, until golden brown, about 15 second per side. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil. Fry remaining donuts, adjusting heat as necessary between batches to maintain oil temperature.

TIP:
When heating the oil for deep-frying, keep a close eye on it to be sure it doesn't overheat, and never leave the room while the oil is on the heat. Reduce the heat or carefully remove the pot from the burner when the oil reaches the desired temperature. Always keep a metal lid that tightly fits the pot handy to quickly place on the pot should the oil start to smoke or burn.

Makes about 18 donuts
Adapted from source: 150 Best Donut Recipes by George Geary