1-First Step: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease two standard donut pans with nonstick spray or butter. This ensures easy release for perfect baked chocolate donuts. Gather all ingredients for smooth workflow, a tip for busy parents.

2-Second Step: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sifting helps avoid lumps, creating even texture in your chocolate glazed donuts recipe. For gluten-free, use certified blend here.

3-Third Step: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs, then mix in 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir wet into dry until just combined, about 1 minute. Batter should be thick but pourable, like muffin mix. Overmixing toughens baked donuts.

4-Fourth Step: Spoon or pipe batter into prepared pans, filling 3/4 full. Tap pans gently to settle batter. Bake 10-12 minutes until donuts spring back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean. They yield about 12 chocolate donuts. Cool in pans 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Vegan adaptation: use plant-based swaps seamlessly.

5-Fifth Step: While donuts cool, prepare donut glaze. In a bowl, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 ounces melted semisweet chocolate. Adjust with milk 1 teaspoon at a time for pourable consistency. Warm over simmering water if thickening. This creates glossy chocolate glaze for donuts.

6-Sixth Step: Dip cooled donuts halfway or fully into warm glaze, letting excess drip off. Place on racks over parchment. Immediately sprinkle 1/2 cup sprinkles while wet. Let set 10-15 minutes. For low-calorie, thin glaze with water. Enjoy fresh for best texture in homemade chocolate glazed donuts.

7-Final Step: Serve immediately or store as noted below. Total time: 30 minutes. These steps make the baked donuts recipe foolproof for beginners.