These Chocolate Cream Filled Doughnuts with Espresso Sugar are the ultimate indulgence! Made with light and fluffy yeast doughnuts, these treats are fried until golden, coated in a bittersweet espresso sugar, and filled with a rich and creamy chocolate filling. Perfect for special occasions, weekend baking, or whenever you’re craving a decadent homemade pastry!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ⅔ cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry or instant yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar, divided
• ½ tsp coarse Kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)
• 3 – 3½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 quarts vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Espresso Sugar

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp instant espresso powder

For the Chocolate Cream Filling

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup vegetable shortening
• ⅔ cup powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 2 tsp instant espresso powder
• 1 tsp meringue powder
• ⅛ tsp coarse Kosher salt
• ¾ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Make the Dough

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and heat until warm (110-115°F).
2. Remove from heat, stir in yeast and 1 tbsp sugar, and let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, salt, nutmeg, and flour (reserve ½ cup flour).
4. Add egg and milk mixture, then knead for 5 minutes, adding the reserved flour if needed.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 30-90 minutes until doubled.

Shape the Doughnuts

1. Roll out dough to ¾-inch thickness on a floured surface.
2. Cut into circles using a 2½-inch biscuit cutter.
3. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise 30-40 minutes until puffy.

Fry the Doughnuts

1. Heat vegetable oil to 350-365°F in a deep saucepan.
2. Fry 3-4 doughnuts at a time, flipping after 45-60 seconds per side.
3. Drain on a wire rack.

Coat with Espresso Sugar

1. Mix sugar and espresso powder in a bowl.
2. While warm, roll doughnuts in the espresso sugar.

Make the Chocolate Cream Filling

1. In a mixer, beat butter and shortening for 1 minute.
2. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, espresso powder, meringue powder, salt, and vanilla.
3. Beat for 4-5 minutes until fluffy.

Fill the Doughnuts

1. Poke a hole in the side of each doughnut with a chopstick.
2. Fill a piping bag with chocolate cream and pipe into each doughnut.

Nutrients (Per Doughnut)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Sugar: 18g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Cream Filled Doughnuts with Espresso Sugar are the epitome of indulgence. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy doughnut coated in bittersweet espresso sugar, only to discover a rich, creamy chocolate filling inside. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, treating yourself on the weekend, or simply craving something sweet, these doughnuts are guaranteed to impress.

The yeast-raised doughnuts offer a light and airy texture, while the espresso sugar adds a sophisticated, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet chocolate filling. This combination makes for a deliciously balanced dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee.

What Makes This Recipe So Special?

• Fluffy Yeast Doughnuts: The dough is light, airy, and perfectly golden on the outside, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
• Rich Chocolate Cream Filling: Made with butter, cocoa powder, and a touch of espresso, the filling is silky, indulgent, and satisfyingly rich.
• Sophisticated Espresso Sugar Coating: The bittersweet espresso sugar adds an elegant touch and pairs beautifully with the chocolate filling.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These doughnuts are a hit at parties, brunches, or as a homemade gift.
• Homemade Excellence: Making doughnuts from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, ensuring a high-quality, fresh treat every time.

Tips for Perfect Doughnuts

To achieve the best results, follow these key tips for making light, fluffy, and perfectly fried doughnuts:

• Use the Right Temperature: Ensure that your milk or buttermilk is between 110-115°F when activating the yeast. Too hot, and it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
• Knead for Softness: Kneading the dough for 5 minutes helps develop the gluten, resulting in a soft, chewy texture.
• Let the Dough Rise Properly: Allow the dough to double in size, which could take 30 to 90 minutes depending on the room temperature. This ensures that the doughnuts are light and fluffy.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Frying at 350-365°F is ideal for achieving a golden-brown exterior without soaking up too much oil.
• Drain Well: Place fried doughnuts on a wire rack rather than paper towels to prevent sogginess.
• Fill While Warm: Filling the doughnuts while they are still slightly warm makes them extra soft and absorbent, enhancing the flavor of the filling.

The Magic of Espresso Sugar

The espresso sugar coating is what sets these doughnuts apart, adding a unique and sophisticated flavor profile:

• Balanced Sweetness and Bitterness: The combination of granulated sugar and instant espresso powder creates a bittersweet coating that cuts through the richness of the chocolate filling.
• Enhanced Coffee Flavor: Espresso powder intensifies the flavor without adding liquid, making it a great addition to desserts that pair well with coffee.
• Beautiful Appearance: The sugar adds a sparkling, textured finish that makes the doughnuts look as good as they taste.

Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Cream Filling

The chocolate cream filling is the heart of these doughnuts, providing a rich, velvety contrast to the light dough. Here’s how to make it extra delicious:

• Use Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: This type of cocoa is less acidic and has a smoother, deeper chocolate flavor.
• Butter and Shortening Combination: The mix of butter for flavor and shortening for stability gives the filling a creamy yet firm texture.
• Meringue Powder: This optional ingredient adds structure and lightness, making the filling easier to pipe.
• Espresso Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a hint of coffee, which pairs beautifully with the espresso sugar coating.

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Cream Filled Doughnuts

These doughnuts are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with beverages and sides for a more indulgent experience:

Beverages

• Coffee or Espresso: The bittersweet espresso sugar and rich chocolate filling make these doughnuts a perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon espresso.
• Hot Chocolate: For a double dose of chocolate, serve these doughnuts with a cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate.
• Chai Latte: The warm spices of a chai latte complement the sweetness of the doughnuts.
• Vanilla Almond Milk: A light, nutty milk alternative that balances the richness of the doughnuts.

Dessert Pairings

• Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla, coffee, or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense chocolate filling.
• Berry Compote: The tartness of berries cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing element.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste:

• White Chocolate Filling: Substitute the cocoa powder with melted white chocolate for a sweeter, milder filling.
• Nutella Filling: Use Nutella or another chocolate-hazelnut spread for a quick and easy alternative.
• Spiced Doughnuts: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Raspberry Chocolate: Add raspberry jam to the chocolate cream filling for a fruity twist.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with homemade salted caramel sauce for a sweet and salty combination.

How to Store & Reheat Doughnuts

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chocolate filling will stay firm, and the doughnuts will remain moist.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled doughnuts for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and fill before serving.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the texture.
  • Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious as over-microwaving can make them tough.
  • Air Fryer: Heat at 320°F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes for a crispy exterior.

Why These Doughnuts Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These Chocolate Cream Filled Doughnuts with Espresso Sugar are versatile enough for a variety of events and celebrations:

• Brunch: Serve them alongside croissants, muffins, and fresh fruit for a decadent brunch spread.
• Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special gathering, these doughnuts add a touch of homemade charm.
• Gift Giving: Pack them in a decorative box for a delightful homemade gift.
• Weekend Baking Project: Ideal for those who love spending weekends experimenting in the kitchen.
• Coffee Dates: Pair with coffee for a luxurious afternoon treat.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cream Filled Doughnuts with Espresso Sugar offer a decadent, indulgent experience that’s perfect for any sweet tooth craving. The combination of a light, fluffy doughnut, a rich chocolate filling, and a bittersweet espresso sugar coating makes these treats truly unforgettable.

Homemade doughnuts allow you to explore flavors and ingredients, creating a bakery-quality dessert right in your kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, indulging on a lazy weekend, or simply treating yourself, these doughnuts are a must-try for any dessert lover.