Bulgarian Baked Chocolate Sugar Donuts

Name: Bulgarian Baked Chocolate Sugar Donuts
Ingredients: 400 ml lukewarm milk; 2 tbsp honey; ¼ cup neutral oil or olive oil; 1 packet (7 g) instant or quick-rise yeast; 3 egg yolks; 1 stick (113 g / ½ cup) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 500–600 g all-purpose flour (amount may vary); 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract); Pinch of salt; Optional: 3–4 tbsp granulated sugar for a sweeter dough; Nutella; Chocolate chips; Dark chocolate; Milk chocolate; Semi-sweet chocolate; Lukewarm milk, for brushing; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Soft, pillowy baked donuts filled with melted chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar.

Time

2½ hrs

Soft, fluffy, and filled with melted chocolate, these bakery-style baked donuts are inspired by the classic Bulgarian sweet treats many of us grew up with. No frying needed — just pillowy dough, a rich chocolate center, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1
In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, honey, oil, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2
Add the egg yolks, melted butter, vanilla sugar, optional granulated sugar, and salt.
3
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. You may not need all the flour.
4
Knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

First Rise

1
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1–1½ hours.
2
Shortcut: turn your oven on for 1–2 minutes, then turn it off completely. Place the covered dough inside the warm (not hot) oven to help it rise faster.

Prepare the Chocolate Filling

1
If using Nutella, scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto parchment paper and freeze until firm.
2
If using melted chocolate, melt over a double boiler, let cool slightly, spoon about 1 tablespoon portions onto plastic wrap or parchment, and freeze or refrigerate until firm enough to handle.

Shape the Donuts

1
Divide the risen dough into equal portions.
2
Flatten each piece slightly and place one frozen chocolate portion in the center.
3
Carefully seal the dough around the chocolate and shape into smooth balls.
4
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down.

Final Rise & Bake

1
Lightly brush each donut with lukewarm or room-temperature milk.
2
Cover loosely and let rise for 20–30 minutes, or until puffy.
3
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4
Allow the donuts to cool slightly, then generously dust with powdered sugar.

Toti’s Tips

✓The amount of flour may vary depending on the brand and humidity in your kitchen. Add just enough to create a soft dough.
✓For the softest donuts, avoid adding too much flour.
✓Any chocolate works here — use whatever your family loves most.
✓These donuts are best enjoyed warm, when the chocolate center is still gooey.