Copycat Dunkin’ Golden Chocolate Donut Recipe

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If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself daydreaming about those crushed toffee toppings and the decadence of that Dunkin’ Golden Chocolate Donut long after the last bite.

How to make a Dunkin’ Golden Chocolate Donut

The Dunkin’ Golden Chocolate Donut is one of Dunkin’ Donuts’ specialty donuts. As the name suggests, it’s a donut with a golden-colored cake or yeast base that’s coated with chocolate.

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 egg yolks
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F degrees)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Golden Fudge Filling:

• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp corn syrup (optional but enhances the caramel-like flavor)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup crushed toffee or caramelized sugar pieces
• Optional: Gold sprinkles (for flair and presentation)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy (this activates the yeast).
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Add the softened butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and the frothy yeast mixture into the flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5-7 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours in a warm place until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Golden Fudge Filling

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a golden caramel-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let it cool completely. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.

Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donuts

1. Once your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
2. Use a round cutter (about 3 to 4 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. You won’t need to create holes in the center for this recipe.
3. Let the donut rounds rest on a floured surface for another 15-20 minutes to puff up slightly.
4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (180°C). Fry the donuts in small batches for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels.

Step 4: Fill and Ice the Donuts

1. Once the donuts are completely cooled, use a sharp skewer or the end of a spoon to make a small hole in the side of each donut.
2. Pipe the golden fudge filling into each donut until you feel a slight resistance, indicating it’s filled.
3. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract to create the chocolate icing. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker icing).
4. Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the icing and let the excess drip off. Sprinkle crushed toffee or caramelized sugar pieces over the icing before it sets.

Tips for Getting It Perfect

• Proofing Dough: Be patient with the dough’s rising time. A warm, draft-free environment works best. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough near a warm oven or use the “proof” setting if you have one.
• Oil Temperature: Keep oil at a steady 350°F while frying to ensure the donuts cook evenly without becoming greasy. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the heat.
• Filling Tip: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag with a small hole snipped in one corner.
• Toffee Crunch: For an extra-satisfying crunch, make your own toffee by melting sugar in a small pan over low heat until golden, then let it set and shatter into pieces.

What to serve with

The Dunkin’ Golden Chocolate Donut is already a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with the right sides, beverages, or accompaniments can elevate the experience even further.

• Classic Pairing: Coffee is always a natural companion for Dunkin’ Golden Chocolate Donut. With the sweetness of the donut, a strong black coffee (like an Americano) balances the flavors beautifully.
• Flavored Coffee: French vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel-flavored coffee can complement the caramel-like golden fudge filling.
• Cold Brew: If you’re a fan of cold beverages, pair your Dunkin’ Golden Chocolate Donut with a refreshing cold brew or iced coffee for a bold flavor contrast. Add a splash of cream to mimic the smooth texture of the donut filling.

Ingredients Substitutes

Homemade recipes can sometimes require flexibility, whether you’re working around dietary restrictions, missing a key ingredient, or looking for alternative flavors to make the recipe truly yours.

a. All-Purpose Flour

If you don’t have all-purpose flour, try these alternatives:

• Bread Flour: This works well for donuts as it has higher protein, resulting in slightly chewier dough. Perfect for fried recipes.
• Whole Wheat Flour: You can substitute half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat if you want a healthier option. However, solely using whole wheat flour may make the donut denser.
• Gluten-Free Flour: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Add 1 tsp xanthan gum if the blend doesn’t already have it.

b. Active Dry Yeast

If you’re out of active dry yeast:

• Instant Yeast: Use the same amount as active dry yeast. Instant yeast doesn’t need to be dissolved in warm water before mixing—add it directly to the dry ingredients.
• Baking Powder/Baking Soda: For a no-yeast option, replace the yeast with 1 ½ tsp baking powder or ½ tsp baking soda. Note: This substitution will make the donuts more cake-like rather than airy yeast donuts.

c. Granulated Sugar

Sugar provides sweetness and helps activate the yeast. Alternatives include:

• Brown Sugar: Works just as well, but will add a slight molasses flavor.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural substitute with a caramel-like flavor that complements the golden fudge filling.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use 2 tablespoons of either for every 3 tablespoons of sugar. Note: Because these are liquids, reduce the milk slightly to maintain proper dough consistency.

d. Milk

Milk adds richness and helps tenderize the dough. If you don’t have regular milk:

• Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk can replace dairy milk at a 1:1 ratio. Choose neutral or slightly sweet-flavored options for the best results.
• Powdered Milk: Mix 1 tbsp powdered milk with 1 cup of warm water to recreate liquid milk.

e. Butter

Butter adds flavor and richness to the dough. Substitutes include:

• Margarine: Use in a 1:1 ratio. Margarine is a good option, but choose one with high fat content for better results.
• Coconut Oil: Substitute the butter with solid coconut oil (1:1 ratio). It imparts a slightly tropical flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Replace butter with vegetable or canola oil, though you may miss the buttery taste.

f. Egg Yolks

Egg yolks contribute to the dough’s richness and structure. Try these substitutes:

• Applesauce: Replace each egg yolk with 2 tbsp of unsweetened applesauce. Ideal for a vegan or lighter version.
• Mashed Banana: Use 2 tbsp mashed banana per egg yolk for a mild sweetness in the dough.
• Aquafaba: (Chickpea water) Replace each yolk with 2 tbsp aquafaba for a vegan-friendly option.

Final Thoughts

The Dunkin’ Golden Chocolate Donut is already an indulgent experience, but pairing it with the right sides or beverages elevates that donut moment into something truly special.

More Dunkin’ Recipes:

• Copycat Dunkin’ Mango Protein Refresher Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Bacon Jam Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte Recipe