Ricotta Donuts with Chocolate Chips: A Delicious Breakfast Recipe

 

Why Ricotta Donuts Are So Special

✔ Tender, moist, and airy

The ricotta adds moisture and structure, making them lighter than traditional yeast or cake donuts.

✔ Simple ingredients

No yeast proofing needed; most ingredients are pantry staples.

✔ Flexible cooking methods

Can be baked or fried, with equally delicious results.

✔ Freezer-friendly

Make in batches and store for later breakfasts or snacks.

✔ Perfect for customization

Chocolate chips, citrus zest, glazes, sprinkles, or powdered sugar – endless options.

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🧾 Ingredients (Makes 12–16 Donuts)

For the Donuts

• 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese, whole milk or part-skim

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

• ½ cup (90–100 g) mini chocolate chips

For Frying (Optional)

• Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, sunflower) for frying

For Glaze

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: cocoa powder for chocolate glaze, citrus zest for flavor

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Expert Tips)

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STEP 1 — Prepare the Ricotta Donut Batter

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

   • Whisk until smooth and creamy.

   • Tip: Using room-temperature ricotta prevents lumps.

2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

   • This ensures even rising and light texture.

3. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture.

   • Use a spatula, folding gently to avoid overmixing.

   • Overmixing develops gluten, which can make donuts tough.

4. Fold in mini chocolate chips.

   • Tip: Toss chips in a teaspoon of flour first to prevent them from sinking.

5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.

   • Chilling slightly helps the batter hold its shape during frying or piping.

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STEP 2 — Shape the Donuts

You can make donuts using two methods:

Method A: Frying (Classic Donuts)

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).

2. Use a small ice cream scoop or piping bag to drop batter into hot oil.

3. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

4. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Method B: Baking (Healthier Version)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly grease a donut pan.

3. Spoon batter into pan cavities until ¾ full.

4. Bake 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden and toothpick inserted comes out clean.

5. Cool slightly before glazing.

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STEP 3 — Glazing the Donuts

Classic Vanilla Glaze

1. In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

2. Whisk until smooth.

3. Dip warm donuts into glaze and place on wire rack.

4. Let glaze set for 10 minutes.

Chocolate Glaze Option

• Mix 2 tablespoons cocoa powder with powdered sugar and milk.

• Adjust consistency for dipping or drizzling.

Optional Toppings

• Sprinkles

• Chopped nuts

• Shredded coconut

• Citrus zest

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🍽 Taste & Texture Breakdown

Texture

• Exterior: Slightly crisp if fried; golden and tender if baked

• Interior: Light, fluffy, moist, airy

• Chocolate pockets: Soft, melty, sweet bursts in each bite

Flavor

• Mildly sweet with rich ricotta undertones

• Vanilla aroma

• Chocolate balance: sweet with slight bitterness from cocoa

• Optional cinnamon/nutmeg adds warmth and depth

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⭐ Variations

1. Lemon Ricotta Donuts

• Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to batter

• Optional glaze: mix powdered sugar with lemon juice

2. Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• After frying, toss donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm

3. Chocolate Chip + Espresso

• Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to batter

• Enhance chocolate flavor for mocha lovers

4. Strawberry Swirl

• Fold in ¼ cup finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries

• Optional strawberry glaze

5. Almond Joy Donuts

• Add shredded coconut + chopped almonds to batter

• Chocolate glaze on top

6. Gluten-Free Version

• Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

• May require slight adjustment in baking time

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Best enjoyed within 24 hours for freshness.

Freezing

• Wrap individually in plastic wrap → store in freezer bag.

• Freeze for up to 1 month.

• Reheat in oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave 20–30 seconds.

Glaze Storage

• Store separately to keep donuts from becoming soggy.

• Glaze just before serving.

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🔧 Troubleshooting

❌ Donuts are dense

• Check baking powder expiration

• Don’t overmix

• Ensure ricotta isn’t watery

❌ Donuts collapse

• Underbaked → check toothpick

• Frying oil too hot or too cold

❌ Chocolate chips sink

• Toss chips in flour before adding

• Fold gently

❌ Glaze too runny

• Add more powdered sugar

• Adjust milk gradually

❌ Glaze cracks

• Glaze while donuts are slightly warm, not hot

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• With coffee, cappuccino, latte, or hot chocolate

• Afternoon snack with tea

• Breakfast spread with fruit and yogurt

• Brunch table centerpiece

• Party platters or gift boxes

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🎨 Decorating Tips

• Drizzle contrasting chocolate over vanilla glaze for visual appeal

• Sprinkle powdered sugar for rustic charm

• Use edible flowers for special occasions

• Dip half donut in glaze for a modern look

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📜 Condensed Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Ricotta, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla, chocolate chips, optional spices.

Steps:

1. Mix ricotta, sugar, eggs, vanilla.

2. Fold in dry ingredients and chocolate chips.

3. Chill 15–30 minutes.

4. Fry at 350°F or bake at 375°F until golden.

5. Glaze as desired.

6. Cool slightly, serve, and enjoy!

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🎉 Final Thoughts

These Ricotta Donuts with Chocolate Chips are light, tender, and slightly indulgent without being overly sweet. The ricotta ensures a moist, fluffy texture that’s superior to traditional cake donuts, while the chocolate chips add moments of melty richness. They’re quick to prepare, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable for seasonal flavors or personal preference.

Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. This recipe bridges the gap between home baking ease and bakery-quality indulgence.

If desired, I can also create:
🍫 A chocolate ricotta version
🍓 A fruit-stuffed ricotta donut
🥥 A coconut cream ricotta donut
☕ A coffee-flavored ricotta donut
🍋 A lemon ricotta donut with glaze

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If you want, I can also write a fully illustrated step-by-step version with photos and tips for perfect fried vs. baked ricotta donuts to make it even easier to follow.

Do you want me to do that?