Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Donuts are the ultimate indulgent treat for anyone who loves the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter. These soft, fluffy donuts are fried or baked to golden perfection, then stuffed with creamy peanut butter cups for a rich, gooey center. Topped with chocolate glaze and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat to impress friends and family. Each bite delivers a heavenly combination of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Donuts Recipe

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling

For Frying (if using fried method):

4 cups vegetable oil

For Filling:

12 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped

For Chocolate Glaze:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

Crushed peanuts or sprinkles

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape Donuts: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
Insert Peanut Butter Cups: Flatten each donut slightly, place a mini peanut butter cup in the center, and pinch the dough around it to seal completely.
Second Rise: Cover the stuffed donuts with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Fry or Bake:
- Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place donuts on a greased baking sheet and bake 12-15 minutes, until golden.
Make Chocolate Glaze: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with butter and cream. Stir until smooth and add vanilla extract.
Glaze Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the chocolate glaze and top with crushed peanuts or sprinkles if desired. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 donuts
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes (frying) or 15 minutes (baking)
Rise time: 1.5-2 hours
Total time: Approximately 2.5 hours

Variations

Different Fillings: Substitute peanut butter cups with caramel, Nutella, or jelly for a unique twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, adjusting liquid if necessary.
Baked Donuts: Opt for baking to reduce oil use while maintaining soft texture.
Mini Donuts: Make smaller donuts for bite-sized treats, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month; thaw and glaze before serving.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent melting the peanut butter cup too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular-sized peanut butter cups?

Yes, but you may need to increase the donut dough around the candy to fully encase it.

2. Can I make these without frying?

Absolutely, baked donuts are a great alternative for a lighter version.

3. Can I use store-bought donuts?

Yes, hollow out the center of baked donuts and fill with peanut butter cups, then dip in chocolate glaze.

4. How do I prevent the peanut butter cups from leaking?

Make sure to seal the dough completely around the candy and avoid over-frying or over-baking.

5. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the donuts ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, and fry or bake the next day.

6. Can I freeze the filled donuts?

Yes, freeze unglazed donuts. Add glaze after thawing to maintain a fresh appearance.

7. How do I get the glaze to stick properly?

Make sure the donuts are slightly warm, not hot, before dipping into the chocolate glaze.

8. Can I use dark or milk chocolate for the glaze?

Yes, both dark and milk chocolate work well depending on your preference.

9. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, chopped peanuts or almonds inside the peanut butter cup can enhance texture and flavor.

10. Are these suitable for kids?

Yes, these donuts are perfect for kids, just supervise if frying is involved.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Donuts are a decadent, fun dessert that combines soft, fluffy donuts with the rich flavor of peanut butter cups and chocolate glaze. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats, these donuts are versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to delight anyone who loves the ultimate chocolate and peanut butter combination.

Chef MARTHA