- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a doughnut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
- Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing, as this can make the doughnuts dense.
- The batter should be thick but smooth.
Step 5: Fill the Doughnut Pan
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
- Pipe the batter evenly into the doughnut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Step 6: Bake the Doughnuts
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a doughnut comes out clean.
- Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- If the glaze is too thick, add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time.
Step 8: Glaze the Doughnuts
- Dip the cooled doughnuts into the cream cheese glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack and let the glaze set for a few minutes.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Add your favorite garnishes, such as red sprinkles, crushed chocolate cookies, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Doughnuts
- Vibrant Color:
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red hue without altering the batter’s consistency.
- Consistency:
- Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure soft and fluffy doughnuts.
- Alternative to Buttermilk:
- No buttermilk on hand? Mix ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Doughnuts
These Red Velvet Doughnuts are a delightful combination of chocolatey richness and tangy cream cheese sweetness. Their striking appearance makes them a centerpiece-worthy dessert, while their tender texture will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or simply treating yourself, this recipe brings a touch of luxury to your baking repertoire.