There’s something undeniably delightful about biting into a freshly made donut, especially when it’s topped with rich chocolate and a surprising crunch. These Chocolate Frosted Raised Donuts (with, um, crunchy kettle potato chips) are a unique twist on the classic treat, combining the sweetness of chocolate with the salty crunch of kettle-cooked potato chips for a flavor experience that is sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or serving them at a gathering, these donuts will be a hit!
Why It Works Every Time

The secret to these Chocolate Frosted Raised Donuts (with, um, crunchy kettle potato chips) lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The yeast dough creates a light and airy donut that is perfect for frying, while the chocolate glaze adds a rich sweetness. The addition of crushed kettle potato chips not only provides a satisfying crunch but also complements the chocolate with a hint of saltiness. This combination makes for a donut that is both indulgent and surprisingly addictive.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2% is best)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 packages active dry yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- Oil for frying
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the glaze)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup milk (for the glaze)
- 3 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup kettle cooked potato chips, crushed
Hardware & Gadgets
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients and making the dough.
- Rolling pin: To roll out the dough to the right thickness.
- Donut cutter: Essential for shaping your donuts perfectly.
- Frying pan or deep fryer: For frying the donuts to a golden perfection.
- Wire rack: To cool the donuts after frying.
Method: Chocolate Frosted Raised Donuts (with, um, crunchy kettle potato chips.)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small saucepan, combine the milk, water, and unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (not hot). Remove from heat and stir in the honey. Allow the mixture to cool to about 110°F (43°C).
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need more flour for dusting.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and holes. Place them on a floured baking sheet and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Fry the Donuts
In a deep frying pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, light corn syrup, and 1/4 cup of milk. Add the chopped milk chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
Dip the cooled donuts into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle the crushed kettle potato chips on top of the glaze for the perfect crunch.
Holiday-Friendly Variations

- Substitute the milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add seasonal spices like cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a festive twist.
- Decorate with colorful sprinkles for birthdays or special occasions.
- Try using flavored potato chips, like barbecue or sour cream, for a different flavor profile.
If You’re Curious
These donuts can be a fun way to experiment with flavors! The combination of sweet and salty is not only satisfying but also intriguing, making these Chocolate Frosted Raised Donuts (with, um, crunchy kettle potato chips) a conversation starter at any gathering. If you love chocolate, you might also enjoy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars or Chocolate Caramel Cookies as delightful treats to complement your donut experience.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, but you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier donut.
What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
You can use two different sizes of round cookie cutters or even a glass to cut out the donuts and holes.
Can these donuts be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise the night before, then shape and fry them in the morning for fresh donuts.
What is the best way to serve these donuts?
Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or milk. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert!
Serve with These
- Chocolate Zucchini Cake for a delicious pairing.
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Your favorite coffee or tea to complement the flavors perfectly.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the ingredients and a clear method, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! These Chocolate Frosted Raised Donuts (with, um, crunchy kettle potato chips) will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your creations! Happy frying!

Chocolate Frosted Raised Donuts (with, um, crunchy kettle potato chips.)
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups milk (whole or 2% is best)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 packages active dry yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 5 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- Oil for frying
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the glaze)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup milk (for the glaze)
- 3 ounces milk chocolate (chopped)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup kettle cooked potato chips (crushed)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the milk, water, and unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (not hot). Remove from heat and stir in the honey. Allow the mixture to cool to about 110°F (43°C).
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need more flour for dusting.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and holes. Place them on a floured baking sheet and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- In a deep frying pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool.
- In a small saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, light corn syrup, and 1/4 cup of milk. Add the chopped milk chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle the crushed kettle potato chips on top of the glaze for the perfect crunch.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Donut cutter
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Wire Rack
Notes
- These donuts taste best when fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a fun twist, try using flavored potato chips!
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to enjoy warm.
