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Homemade Tim Hortons Chocolate-Glazed Donut Copycat – Easy & Delicious

The Tim Hortons Chocolate-Glazed Donut combines a moist, chocolatey interior with a glossy, sweet glaze, delivering a perfectly balanced treat. This copycat recipe replicates the classic flavor and texture, offering both baked and fried versions depending on your kitchen setup. With simple ingredients and precise technique, you can achieve a donut that is tender, rich, and indulgent. Whether for a breakfast pairing or a sweet snack, this recipe allows home bakers to recreate the Tim Hortons chocolate-glazed experience with professional results.

What Is a Tim Hortons Chocolate-Glazed Donut?

The Tim Hortons Chocolate-Glazed Donut is a classic Canadian treat, loved for its soft, cakey chocolate dough and shiny, sweet glaze. Each donut has about 280 calories, 14g fat, and 37g carbs, offering a rich cocoa flavor that’s sweet but not overwhelming. The chocolate glaze adds a light sugary crunch, creating a perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. Fans often describe it as “like a brownie for breakfast,” with a tender texture that pairs perfectly with coffee.

Baking this donut at home lets you control the ingredients, reduce sugar or fat, and adjust it to your preference. You can make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or extra chocolatey, and enjoy a fresh-from-the-bakery experience without leaving your kitchen. This copycat approach delivers the same flavor and texture as Tim Hortons while giving you full control over your homemade version.

Ingredients for Tim Hortons Chocolate-Glazed Donuts (Copycat Recipe)

This recipe covers both baked donuts (quick, light, and tender) and fried donuts (classic, yeast-based, and rich). It makes about 12 donuts. Most ingredients are pantry staples, with easy substitutions for dietary needs.

Baked Chocolate-Glazed Donuts

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg (or 1 tsp baking soda + 1 tbsp vinegar for egg-free)
  • ½ cup 2% milk (or almond, oat, or other non-dairy milk)
  • ¼ cup sour cream (or vegan sour cream)
  • ¼ cup canola oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Fried Chocolate-Glazed Donuts

Dough Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ½ cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or non-dairy milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For Frying:

  • Canola or vegetable oil (enough to fill 2 inches of a pot)

Chocolate Glaze (for Both Versions)

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or water (adjust for desired thickness)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 tbsp melted chocolate for extra richness

Dietary Substitutions

  • Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour.
  • Dairy-Free: Replace milk, sour cream, and butter with plant-based alternatives.
  • Low-Sugar: Use monk fruit or stevia-based sweetener (1:1 ratio). Adjust glaze accordingly.
  • Egg-Free: For baked donuts, use baking soda + vinegar; for fried, replace each egg with ¼ cup applesauce.

Equipment Needed for Tim Hortons Chocolate-Glazed Donuts

For Baked Donuts:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Donut pan (6 or 12 cavities)
  • Cooling rack

For Fried Donuts:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer (optional, for kneading)
  • Donut cutter or round cookie cutters
  • Deep pot or fryer
  • Slotted spoon

For Chocolate Glaze:

  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Shallow dish for dipping

Optional Tools:

  • Piping bag for filling donut pans
  • Thermometer for frying

Tip: No donut pan? Use a muffin tin instead. Add 5–8 extra minutes to the bake time and expect slightly different donut shapes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tim Hortons Chocolate-Glazed Donuts

Baked Chocolate-Glazed Donuts (Quick and Easy)

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix. The batter will be thick.
  5. Fill Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full.
  6. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  7. Glaze Donuts: Mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and 2–3 tbsp water or milk to make a smooth glaze. Dip warm (not hot) donuts into the glaze and let the excess drip off. Place on a rack to set.

Fried Chocolate-Glazed Donuts (Authentic Tim Hortons Style)

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First Proof: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Shape Donuts: On a floured surface, roll the dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut donuts with a 3-inch cutter (or round cookie cutters). Re-roll scraps and cut again.
  5. Second Proof: Place shaped donuts on a floured baking sheet, cover, and let rise 30 minutes.
  6. Fry Donuts: Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Glaze Donuts: Use the same glaze as for baked donuts. Dip warm donuts into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place on a wire rack to set.

Chocolate Glaze Tips

  • For a shiny, Tim Hortons-style glaze, dip donuts while warm, not hot.
  • For thicker glaze, reduce water/milk to 1–2 tbsp or add 1 tbsp melted chocolate.
  • Store extra glaze in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before using.

Nutritional Information

Baked Chocolate-Glazed Donuts (per donut, 12 servings)

  • Calories: ~200 kcal (lower than Tim Hortons’ 280 kcal)
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Protein: 3g

Fried Chocolate-Glazed Donuts (per donut, 12 servings)

  • Calories: ~290 kcal (similar to Tim Hortons’ 280 kcal)
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 4g

Comparison to Tim Hortons

  • Tim Hortons Chocolate-Glazed Donut: 280 kcal, 14g fat, 37g carbs. Contains egg, gluten, milk, soy, and wheat.
  • This Copycat Recipe: You can adjust ingredients for dietary needs. The baked version has slightly fewer calories, while both versions closely match the flavor and texture of the original.

Tips for Healthier Options

  • Use non-dairy milk or gluten-free flour to reduce allergens.
  • Check for cross-contamination if you have food allergies.
  • Reduce sugar or swap for natural sweeteners to lower carbs.

Why This Recipe Works

This Tim Hortons Chocolate-Glazed Donut copycat recipe works so well because it:

  • Gives you options: Choose baked for a quick, lighter treat or fried for the classic, soft, cakey texture.
  • Uses simple ingredients: Pantry staples make it easy to bake at home, inspired by trusted recipes like Maritime Glutton and Basics With Bails.
  • Delivers authentic flavor: The glossy chocolate glaze and rich cocoa taste closely match the original, with tips to get a professional finish.
  • Adapts to dietary needs: Options for gluten-free, dairy-free, or lower sugar versions make it inclusive for everyone.

As a long-time Tim Hortons fan, I’ve enjoyed countless Chocolate-Glazed Timbits with my double-double. This recipe captures that same cozy, indulgent experience at home—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! For baked donuts, you can use a muffin tin—just add 5–8 minutes to the baking time. For fried donuts, cut the dough into rounds or use a small glass to shape each donut.

Is this recipe egg-free?
Yes. For baked donuts, replace the egg with baking soda plus vinegar. For fried donuts, use ¼ cup applesauce per egg. Check the substitutions section above for details.

How do I get the glossy Tim Hortons-style glaze?
Dip warm donuts into slightly warm glaze and let them set on a cooling rack. For extra shine, add a bit of melted chocolate to the glaze.

Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, but white sugar gives the best texture. Monkfruit (1:1 ratio) works well for a low-sugar option. Avoid liquid sweeteners like honey in the donut dough, though they can be used in the glaze.

How long do these donuts stay fresh?
Store baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fried donuts keep for about 1 day. Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month and glaze them after thawing.

Conclusion

This Tim Hortons Chocolate-Glazed Donut copycat recipe lets you enjoy one of Canada’s favorite treats right at home. Choose the quick baked version for a lighter option or the authentic fried version for that classic, soft, and cakey texture. Both deliver rich chocolate flavor and a shiny, sweet glaze just like the original.

Make these donuts for your coffee break, breakfast, or special occasion, and easily customize them to your taste with egg-free, dairy-free, or low-sugar options. Share them with friends and family to bring a bit of Tim Hortons magic to your kitchen. Have a favorite twist or tip? Leave a comment—I’d love to hear!

Happy baking (or frying)!

Mark Taylor
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I’m not affiliated with Tim Hortons or any of its official partners. This website is based on my personal experiences, visits, and research across various Tim Hortons locations in Canada. All the information shared here is for general reference and is meant to help fellow coffee and donut lovers make the most of their next visit. Thanks for reading—and enjoy your Tim's run!

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