Dubai Chocolate Donut: The Ultimate Decadent Treat You Must Try

Dubai Chocolate Donut has taken over dessert menus, TikTok feeds, and sweet tooth dreams across the globe, and for good reason. With a pistachio-kataifi filling wrapped in a fluffy fried dough, then dipped in chocolate glaze and topped with nuts, these donuts are pure luxury in every bite. In this guide, we’ll show you how to recreate this viral sensation at home with an authentic twist, using real ingredients and a foolproof method.

Looking for inspiration? Try our take on Dubai Chocolate Strawberries here: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry


Let’s dive into what makes the Dubai Chocolate Donut so irresistible.

Close-up of a Dubai Chocolate Donut filled with pistachio cream and topped with chocolate glaze and crushed nuts.
A rich Dubai chocolate donut overflowing with pistachio cream, finished with glossy glaze and pistachio dust, pure indulgence.

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The Buzz Around Dubai Chocolate Donut

What Makes Dubai Chocolate Donut So Special?

Dubai chocolate donuts aren’t your average glazed treat. These indulgent pastries are stuffed with pistachio-kataifi cream, glazed with rich cocoa, and often finished with a drizzle of melted milk chocolate. What sets them apart? The flavor profile, nutty, creamy, and slightly salty, is unlike anything found in typical donut shops.

Their rise to fame started on social media, where influencers couldn’t get enough of the crunch-meets-creamy experience. Pair that with the luxurious appeal of anything “Dubai” and you’ve got yourself a dessert that screams opulence.

The Viral Dessert Trend: From Dubai Chocolate Bar to Donut

This trend started with the Dubai Chocolate Bar, a premium treat filled with pistachio butter, kataifi, and tahini. As fans began remixing it into brownies, cheesecakes, and even strawberries, donuts became the natural next step. The Dubai chocolate donut Dunkin-style version may be floating around in online forums, but this homemade version takes flavor and texture to the next level.

Check out another trending treat: The Pink Salt Trick Recipe

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Top view of chocolate-glazed Dubai donuts filled with pistachio cream and sprinkled with crushed pistachios.

Dubai Chocolate Donuts


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  • Author: Chef Josie
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 donuts 1x

Description

These Dubai Chocolate Donuts are a viral Middle Eastern-inspired dessert featuring soft, fluffy yeast donuts filled with creamy pistachio-kataifi filling, dipped in rich chocolate glaze, and topped with ground pistachios. This luxurious treat is the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and crunchy in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Donut Dough

  • 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup (113g) whole milk, warmed to 105°F

  • 1 tsp (3g) active dry yeast

  • 3 tbsp + 1 tsp (40g) granulated sugar

  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 large egg, room temp

  • ¼ tsp fine salt

  • Oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or shortening)

Filling

  • 1 cup pistachio cream (store-bought or homemade)

  • 2 cups (85g) kataifi, finely chopped

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

Chocolate Glaze

  • 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar

  • 3 tbsp (16g) unsweetened cocoa powder

  • ¼ tsp almond extract (or vanilla)

  • 23 tbsp milk (any kind)

Optional Toppings

  • 2 oz (56g) melted milk chocolate

  • Ground pistachios (for garnish)


Instructions

  • Bloom Yeast: Mix warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–7 minutes.

  • Make Dough: Combine flour, salt, butter, egg, sugar, and yeast mixture. Mix and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  • First Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.

  • Prep Filling: Toast kataifi in butter until golden. Cool and mix with pistachio cream.

  • Divide & Shape: Portion dough into 8 balls (~60g each), shape, and rest for 45 minutes.

  • Make Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, cocoa, extract, and milk until smooth.

  • Fry Donuts: Fry donuts at 350°F for 45 seconds per side, flip and repeat.

 

  • Fill & Finish: Fill donuts with the pistachio mix, dip in chocolate glaze, and top with pistachios and chocolate drizzle.

  • Prep Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Pastry
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 130mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

What is Dubai Chocolate?

The Origin: Fix Dessert Chocolatier’s Signature Creation

Dubai chocolate was made famous by Fix Dessert Chocolatier, a UAE-based company that launched the ultra-rich chocolate bar filled with Middle Eastern-inspired ingredients. It’s become a luxury dessert staple, often gifted, showcased at high-end events, or turned into viral recipes like these donuts.

Key Ingredients in Dubai Chocolate Explained (Pistachio, Tahini, Kataifi)

  • Pistachio Cream: Smooth and nutty, it’s the heart of Dubai chocolate’s signature flavor.
  • Tahini: Adds depth and a subtle bitterness that balances the sweet.
  • Kataifi: A crunchy, shredded phyllo dough toasted in butter—imagine it as a crispy upgrade to your usual fillings.

Don’t miss our new take on Middle Eastern sweets with a twist: Brazilian Mounjaro Drink

Ingredients Breakdown for Authentic Dubai Chocolate Donuts

Dough Ingredients: Soft, Pillowy Perfection

Creating the perfect Dubai chocolate donut starts with a light and airy dough. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, too much and the donuts get dense.
  • Whole Milk: Warmed to 105°F, it creates tender, soft results.
  • Active Dry Yeast: The foundation for rise and fluff.
  • Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds slight sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter (melted): Enriches the dough and adds flavor.
  • Room Temperature Egg: Provides structure.
  • Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and flavor.

Discover great ideas like our trending Date Bark treat: Date Bark Recipe

Filling and Glaze: Kataifi Pistachio Cream & Rich Chocolate

The signature Dubai chocolate donut filling is where the magic happens.

  • Kataifi Pastry: Shredded dough toasted in butter until golden and crispy.
  • Pistachio Cream: Homemade or store-bought, either way, this nutty cream steals the show.
  • Butter: For toasting the kataifi until crunchy.

Chocolate Glaze Ingredients:

  • Powdered Sugar
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • Almond Extract (or vanilla)
  • Milk (any kind works, even plant-based)

Optional toppings: Ground pistachios and melted milk chocolate for that Insta-worthy look.

Step-by-Step Recipe

How to Prepare the Donut Dough

  1. Bloom Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, a teaspoon of sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix Dough: In a stand mixer, combine flour, salt, melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and the bloomed yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead: Using the dough hook, knead on medium speed for 10 minutes. The dough should pass the “windowpane test.”
  4. First Rise: Form into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Frying, Filling, and Glazing: Bringing It All Together

  1. Shape Donuts: Divide dough into 8 equal portions (~60g each). Shape into balls, cover, and proof on parchment squares for 45 minutes.
    Dubai Chocolate Donut 3
    Dubai Chocolate Donut: The Ultimate Decadent Treat You Must Try 14

    2. Prep the Filling: Cut thawed kataifi into small pieces. Toast in butter over medium heat for 8–10 minutes. Let cool, then mix with pistachio cream.

    3. Make the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, cocoa, almond extract, and milk until smooth.

    4. Heat Oil: Bring oil to 350°F in a heavy pot.

    5. Fry: Carefully lower 2–3 donuts into the oil (with parchment). Remove paper, fry 45 seconds per side, repeat for another 20 seconds per side.

    Dubai Chocolate Donut 4
    Dubai Chocolate Donut: The Ultimate Decadent Treat You Must Try 15

    6. Cool: Transfer to paper towel-lined rack.

    7. Fill & Glaze: Poke a hole, fill with the kataifi pistachio cream, dip tops in chocolate glaze, sprinkle with ground pistachios, and drizzle with melted milk chocolate if desired.

      Looking for something salty-sweet? Don’t miss our Pink Salt Trick Recipe: The Pink Salt Trick Recipe

      Variations and Creative Twists

      How to Make Dubai Chocolate Donuts in Dunkin Style

      If you’re craving Dubai Chocolate Donuts with a Dunkin-style flair, here’s a quick spin. Use the same soft dough, but fill it with chocolate ganache or Nutella instead of pistachio cream. Top the donuts with a thick chocolate glaze and finish with colorful sprinkles or crushed pistachios. It gives that fast-food look while keeping the rich flavor of Dubai chocolate donuts intact.

      This version is perfect if you want something more familiar but still luxurious. It combines the richness of Dubai chocolate with the fun style of classic donut shops.

      Flavor Upgrades: Strawberry, Nutella, and White Chocolate Ideas

      There’s no limit to how far you can take Dubai Chocolate Donuts:

      • Strawberry Dubai Donuts: Blend fresh or freeze-dried strawberries into the pistachio cream for a fruit-forward upgrade.
      • Nutella-Filled: A smooth and sweet Nutella core offers a deeper chocolate hit.
      • White Chocolate Glaze: Replace the traditional glaze with white chocolate for a luxe contrast against the pistachio filling.

      Want more inspiration with fruit and chocolate? Check out our strawberry fusion recipe here: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry

      Pro Tips to Master Dubai Chocolate Donuts

      Avoid Mistakes When Making Dubai Chocolate Donuts

      Mastering Dubai Chocolate Donuts comes down to perfect dough, right proofing, and careful frying. If your dough is sticky, don’t add flour, lightly oil your hands instead. Always proof the donuts just right: under-proofed = dense texture; over-proofed = greasy donuts. Use the “poke test”, if it springs back slowly, they’re ready to fry.

      Maintain oil temperature at 350–360°F. Use a thermometer; oil that’s too hot will burn the outside before the inside cooks. Too cool and the donuts will soak in oil.

      Tricks to Keep Dubai Chocolate Donuts Light and Crispy

      • Fry only 2–3 Dubai chocolate donuts at a time to keep the oil from cooling too much.
      • Cool donuts on a rack lined with paper towels, this keeps them crisp, not soggy.
      • Make the filling in advance so the donuts can be assembled and served fresh.

      Looking for a trendy drink to enjoy with your batch of Dubai Chocolate Donuts?
      Try the refreshing Mounjaro drink: Brazilian Mounjaro Drink

      Dubai Chocolate Donut 5
      Dubai Chocolate Donut: The Ultimate Decadent Treat You Must Try 16

      Storage and Serving Ideas

      Best Ways to Store and Reheat Dubai Chocolate Donuts

      Dubai Chocolate Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can still keep them tasting great a day or two later. Store them at room temperature in a lightly covered container for up to 48 hours. Avoid sealing them too tightly, this keeps the glaze from sweating and turning soggy.

      To reheat, skip the microwave. Instead, pop your Dubai chocolate donuts into an oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. They’ll warm through without getting rubbery or greasy.

      Ideal Pairings

      These rich donuts pair beautifully with:

      • Espresso or cardamom coffee
      • Chilled pistachio milk
      • Vanilla bean ice cream
      • A side of fresh fruit or berries

      Make it a brunch centerpiece or an elevated midnight snack. They’re just that versatile.

      Conclusion

      If you’ve never tried Dubai Chocolate Donuts, now’s the time. They’re not just donuts, they’re a full experience. With their Middle Eastern-inspired pistachio filling, glossy chocolate glaze, and buttery crunch, they’re a dessert worth mastering at home. Want more creative takes?

      Don’t miss our recipe that uses similar ingredients in a fresh format: Date Bark

      FAQ Section

      What is a Dubai chocolate donut?

      A Dubai chocolate donut is a yeast-based donut filled with kataifi and pistachio cream, glazed with chocolate, and topped with crushed pistachios and optional milk chocolate drizzle. It’s inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar and is known for its unique texture and luxury flavor.

      Is the Dubai chocolate donut at Starbucks real?

      There have been limited-edition desserts inspired by Dubai chocolate at Starbucks in some regions, but as of now, there is no official global Starbucks version of a Dubai chocolate donut. However, many bakeries and home bakers recreate this viral dessert.

      Why is Dubai Fix chocolate so expensive?

      Fix Dessert Chocolatier’s chocolate bars use high-end ingredients like premium pistachios, tahini, and kataifi, combined with hand-crafted techniques. The cost reflects the quality, brand exclusivity, and labor-intensive preparation.

      What is Dubai chocolate made of?

      Dubai chocolate typically features a rich blend of pistachio cream, kataifi pastry, tahini, and high-quality chocolate. This unique mix delivers a creamy, nutty, and crunchy bite in every piece, especially in donut form.

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