1package1/4 oz yeast -The recipe called for instant. I used active dry. This may have been another big problem. Gigi's recipe, however, called for active dry yeast.
Whisk together the egg, milk, butter, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and cocoa powder. Slowly mix the milk mixture into the dry mixture until a dough forms. I found that using my hands worked best for this. Move the dough to a clean counter top and knead it until it is slightly sticky and elastic. Coconut and Lime suggested that you might need to add additional flour to make it reach this consistency. I actually needed to add additional water. Do whatever works for you. Put your dough ball into a buttered bowl. Cover and let sit for an hour or until it doubles in size.
Roll dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use 2.5 inch circle cookie cutters to cut doughnuts and 1 inch cookie cutters to cut the holes. Put doughnuts in cupcake wrappers in cupcake tins. Cover with a towel and let rise for another hour.
Vanilla Frosting Instructions
Stir together confectioners sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl until smooth. If the icing is not easily spreadable, add more water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. If you will not be using it right away, cover the surface with a dampened paper towel, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. With an offset spatula, spread icing over the cupcake.