If you’ve ever wanted to treat yourself to a sweet indulgence that feels like a hug from the inside, this Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These homemade donuts boast a perfect balance of soft, tender crumb with a crisp cinnamon sugar coating that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. Whether baked or fried, making these donuts from scratch is surprisingly simple and yields a delightful treat that beautifully fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe, it’ll instantly become a favorite to whip up any time a sugar craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the flour that forms the donut’s soft structure to the cinnamon that gives it that irresistible warm spice.
- 2 cups flour: The foundation of your donuts, providing the perfect tender texture.
- ¾ cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light crust when baked or fried.
- 2 eggs: These bind the ingredients and add richness and moisture.
- ½ cup milk: Gives moisture to the batter for soft, fluffy donuts.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: This key spice brings warmth, depth, and that classic cinnamon sugar flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by mixing your flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and cinnamon in a bowl until they form a smooth batter. It’s important not to overmix here; a few lumps are okay to keep the donuts tender and airy. You’ll notice how the cinnamon starts to swirl into the mix, previewing the delicious taste to come.
Step 2: Bake or Fry the Donuts
Next, shape your batter into donuts. If you’re baking, pour the batter into a donut pan and bake until golden and springy to the touch, about 10 to 12 minutes. If frying, heat your oil to the perfect temperature and carefully drop spoonfuls of batter to fry until puffed and perfectly golden. Both methods create beautiful donuts, each with their own charm—baked for a lighter bite, fried for that classic crisp exterior.
Step 3: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While your donuts are still warm, generously toss them in a cinnamon sugar mixture. This step is crucial because the warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully, creating that signature sparkling coat that crunches at the first bite and melts into the soft donut beneath. Don’t be shy with the cinnamon sugar; it’s the magic touch that makes this Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your donuts even further, try dusting a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right before serving. You can also sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar for an elegant touch or drizzle a thin glaze of vanilla icing for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the cinnamon flavor wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon sugar donuts pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or creamy hot chocolate, making for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream can lighten up the richness and add a bit of color and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your donuts on a wooden board lined with parchment and pile them high with cinnamon sugar, placing small bowls of berry jam or chocolate sauce on the side for dipping. It’s delightful for a brunch spread or a friendly gathering where sharing is part of the joy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cinnamon sugar donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh—perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on the go.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? These donuts freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month, ready to bring back that sweet, cinnamon goodness whenever you want.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked feel, warm your leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or toast them lightly in a toaster oven. This quick reheat brings back the warmth and softness, and if you like, add a quick brush of melted butter before tossing in cinnamon sugar again for extra freshly-made goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a non-stick donut pan for baking?
Absolutely! A non-stick pan works perfectly and will make removing the donuts easy without breaking their tender shape.
Is it possible to make these donuts vegan?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk alternative to make this Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe vegan-friendly without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Do I have to use cinnamon in the recipe?
Cinnamon is key to the signature flavor here, but if you want to switch it up, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can be interesting alternatives for a different twist.
Can I bake all the donuts instead of frying them?
Definitely! Baking is a healthier method and still yields soft, delicious donuts that are easier to make. Just make sure to watch the baking time closely for a perfect finish.
What’s the best cinnamon sugar ratio for coating?
A great starting point is one part cinnamon to three parts sugar. You can adjust according to your preferred spice level for that perfect sweet and spicy balance.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe is one of life’s simple pleasures that feels like a special occasion any day of the week. The blend of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar coating a soft, tender donut is pure joy. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the happy smiles it brings. Whether as a breakfast treat, party snack, or a cozy dessert, it’s destined to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, a perfect treat with a soft, fluffy texture and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. This simple recipe combines basic pantry ingredients to create classic donuts that can be either baked or fried to your preference. Enjoy them warm for a comforting breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Additional granulated sugar (about ½ cup)
- Additional ground cinnamon (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk, mixing well. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Bake or Fry Donuts: For baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. Spoon or pipe the batter into the pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For frying, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil. Fry until golden brown on one side (about 2-3 minutes), then flip and fry the other side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Combine the extra sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the donuts are still warm, toss or brush each donut with melted butter and then coat generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter donut, opt for baking instead of frying.
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts when frying.
- To keep donuts warm, place them on a wire rack in a low oven (about 200°F) after cooking.
- Use a donut pan for baking to get the classic shape and even cooking.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
