Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe

If you’re craving that perfect sweet breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe. These doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in just the right amount of cinnamon sugar spice for a delightful balance. I promise, once you try this, you won’t want to buy store-bought doughnuts ever again. Plus, making them at home is simpler than you might think—let me walk you through it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role here, blending together to give you doughnuts that are tender, slightly sweet, and perfectly spiced. When shopping, I like to pick fresh yeast and good-quality cinnamon; it really elevates the flavor. Also, keep your milk lukewarm for perfect yeast activation.

• Whole Milk: Lukewarm milk wakes up the yeast without killing it, ensuring your dough rises perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds mild sweetness.
• Active Dry Yeast: The magic behind the fluffy texture; make sure it’s fresh.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure but still keeps doughnuts tender.
• Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps with the texture.
• Neutral or Light Olive Oil: Keeps the dough moist and is also what you’ll use for frying.
• Cinnamon: The star of the cinnamon sugar coating — adjust based on your spice preference.
• Ground Cardamom: Optional but adds a subtle, warm complexity if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Pinch of Salt: For the cinnamon sugar mix, to bring out those flavors.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to switch up the spice profile or adapt it for dietary needs, get creative! I like to mix in a pinch of nutmeg when I make these around the holidays, it adds such a cozy vibe.

• Gluten-Free: I once tried a gluten-free flour blend replacement—it worked well, though the doughnuts turned out a bit denser still delicious.
• Vegan: You can swap the egg for flax or chia egg and use plant-based milk; just keep an eye on the dough texture as it might need a little adjustment.
• Less Spice: If you’re not a big fan of cinnamon, reducing it or skipping cardamom entirely works fine — you’ll still get a lovely sweet crunch.
• Filled Doughnuts: After frying, inject a little jam or custard for a fancy touch—this really impresses guests!

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk until it’s just lukewarm—around body temperature is ideal because too hot will kill the yeast. Sprinkle in the yeast and a tablespoon of sugar, then stir lightly and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll see it start to foam and bubble — that’s your green light that the yeast is alive and kicking! Once this bubbly mixture is ready, combine it with the flour, salt, egg, remaining sugar, and oil. I like to use a sturdy bowl and mix with my hands because it lets me feel the dough texture come together perfectly. Knead gently for about 8 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

After kneading, shape your dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean damp cloth or plastic wrap, then let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for around 45 minutes, until it doubles in size. This step is where your doughnuts get that incredible fluffiness—be patient and resist the urge to rush it! I usually preheat my oven to the lowest setting and then turn it off, placing the dough inside for a cozy rising environment.

Step 3: Shape Your Doughnuts

Once your dough has doubled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness—thicker dough makes for soft, pillowy doughnuts. Use a round cutter or the rim of a large glass to cut out doughnut shapes. Don’t have a smaller circle cutter for the holes? No worries! I use a small bottle cap or even a garlic press to get perfect little holes. Reroll scraps gently and repeat until all the dough is used up.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden Brown

Heat neutral oil (like vegetable or light olive oil) in a deep skillet or pan to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one because temperature control is key here—too hot and the doughnuts burn on the outside but stay raw inside; too cool and they soak up oil. Carefully drop doughnuts into the oil in batches, frying for about 90 seconds to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar

While still warm, toss your doughnuts in a bowl of cinnamon sugar (a mix of granulated sugar, cinnamon, cardamom if using, and a pinch of salt). The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully, giving you that addictive sweet-spicy coating. I like to do this step quickly so none of the sugar falls off later.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving these doughnuts dusted with a touch more cinnamon sugar for extra sparkle. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of melted butter or a light glaze, but honestly, these are so good as-is that I usually keep it simple. Another fun twist? Sprinkle with finely chopped nuts like pistachios for a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

These doughnuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea — something with warming spices to complement the cinnamon. On weekends, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit like berries or a simple scrambled egg for balance if you want a fuller breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I’ll lay them out on a pretty platter with little bowls of whipped cream, jam, and nut butter for folks to dip. Sometimes I stack them high like a doughnut tower for birthday celebrations — it’s always a crowd-pleaser! You can even thread them on a skewer for a fun doughnut “kabob.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be a tall order!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I find these doughnuts lose their best texture after that, so it’s best to enjoy fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these doughnuts by laying them flat on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag once solid. They freeze beautifully and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge. Perfect when you want homemade doughnuts ready in a flash later!

Reheating

To revive day-old or frozen doughnuts, I reheat them in a warm oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5–7 minutes. This refreshes that fresh-fried crispness and softness inside. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it makes them chewy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe turns out every single time—it’s become a weekend favorite in my kitchen. There’s something super comforting about homemade doughnuts, especially when you can control the spice level and freshness. I hope you give this a try and discover how easy and rewarding it is to make your own fresh doughnuts. Trust me, your family (and you!) will go crazy for these. Happy frying!

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