Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

The aroma of warm cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen – is there anything more comforting? For years, store-bought donuts were a weekend treat in our household, but honestly, they often left us wanting more. Too greasy, too artificial, never quite right. That’s why I embarked on a quest to create the perfect homemade cinnamon sugar donut. After countless trials and tweaks (and a lot of happy taste-testers, my family!), I finally landed on this recipe. These donuts are light, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness. They bake up beautifully, avoiding the heaviness of fried versions, and are surprisingly simple to make. The kids absolutely devour them, and even my donut-connoisseur husband declares them superior to anything you can buy. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a donut haven!

Ingredients for Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

To create these delectable cinnamon sugar donuts, you’ll need a collection of pantry staples and just a few minutes of preparation. Let’s break down each ingredient and why it plays a crucial role in achieving donut perfection:

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our donuts, all-purpose flour provides the structure and chewiness we crave. Make sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife, avoiding scooping directly from the bag which can lead to too much flour and denser donuts. For a slightly lighter texture, you can use cake flour, but all-purpose works wonderfully and is readily available.
• ½ cup Granulated Sugar: Sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the donut’s tender texture and golden-brown crust. Granulated sugar is ideal for this recipe as it dissolves easily and provides the perfect level of sweetness without being overpowering.
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder: This is the magic ingredient that gives our donuts their light and airy rise. Baking powder is a leavening agent that creates air bubbles in the batter, resulting in fluffy, cake-like donuts rather than dense, flat ones. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best results; old baking powder may lose its potency.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Salt might seem insignificant in a sweet recipe, but it plays a vital role in enhancing the flavors of all the other ingredients. It balances the sweetness and prevents the donuts from tasting flat or one-dimensional. Table salt or fine sea salt works best here.
• 1 cup Milk: Milk adds moisture to the batter, contributing to the donut’s tenderness and keeping them from being dry. Whole milk will provide the richest flavor, but 2% milk or even non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk can also be used with slight variations in richness.
• 2 Large Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together, adding richness, and contributing to the structure of the donuts. They also help create a slightly chewy texture and a beautiful golden color. Use large eggs at room temperature for best incorporation into the batter.
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Melted: Melted butter adds flavor, richness, and moisture to the donuts. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the recipe precisely. Make sure the butter is melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the batter to avoid cooking the eggs.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the donuts, adding a warm, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon and sugar beautifully. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, but imitation vanilla can be used in a pinch.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup Granulated Sugar: We’ll use granulated sugar again for the coating, creating that classic sweet crunch.
• 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star of the show in this coating, providing warmth, spice, and that signature cinnamon sugar flavor. Use good quality ground cinnamon for the best aroma and taste. Ceylon cinnamon is known for its delicate and sweet flavor, while Cassia cinnamon has a bolder, spicier profile – choose your preference!
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Melted (for brushing): Melted butter acts as the “glue” for the cinnamon sugar coating, helping it adhere beautifully to the warm donuts. It also adds a touch of richness and prevents the coating from becoming too dry.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to create these irresistible cinnamon sugar donuts. Follow these instructions carefully for donut success:

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the donuts bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown color without drying out too quickly.
• Grease a donut pan thoroughly with cooking spray. A non-stick donut pan is highly recommended for easy donut release. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use muffin tins, although the shape will be different. Alternatively, you can bake them as drop biscuits on a baking sheet, but they won’t have the classic donut hole.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps of baking powder or salt in the batter. This step is crucial for consistent leavening and flavor throughout the donuts.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted and slightly cooled butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the eggs are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Ensuring the butter is slightly cooled prevents it from cooking the eggs when they are mixed together.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
• Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense donuts. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan

• Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off a corner to create a piping opening.
• Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Avoid overfilling, as the donuts will rise and may overflow during baking. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can carefully spoon the batter into the donut pan, but piping allows for more even and less messy filling.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The donuts should spring back lightly when gently touched.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
• Melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small bowl or in the microwave. This melted butter will be used to brush the warm donuts before coating them in cinnamon sugar.

Step 8: Coat the Warm Donuts

• Once the donuts are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before handling.
• Gently remove the donuts from the donut pan. A thin spatula or knife can help loosen them if needed. Be careful not to break them as they are still delicate when warm.
• While the donuts are still warm, brush each donut generously with melted butter using a pastry brush. Ensure all sides are coated for maximum cinnamon sugar adhesion.
• Immediately dredge each buttered donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring all sides are fully coated. Gently press the donut into the cinnamon sugar to help it stick.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve the cinnamon sugar donuts immediately while they are warm and fresh for the best taste and texture. They are also delicious at room temperature and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, although they are best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition Facts for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (Approximate)

Please note that these are approximate nutritional values and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements. This is based on one donut from a batch of 12.

• Servings: 12 Donuts
• Calories per Serving (1 donut): Approximately 250-300 calories
• Fat: 12-15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 7-9 grams
• Cholesterol: 50-60 mg
• Sodium: 150-200 mg
• Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
• Sugar: 20-25 grams
• Protein: 3-4 grams

These donuts are a delicious treat, and while they are not a low-calorie food, enjoying them in moderation as part of a balanced diet is perfectly acceptable. Homemade donuts allow you to control the ingredients to some extent compared to commercially made ones.

Preparation Time for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

From start to finish, these cinnamon sugar donuts are surprisingly quick to make, making them perfect for a weekend brunch or a spontaneous sweet craving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes measuring ingredients, mixing batter, and preparing pan)
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling and Coating Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes

This timeframe allows for a relatively quick turnaround from craving to enjoying warm, homemade cinnamon sugar donuts. The active time is minimal, making them a great option even for busy bakers.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

These versatile donuts can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making them perfect for different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Warm and Fresh: The absolute best way to enjoy these donuts is warm, right after they have been coated in cinnamon sugar. The warmth enhances the flavors and creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair these donuts with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or latte for a classic breakfast or afternoon treat combination. The sweetness of the donuts complements the bitterness of coffee or tea perfectly.
• With Milk: For a kid-friendly option, serve the donuts with a glass of cold milk. Chocolate milk or vanilla milk can also be delicious pairings.
• As Dessert: These donuts make a delightful dessert after a meal. They are sweet and satisfying without being overly heavy.
• Donut Platter: Create a fun donut platter by adding these cinnamon sugar donuts alongside other donut varieties (chocolate glazed, powdered sugar, etc.) for a party or special occasion.
• With Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve a warm cinnamon sugar donut with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast of warm donut and cold ice cream is heavenly.
• Brunch Spread: Include these donuts as part of a larger brunch spread with savory items like eggs, bacon, and fruit.
• Party Favors: Package individual donuts in small cellophane bags tied with ribbons as cute and delicious party favors.

Additional Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

To ensure your homemade cinnamon sugar donuts are a resounding success, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: As mentioned earlier, overmixing the batter can lead to tough donuts. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few streaks of flour. Gentle mixing is key for a tender crumb.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature milk and eggs helps them incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother and more consistent texture. Cold ingredients can sometimes cause the melted butter to solidify, leading to lumps in the batter.
3. Donut Pan is Key: While you can bake these in muffin tins or as drop biscuits, a donut pan really gives you that classic donut shape. Investing in a non-stick donut pan is worthwhile if you plan to make donuts regularly.
4. Coat While Warm: It’s crucial to coat the donuts in melted butter and cinnamon sugar while they are still warm. The warmth helps the butter melt slightly and the cinnamon sugar adhere better. If the donuts cool down too much, the coating may not stick as well.
5. Fresh Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh. To test its freshness, place a teaspoon of baking powder in a bowl and add ¼ cup of hot water. If it fizzes vigorously, it’s still good to use. If not, it’s time to replace it for optimal leavening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making cinnamon sugar donuts:

Q1: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

A: While these donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can bake them a few hours ahead of time. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container. To refresh them slightly, you can briefly warm them in a low oven (200°F) for a few minutes before coating with cinnamon sugar if you haven’t already. However, the texture is always best on the day they are baked.

Q2: Can I freeze cinnamon sugar donuts?

A: It’s not recommended to freeze these donuts after they are coated in cinnamon sugar, as the sugar coating can become sticky and lose its texture. However, you can freeze the baked donuts (before coating) in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw them completely at room temperature and then brush with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Q3: Can I use a different type of flour?

A: All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe as it provides a good balance of structure and tenderness. You can use cake flour for a slightly softer donut, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly. Whole wheat flour is not recommended as it will result in denser donuts. For gluten-free options, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and follow the package instructions for best results.

Q4: My donuts are dense, not fluffy. What did I do wrong?

A: Dense donuts are often a result of overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter – mix just until the ingredients are combined. Ensure your baking powder is fresh as well, as old baking powder can lead to less rise.

Q5: Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?

A: This recipe is specifically designed for baking. To fry donuts, you would need a different recipe formulated for frying, as the batter consistency and ingredients are often adjusted for frying versus baking. Baking is a healthier and easier option for homemade donuts, and this recipe delivers delicious results without the need for deep frying.

Enjoy the process of making and devouring these delightful homemade cinnamon sugar donuts! They are a simple pleasure that brings warmth and sweetness to any day.

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