There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon wafting through the air as you bake. It takes me back to cozy mornings spent at my grandmother’s house, where the kitchen always felt like a warm embrace. You know the kind of mornings I’m talking about—where the sun peeks through the curtains just right, and the world outside feels like it’s on pause for a moment, allowing you to truly savor the day ahead. One of our favorite weekend rituals was to make cinnamon sugar donuts together, and those memories have stuck with me like the sweetness of powdered sugar on my fingertips. This recipe not only brings back those memories but is also an invitation to create new ones. It’s simple, quick, and the end result? Well, it’s nothing short of delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine, if you will, biting into a fluffy donut, fresh from the oven, the warmth radiating against your skin. The crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating gives way to a pillowy soft center, and with each bite, you find yourself smiling. This cinnamon sugar donut recipe is so easy that it’s practically foolproof, ensuring that even the least experienced of bakers can whip up a batch that would make any café proud. It’s perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts, family brunches, or a sweet treat after a long day. Plus, they’re ready in about 30 minutes, making them a superbly convenient option for busy mornings when you need a little something special. The best part? They can be enjoyed warm, cooled, or even reheated for a delightful treat later on!
What It Tastes Like
Take a moment to envision this: the first bite of a cinnamon sugar donut is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day. The outer layer boasts a sweet, slightly crunchy texture, complemented by the warm, aromatic sensation of cinnamon and sugar mingling delightfully together. Inside, you’ll find a soft, airy cloud of dough that practically melts in your mouth. With just the right hint of vanilla and a subtle richness that invites you to take another bite, these donuts are the very definition of comfort food. They’re reminiscent of that glorious moment when you indulge in your grandma’s treats, filling your heart—and stomach—with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our donuts, providing structure and that lovely fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness, always a welcome addition!
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The magic powder that ensures our donuts rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness; trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Our star player, infusing each bite with a warm, cozy essence.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness for a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Because butter makes everything better—need I say more?
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binding agent, keeping our donut dough together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A flavor enhancer that brings everything together in perfect harmony.
Optional Additions:
- Chocolate chips: Because who doesn’t love a little chocolate?
- Nutmeg: A sprinkle adds a lovely warm spice.
- Zest of an orange: For a vibrant citrus twist!
Special Garnishes:
- Extra cinnamon sugar mix for rolling.
- Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze can take these donuts to the next level!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get our hands a little floury! Here are the steps to create your own batch of cinnamon sugar donuts:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want that preheating magic happening while you mix things up.
- Prepare your donut pan: Lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter. This is key to ensuring your donuts slide right out after baking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. You want to blend them until well combined, creating a lovely little flour cloud.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract together. Make sure they’re well blended, because this is where all that rich loveliness comes from!
- Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients. You want to fold them together until just combined—don’t overmix! This is where the magic happens, and we want those airy bubbles to remain.
- Fill each donut mold about 3/4 full. A piping bag or a ziplock with a corner cut works great here for clean filling. You’re aiming for perfect little donut shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Halfway through baking, take a peek and do a little happy dance if they’re puffing up beautifully!
- Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, gently transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While they cool, mix together your cinnamon sugar topping in a bowl (1/2 cup sugar + 2 tablespoons cinnamon). Once the donuts are somewhat cool to the touch, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Get seeds in every crevice!
And voilà! Your golden, fluffy cinnamon sugar donuts are ready to be devoured!
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are plenty of ways to switch things up for a unique twist on this classic treat! Here are a few ideas:
- Baked Apple Donuts: Fold in small chunks of fresh apple into your batter for an autumn-inspired delight!
- Maple Cinnamon Donuts: Swap out some of the sugar for maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Chai-Spiced Donuts: Add a pinch of chai spices (cardamom, ginger, cloves) to the mix for a warm, aromatic experience.
Serving & Storage Tips
Enjoy these donuts fresh and warm for the best experience, but if you have leftovers (which is highly unlikely, but let’s be real), simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze nicely! Just pop them in a freezer bag, and when the craving strikes, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t rush the cooling step! It might be tough—but allowing them to cool slightly in the pan helps retain moisture.
- If you’re making them ahead of time, wait to roll them in cinnamon sugar until just before serving to maintain that crunchy sugar coating.
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness. If it comes out clean, you’re in donut heaven!
- Want to make a big batch? Simply double the recipe and bake them in batches. Just make sure to give your baking sheets time to cool down in between for even baking.
Special Equipment
- Donut Pan: This is essential for shaping those beautiful rings. Baking them in a pan gives you novel crispiness without frying, which means less mess and fuss!
- Mixing Bowls: A set of different sizes can make your life so much easier while prepping.
- Piping Bag or Ziploc Bag: Helps keep things tidy when filling your donut molds, ensuring an even flow of batter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, but the texture may change slightly.
Do I have to use a donut pan?
Not at all! If you don’t have one, you could also try making donut holes by spooning batter into mini muffin tins.
How do I make them ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge overnight. Just give it a little stir before filling the mold and baking!
Can I change the sugar coating flavor?
Absolutely! Swap out cinnamon for cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist or try various flavors like pumpkin spice sugar!
Conclusion
There you have it—your very own cinnamon sugar donuts! They bring a piece of nostalgia into your kitchen, inviting memories of laughter and warmth along with the delightful aroma of baking. Whenever I make these, I think of sharing them with friends over coffee, watching smiles bloom in their faces with that first, warm bite. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon treat, or even a bake sale contribution. I can’t wait to hear about how your version turns out! Have you made any fun variations? Or do you have a story to share about how you enjoy yours? Drop your comments below. Happy baking!
Print
Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Simple Recipe to Devour
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Description
Delight in this simple recipe for cinnamon sugar donuts that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for a sweet treat. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
These delightful cinnamon sugar donuts evoke nostalgia and are perfect for cozy breakfasts or sweet treats. Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 donuts
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
