Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet, soft treat that melts in your mouth, you’re in for a real delight. This Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe is my go-to when I want something warm, cozy, and perfectly spiced. It’s the kind of recipe that feels a little like a hug from the inside out—soft, fluffy, and coated with that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a lazy afternoon snack, these doughnuts come together quickly and fry up beautifully, making them a fun project you won’t regret. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Picking the right ingredients is half the fun! The combination in this cinnamon sugar doughnuts recipe ensures a tender crumb and a crispy, sweet coating. I always use whole milk for richness, and light olive oil for frying because it adds a subtle flavor without overpowering the doughnuts.

• Whole milk: Lukewarm milk helps activate the yeast without killing it; just test the temperature with your hand to make sure it’s comfortable, not hot.
• Granulated sugar: Needed both to feed the yeast for rising and for the sweet coating afterward.
• Active dry yeast: This is what gives your doughnuts that light and fluffy texture, so make sure your yeast is fresh!
• All-purpose flour: A standard base that gives structure while keeping the dough tender.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness and boost flavor.
• Large egg: Adds richness and a bit of moisture—don’t skip it!
• Neutral or light olive oil: Used in the dough for tenderness and for frying—you want something with a high smoke point that won’t mask flavors.
• Cinnamon: The star spice here—go for fresh ground cinnamon for the best aroma.
• Ground cardamom (optional): I add a pinch for a subtle warm note that makes these doughnuts feel especially special.
• Pinch of salt: Added to the cinnamon sugar mix to enhance that sweet-spicy coating.

Variations

I love how this cinnamon sugar doughnuts recipe can be tweaked to match your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment—you’ll find simple substitutions can make it work for almost anyone’s taste!

• Spice it up: Sometimes I swap cardamom for nutmeg or add a splash of vanilla extract to the dough for a different flavor profile.
• Dairy-free version: Use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk, and a neutral oil to keep it light.
• Gluten-free option: I’ve tried a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend—it works well, but the texture is a bit denser, so fry carefully!
• Baked instead of fried: For a lighter take, you can bake the doughnuts—but honestly, frying gives the best texture and traditional feel.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Heat your milk gently until lukewarm, about 95°F (35°C), then sprinkle the yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy—this means your yeast is happy and alive. Mixing the dry ingredients separately and then combining them with the wet helps ensure even distribution, so whisk your flour, salt, and any other dry ingredients before gradually adding the yeast mixture, egg, and oil. Stir until the dough starts coming together.

Step 2: Knead Until Smooth and Soft

I like kneading by hand for about 6-8 minutes until the dough feels soft and a bit stretchy. If you use a stand mixer, a dough hook works great on medium speed. Don’t add extra flour just yet—this dough is meant to be slightly sticky, which helps keep the doughnuts tender. You’ll notice it’s smooth and elastic when it’s ready for the rise.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it loosely with a clean kitchen towel, and set it somewhere warm—like near a sunny window or low oven warmth—for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size. This rise is what makes the doughnuts fluffy and airy, so don’t rush it! When I first tried rushing this part, I noticed my doughnuts were dense and heavy.

Step 4: Shape and Fry Your Doughnuts

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a doughnut cutter, or two round cutters of different sizes to create the classic doughnut shape. Heat your neutral oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in small batches, helping them flip gently with a slotted spoon. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady.

Step 5: Coat Them in Cinnamon Sugar

Immediately after frying, toss the warm doughnuts in a mix of cinnamon, sugar, a pinch of salt, and cardamom if you like. The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully, making every bite perfectly sweet and crunchy. My family goes crazy for this step—I always catch little fingers grabbing doughnuts straight out of the bowl!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it classic with just the cinnamon sugar coating because honestly, it’s perfect as is. But for a little flair, I sometimes dust the doughnuts lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. If I’m feeling decadent, a dip in melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds an amazing texture contrast.

Side Dishes

These doughnuts are fantastic on their own, but I love pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit or yogurt works well to balance the sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this into an indulgent dessert too—especially on a cozy night in.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I like arranging the doughnuts in a pyramid on a cake stand sprinkled with edible flowers or cinnamon sticks. You could also skewer mini doughnuts on sticks for a fun ‘doughnut pop’ party treat. Presentation goes a long way when you want to impress family or guests without any extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover doughnuts (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I recommend placing a paper towel inside to absorb any excess moisture so they stay crisp longer.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these doughnuts a couple of times when making larger batches. Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and reheat gently to bring back their lovely texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the doughnuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. If you want to refresh the crispy coated exterior, a quick toss in a warm pan over low heat works wonders.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe turns out every time—it’s like having a mini bakery right in your kitchen. When I first made these doughnuts, I was surprised how simple the ingredients were and how satisfying the result was. Watching the doughnuts puff up in the hot oil and then coating them in that cinnamon sugar mix is such a rewarding experience. I really hope you enjoy making (and eating) these as much as I do. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—you’ll thank me later!

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