Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a quick and comforting treat featuring a perfectly crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy inside. Coated with a warm cinnamon sugar blend, they deliver nostalgic bakery flavors using simple pantry ingredients. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe requires no special equipment and can be customized to suit dietary preferences.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan version)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan version)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil/vegan margarine for vegan version)
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Prepare the Dough: Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl—flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the Donuts: Lightly flour your workspace. Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut donut shapes and holes.
- Heat the Oil and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and puffed.
- Drain and Coat: Transfer fried donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, toss donuts in a bowl of cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, savoring the warmth of freshly coated cinnamon sugar.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough come together smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer for even frying and to prevent greasy donuts.
- Drain donuts properly on paper towels immediately after frying to soak up excess oil.
- Toss donuts in cinnamon sugar while warm so the coating sticks well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cinnamon sugar donuts, easy donuts, fried donuts, gluten free donuts, homemade donuts, quick donuts, cinnamon donuts