There are some recipes that just feel like home, aren’t there? For me, that’s definitely my Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. The moment I smell that warm, sweet, cinnamon-infused aroma wafting from the oven, I’m instantly transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, a place filled with laughter and the comforting scent of baked goods. These aren’t your fancy bakery donuts; they’re the kind of donuts that are delightfully simple, incredibly satisfying, and taste like pure comfort. Honestly, they’re what I crave when I need a little pick-me-up or when the family suddenly announces they need a treat – like, *right now*. They’re so much easier than you’d think, and they taste worlds better than anything from a box. Forget those pre-packaged disappointments; this is the real deal, and it’s going to become your go-to for those spontaneous donut cravings.

What is cinnamon sugar donuts?

So, what exactly are these magical little rings of joy? Think of them as a warm, cake-like donut kissed with the classic pairing of cinnamon and sugar. Unlike yeast-raised donuts that require a bit of patience and proofing time, these are much more akin to a quick bread or muffin in their preparation. You mix up a simple batter, pour it into a donut pan, and bake them until they’re tender and golden. Once they’ve cooled slightly, they get a generous dip in melted butter and then a roll in a fragrant mixture of cinnamon and sugar. It’s this simple coating that gives them that irresistible crunchy exterior and that burst of spiced sweetness with every bite. It’s comfort food in its purest, most delicious form – essentially a hug in donut shape.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this cinnamon sugar donuts recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe binder – and why I’m so excited to share it with you! First and foremost, the flavor. Oh my goodness, the flavor! That combination of warm cinnamon, sweet sugar, and the tender, cakey donut is just pure bliss. It’s comforting, it’s familiar, and it’s utterly delicious. But it’s not just about the taste; it’s also about the sheer ease of it all. I’ve whipped these up on busy mornings when I’ve had absolutely no time for anything else, and they’ve been a lifesaver. They come together so quickly, meaning you can go from “I want donuts” to “I’m eating donuts” in under an hour. And let’s talk about the cost! You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now, which makes this an incredibly budget-friendly way to satisfy a sweet tooth. Plus, they’re so versatile. You can enjoy them plain with their cinnamon-sugar coating, or you can get a little fancy with a simple glaze or even a drizzle of chocolate. I’ve tested this recipe with a touch of nutmeg in the cinnamon sugar mix, and it adds another layer of warmth that’s just divine, especially in the fall. What I truly adore about these cinnamon sugar donuts is that they deliver that homemade feel without the fuss. They’re perfect for a weekend breakfast, a special treat for the kids, or even a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. They’re just… good. Really, really good.

How do you make cinnamon sugar donuts?

Quick Overview

This recipe is designed for speed and simplicity. We’ll whisk together a simple batter, spoon it into greased donut pans, bake until golden, and then coat them in a buttery, cinnamon-sugary delight. It’s a no-fuss approach to homemade donuts that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. You get that satisfying, fresh-from-the-oven taste without the long wait.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached flour for a slightly better texture. Make sure it’s spooned and leveled, not scooped!
* 1 cup granulated sugar: For that essential sweetness that makes these donuts a treat.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder: This gives our donuts their lovely lift and tender crumb.
* ½ teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: We want that warm, comforting cinnamon flavor to shine.
* 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness. Make sure it’s at room temperature if you can remember – it incorporates better!
* ½ cup milk: Whole milk gives the best richness, but I’ve used 2% and even almond milk in a pinch, and it still turned out wonderfully creamy.
* ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds moisture and a lovely richness to the donut. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that just makes everything taste better.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: You’ll need this to help the cinnamon sugar adhere.
* ½ cup granulated sugar: The base of our coating.
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: This is where that iconic flavor comes from! Don’t be shy with it. You can adjust this to your preference, of course.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take your donut pan (or pans – I usually use two!) and give each little cavity a good grease. I like to use a non-stick cooking spray or a little bit of butter and flour. Don’t skip this step, or you’ll have donuts that stubbornly refuse to come out, and nobody wants that kind of frustration.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined. You want to make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed so all your donuts rise beautifully. This simple step ensures your donuts have a consistent texture throughout.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter (make sure it’s cooled a bit!), and vanilla extract. Whisk it until it’s all nicely combined and smooth. This is where the magic starts to happen, bringing together all the liquid elements that will create our tender donut batter.

Step 4: Combine

Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently stir everything together until *just* combined. It’s super important not to overmix here! A few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and we definitely don’t want that. Stop as soon as you don’t see any dry flour streaks.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a shallow dish or a pie plate, combine the ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon for the coating. Stir them together until they’re thoroughly mixed. This is the sweet, fragrant magic that will coat your warm donuts, giving them that irresistible crunch and flavor. Have this ready to go for when the donuts come out of the oven.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. You don’t want to overfill them, or they might spread too much. I find a piping bag or a sturdy Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off makes this step super easy and less messy. Alternatively, you can just carefully spoon it in using a spoon.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary, and you don’t want to overbake them – that’s the quickest way to dry donuts!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set up a bit before you try to remove them. While they’re still warm (but not scorching hot!), gently invert the pan to release the donuts onto a wire rack. Immediately dip each warm donut into the melted butter, letting any excess drip off, then give them a good roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re completely coated. This is the best part – seeing them get all sparkly and delicious!

Step 9: Slice & Serve

These cinnamon sugar donuts are absolutely divine when they’re still warm. You can enjoy them right away! If you want to be extra fancy, you can dust them with a little extra powdered sugar or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or some Fresh Berries, but honestly, they’re perfect just as they are.

What to Serve It With

These cinnamon sugar donuts are pretty much a complete package on their own, but they also play wonderfully with other things, depending on the occasion. For a simple, cozy breakfast, I love pairing them with a steaming mug of coffee – the bolder, the better, to cut through the sweetness a bit. They’re also fantastic with a glass of cold milk for the kids. If you’re feeling a bit more celebratory and serving them for brunch, consider plating them alongside some fresh fruit salad or a yogurt parfait. They add that touch of indulgence without being too heavy. As a dessert, they’re a showstopper! I’ve served them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean Ice Cream, and the warm donut with the cold ice cream is just heavenly. Or, for a more grown-up dessert, a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache over the cinnamon sugar coating is incredible. On those chilly evenings when all you want is comfort, these donuts are perfect for a cozy snack. They’re wonderful with hot chocolate or even a nice cup of herbal tea. My family tradition is to have them on rainy Saturday mornings with a big pot of tea, and it just makes the day feel instantly better.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

I’ve made these cinnamon sugar donuts more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think make a real difference. Here are my top tips for achieving donut perfection every single time. First, when it comes to the batter, *do not overmix*. Seriously, this is the number one rule for tender donuts. Mix until you *just* see the flour disappear. A few lumps? Totally fine. Overmixed? You’ll end up with a denser, tougher donut. Trust me on this one. For the cinnamon sugar coating, the timing is key. You want to coat them while they’re still warm from the oven, but not so hot that they’ll melt all the butter immediately. That warm donut surface is what helps the cinnamon sugar mixture stick beautifully. If they cool down too much, the butter won’t adhere as well. Also, don’t be afraid to really load up the cinnamon and sugar! A good, thick coating is what makes these donuts so special. If you find your donuts are sticking to the pan, make sure you’re greasing it really well, or consider using a donut baking spray that has flour in it. I learned that the hard way when I had a donut stuck in a cavity and had to coax it out with a knife – not pretty! For ingredient swaps, if you’re out of milk, a plain yogurt or even Sour Cream thinned with a little water can work in a pinch for the batter, giving it a nice tang and moisture. If you’re craving a slightly different flavor profile, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture. It adds a wonderful complexity, especially in cooler weather. And for baking, always do the toothpick test. It’s the most reliable way to know they’re done. A clean toothpick means a perfectly baked donut. Don’t rely solely on the time, as ovens really do vary. I’ve found that placing my donut pans on the middle rack gives the most even baking, but adjust based on your oven’s quirks. Finally, when it comes to the glaze, I sometimes like to add a tiny splash of milk to the cinnamon sugar mixture to create more of a paste if I want a more intense cinnamon flavor and a less crumbly coating. It’s a small tweak, but it makes a difference!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Let’s talk about keeping these delicious cinnamon sugar donuts fresh, because while they’re best eaten right away, life happens! If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare in my house, but I’ve experienced it!), you can store them at room temperature. Just place them in an airtight container, and they should stay fresh for about 1-2 days. The coating might lose a little of its crunch over time, but they’ll still be delicious. If you need them to last a bit longer, pop them in the refrigerator. Again, an airtight container is your best friend here. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days in the fridge, though they can firm up a bit. To reheat them, I usually pop them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 300°F (150°C) for just a few minutes until they’re warmed through. This helps revive that lovely soft texture. If you’re freezing them, I recommend doing so *before* you coat them in the cinnamon sugar. Once they’re baked and cooled completely, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, then warm them up and toss them in your fresh cinnamon sugar mixture. This ensures you get that perfect coating every time. For the glaze, it’s best to apply it fresh when you’re ready to eat the donuts, especially if they’ve been stored or reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Making these gluten-free is totally doable. You’ll want to use a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. I’ve had great success with brands that contain xanthan gum. You might need to add an extra splash of milk or almond milk, as gluten-free flours can sometimes absorb more liquid. The texture might be slightly different, a little more dense perhaps, but the flavor will still be fantastic. Just be sure to measure your flour accurately!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Nope, you absolutely do not need to peel the zucchini! The peel adds a lovely bit of texture and color to the donuts, and honestly, you won’t even notice it once they’re baked and coated. Plus, it means less prep work for you, which is always a win in my book. Just make sure to wash it well before grating.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Oh, yes! This batter makes fantastic muffins too. Just fill your muffin liners about two-thirds full and bake at the same temperature (350°F/175°C) for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You can then toss the warm muffins in the cinnamon sugar mixture, or drizzle them with a simple vanilla glaze. They’re a wonderful alternative if you don’t have a donut pan!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

You can definitely adjust the sweetness. For the main batter, you could try reducing the granulated sugar by ¼ cup, but be aware that it might slightly affect the texture and tenderness. For the coating, you can also reduce the sugar amount, but the cinnamon-sugar coating relies on that sweetness to really shine. If you want a less sweet coating, you could opt for a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk, which you can control the sweetness of more easily.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

The cinnamon sugar coating is classic for a reason, but if you’re looking for alternatives, you have options! A simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a dash of vanilla) is a great choice. You could also do a chocolate glaze or even a cream cheese glaze if you’re feeling decadent. For a lighter option, a simple dusting of powdered sugar is lovely, or you can skip the coating altogether and enjoy the pure, cakey donut flavor.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for the most delicious, comforting, and downright easy cinnamon sugar donuts you’ll ever make. I truly believe that everyone deserves to experience the joy of a warm, homemade donut, and this recipe makes that a reality without any fuss. It’s the perfect way to bring a little bit of magic into your kitchen, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipe for simple apple cider donuts, which have a similar cozy vibe. Don’t be afraid to make this your own – add a pinch of cardamom to the cinnamon sugar, or try a swirl of jam in the center before baking. I can’t wait to hear how your cinnamon sugar donuts turn out! Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts, or share your own creative twists. Happy baking, everyone!

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