Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a quick and simple treat made from pantry staples that deliver a warm, sugary crunch with soft, fluffy centers. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime snacking, these donuts can be fried or baked and customized to suit dietary preferences or flavor variations.
- Author: Lina
- 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 (if gluten-free flour blend is used)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk (or any plant-based milk for vegan)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan margarine/coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying and Coating
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
- 1/2 cup sugar (additional, for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (additional, for coating)
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Donuts: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out donut shapes. Save any scraps to re-roll and cut more donuts.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature for best results.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time without crowding. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are still warm, generously toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Make sure every surface is coated for that classic, addictive finish.
Notes
- Oil Temperature is Key: Keep the oil steady at 350°F to ensure even cooking and avoid greasy donuts.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the donuts tender and light.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cinnamon and baking powder make a big flavor and texture difference.
- Dry the Donuts Slightly: After frying, let donuts rest on paper towels to prevent sogginess before coating.
- Serve Warm: These donuts taste best fresh and warm, so plan to enjoy them soon after frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cinnamon sugar donuts, easy donuts, fried donuts, sweet treats, breakfast donuts, gluten free donuts, cinnamon donuts