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Four golden-brown cinnamon sugar donuts resting on a black cooling rack, lightly dusted with cinnamon sugar, with a soft and fluffy texture. A wooden tray and scattered sugar granules add a cozy background."

Classic Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

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  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the batter)
  • ½ cup whole milk (or milk alternative)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the coating:
    • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Ingredients for Fried Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the dough)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm milk (not too hot, around 110°F)
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • For frying:
    • Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
  • For the coating:
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

These ingredients will help you create soft, fluffy donuts with a delightful cinnamon-sugar finish, whether baked or fried! Let me know if you need preparation instructions or tips for substitution.


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Whisk to blend evenly.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
    In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Make the Batter:
    Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
  5. Fill the Pan:
    Transfer the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
  6. Bake:
    Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
  7. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
    While the donuts are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter. Toss in a mixture of 4 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon until fully coated.

Instructions for Fried Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    In a small bowl, dissolve 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast and ¼ cup sugar in ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F). Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy.
  2. Make the Dough:
    In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, 1 egg, and 3 tablespoons softened butter. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
  3. Let the Dough Rise:
    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  4. Shape the Donuts:
    Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut out rings. Place the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel to rise for another 30 minutes.
  5. Heat the Oil:
    In a deep pot or fryer, heat neutral oil to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Fry the Donuts:
    Carefully drop 2–3 donuts into the hot oil at a time. Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
  7. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
    While the donuts are still warm, toss them in a mixture of ½ cup sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut (based on a batch of 12 donuts)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg