Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a perfectly soft, fluffy doughnut coated in sweet, spicy cinnamon sugar, then this Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe is going to be your new favorite. I absolutely love how these doughnuts turn out—light, airy, and with just the right amount of cinnamon kick. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just craving something cozy with your coffee, you’ll find that these doughnuts hit the spot every single time. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything—it’s way easier than you think!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its role in making these doughnuts tender, flavorful, and just fluffy enough. I always recommend using fresh yeast and room temperature eggs to get the best rise and texture.

• Whole Milk: Lukewarm milk activates the yeast, helping the dough rise beautifully; don’t skip warming it up gently.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: The magic behind that soft, airy texture—you want fresh yeast for the best rise.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without making the dough tough.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Neutral Oil or Light Olive Oil: Used both in dough and for frying; it doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors.
• Cinnamon: The star spice in the sugar coating—go with fresh ground for maximum aroma.
• Ground Cardamom (optional): I love adding this for a little warm depth, but feel free to skip if you’re keeping things classic.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness in the cinnamon sugar coating.

Variations

I like to switch these up depending on the mood or occasion. Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, you’ll find there’s lots of fun ways to make it your own.

• Cardamom Twist: Adding the optional ground cardamom gives a fragrant, subtle exotic note that my family absolutely adores around holiday time.
• Vanilla Sugar: Swap some cinnamon for vanilla sugar in the coating for a softer, floral sweetness—great if you’re not a huge cinnamon fan.
• Baked Version: If frying makes you nervous, I’ve tried baking them—just adjust bake time to around 15 minutes at 375°F, and brush with melted butter before coating in cinnamon sugar.
• Glaze Option: Instead of cinnamon sugar, try a simple powdered sugar glaze for a shinier finish, perfect when you want variety on your doughnut platter.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

Start by warming your whole milk until it’s comfortably lukewarm (around 100°F). Sprinkle the active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar over the milk and give it a gentle stir. Let this sit for 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly—that’s your yeast waking up, ready to work its magic. Skipping this step can mean flat, dense dough, so trust me, don’t rush it.

Step 2: Mix & Knead the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, and the rest of the sugar. Add the beaten egg, oil, and your foamy yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it onto a lightly floured surface. I used to struggle here, but once I got the hang of kneading, it became kind of meditative—knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and only a tiny bit tacky. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour but don’t overdo it or your doughnuts will be dense.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Pop your dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and place it somewhere warm. I usually leave mine near a sunny window. In about 45 minutes, it should double in size. This is when you know your dough is ready to become those fluffy doughnuts you’re craving.

Step 4: Cut and Proof

Turn your risen dough out onto a floured surface and gently roll it to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small for the center hole) to shape your doughnuts. Don’t worry if your shapes aren’t perfect—I find hand-cut doughnuts have way more charm. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, cover loosely, and let them proof for another 15–20 minutes until puffy. This last rise is key to an airy interior.

Step 5: Frying Time

Heat your neutral oil in a deep pot or fryer to about 350°F. I like to fry just 2–3 doughnuts at a time to keep the temperature steady. Fry for 1–2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain.

Step 6: The Cinnamon Sugar Finish

While your doughnuts are still warm, toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), and a pinch of salt. The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully, creating that irresistible coating that makes you want to eat the entire batch in one sitting. Trust me, I’ve been there!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just the cinnamon sugar coating because that’s pure comfort. But sometimes, I like to drizzle a touch of melted butter mixed with honey over the doughnuts for extra shine and richness. Fresh berries on the side add a nice tart contrast too.

Side Dishes

These doughnuts are a breakfast treat but go beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. I’ve also served them alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a decadent weekend brunch, which my family goes crazy for!

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I stack these doughnuts into a “doughnut tower” inserted onto a pretty cake stand, then sprinkle edible flowers or colorful sugar crystals around them. It’s a crowd-pleaser and makes the humble doughnut feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I recommend reheating them briefly to bring back the softness because they can dry out a bit.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these doughnuts individually on a baking sheet, then bagged them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can thaw one or two at a time quickly—definitely a lifesaver when you want a quick snack.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found is to warm them in a microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven at low heat for a few minutes. This helps maintain their fuzzy softness and brings back that fresh-from-the-fryer vibe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe becomes a little slice of happiness in your kitchen, just like it did for me. There’s something so comforting about making doughnuts from scratch—the smell, the process, and of course that first bite. It’s a recipe I go back to time and again when I want to impress without stress. Try it out, share it with loved ones, and watch the smiles roll in!

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