These homemade cinnamon sugar doughnuts are fluffy, light, and super delicious! The dough is easy to make, and after frying, you just toss them in a sweet cinnamon sugar mix. They’re perfect for a cozy morning or as a sweet treat anytime. This recipe makes eight doughnuts—just the right amount to enjoy with family or friends!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts
Get ready to fall in love at first bite!
These homemade cinnamon sugar doughnuts are everything you want in a sweet treat—soft, fluffy, and bursting with that cozy cinnamon flavor. Imagine biting into a warm doughnut that’s been freshly fried and then rolled in a sugary cinnamon mix. It’s like a big, delicious hug on a plate!
Perfect for weekend mornings, an afternoon snack, or just because. And the best part? They’re super easy to make! So grab your apron, and let’s bring some homemade goodness to your kitchen. Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one!
Fall into Flavor
Fall is finally here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with the sweet, warm taste of homemade Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts? Imagine the aroma of freshly fried dough, kissed with a delightful blend of cinnamon and sugar, filling your kitchen. These doughnuts are the epitome of autumn comfort and a perfect treat for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks with a cup of warm cider. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make!
Whether you’re new to doughnut-making or a seasoned pro, this recipe will guide you through creating soft, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible doughnuts that are sure to become a family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making some fall magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts are:
- Perfectly Fluffy: Made with a yeasted dough that results in light, airy doughnuts.
- Quick and Simple: Ready in under an hour, with a bit of time for the dough to rise.
- Seasonally Sweet: Coated in a warm, spiced sugar mix that captures the flavors of fall.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe makes just eight doughnuts—ideal for a small gathering or family treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Doughnut Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature, lightly beaten
- Extra Light Olive Oil (for frying)
Cinnamon Sugar:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for a hint of extra spice)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by making the dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the lukewarm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and active. This step is crucial as it ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in the dough!
Next, add the flour, salt, lightly beaten egg, and a splash of oil to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Then, increase the speed slightly and continue kneading for 10-12 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when you can stretch a small piece of dough thinly enough to see light through it—this is called the “windowpane test.”
2. First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight. This step allows the dough to develop flavor and makes it easier to handle.
3. Shape the Doughnuts
When you’re ready to make the doughnuts, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ½” (1.2cm) thick. Using a 3¼” circle cutter, cut out as many rounds as you can. Then, use a 1” cutter to create the iconic doughnut holes in the center.
Place each doughnut onto a square of parchment paper and arrange them on a baking sheet, leaving space between each. Don’t forget to include the doughnut holes—they make perfect bite-sized treats! If there are any scraps, you can either re-roll them or cut them into small pieces to fry as little snacks.
4. Second Rise
Cover the doughnuts and let them proof for another 35-45 minutes. They should become puffy and, when poked lightly, should spring back slowly, leaving a small indentation.
5. Fry the Doughnuts
While the doughnuts are rising, heat Extra Light Olive Oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (a cast iron works great!) or a deep fryer. The oil should be heated to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to drain the fried doughnuts.
When the oil is ready, carefully lower two doughnuts at a time into the hot oil. Cook for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on the wire rack.
6. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the doughnuts are still warm, gently toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts and doughnut holes.
Tips for Perfect Doughnuts
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is lukewarm, around 110°F (43°C). Too hot, and it can kill the yeast; too cold, and the yeast won’t activate.
- Don’t Skip the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise properly is key to achieving light and fluffy doughnuts.
- Oil Temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will brown too quickly on the outside and remain raw inside. Too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Enjoying Your Doughnuts
These Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts are best enjoyed the day they’re made. If you have leftovers, store them lightly covered at room temperature. To refresh, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Pair these delicious treats with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or warm apple cider for the ultimate fall indulgence. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these doughnuts are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts
- Check Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky after mixing, add a little more flour (one tablespoon at a time) until it’s soft and smooth. The dough should be tacky but not sticking to your hands.
- Resting Time Matters: For the fluffiest doughnuts, don’t rush the resting times. Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge overnight can enhance the flavor and texture, making them even more irresistible.
- Oil Temperature Control: Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (180°C). If the temperature drops too low, the doughnuts will absorb more oil and become greasy. If it’s too high, the doughnuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry only 2-3 doughnuts at a time to avoid dropping the oil temperature. This ensures they cook evenly and maintain the perfect texture.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place doughnuts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This helps them stay crisp and not greasy.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Glazed Doughnuts: Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip your warm doughnuts in a rich chocolate glaze. Mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, and 3-4 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Dip each doughnut and let the glaze set.
- Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts: For a seasonal twist, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix to the dough along with the flour. After frying, toss the doughnuts in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of pumpkin pie spice for that ultimate fall flavor.
- Maple Glaze with Bacon: Drizzle your doughnuts with a simple maple glaze made from 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Top with crumbled, crispy bacon for a sweet and savory treat!
- Lemon Sugar Doughnuts: Replace the cinnamon in the sugar coating with finely grated lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor. Perfect for spring or when you want a refreshing twist!
- Filled Doughnuts: Before cutting out your doughnuts, roll the dough a bit thicker (about ¾”). After the first rise, fill with your favorite jam, chocolate, or pastry cream. Seal the edges tightly, proof, and fry as usual. Roll in sugar or glaze and enjoy!
These variations are a great way to customize this doughnut recipe for any occasion or craving!
Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts
Ingredients
Doughnut Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature, lightly beaten
- Extra Light Olive Oil (for frying)
Cinnamon Sugar:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground cardamom (optional, for a hint of extra spice)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a stand mixer bowl with a dough hook, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, egg, and a splash of oil. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Continue mixing for 10-12 minutes until soft and smooth—check for the "windowpane" test by stretching a small piece; it should be translucent.
First Rise:
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Shape the Doughnuts:
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ½" thickness. Use a 3¼” cutter to cut out circles, then use a 1” cutter for the holes.
- Place each doughnut on a square of parchment paper on a baking sheet, leaving space between them. Add the doughnut holes to proof alongside.
Second Rise:
- Cover the doughnuts and let them rise for another 35-45 minutes. They should spring back slightly when poked.
Fry the Doughnuts:
- Heat Extra Light Olive Oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Mix cinnamon sugar ingredients in a shallow bowl. Test the oil with a scrap of dough.
- Gently lower the doughnuts (two at a time) into the hot oil, leaving the parchment attached if desired. Fry for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place on a cooling rack.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
- Let the doughnuts cool for 30 seconds, then toss in cinnamon sugar. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts
Notes
Nutrition
Note: Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used. – Nutrition Information Disclaimer
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