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Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts

5 from 6 votes
These homemade cinnamon sugar doughnuts are little bites of heaven! Soft and light, they’re coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar that makes them completely addictive. The dough is easy to whip up, and once they’re fried to golden perfection, it’s just a quick toss in the cinnamon sugar, and you’re done! Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy morning or sharing them with friends, this batch of eight doughnuts is the perfect treat to bring smiles all around.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings: 8 Doughnuts
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. 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.
  2. 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:
  1. 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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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:
  1. Cover the doughnuts and let them rise for another 35-45 minutes. They should spring back slightly when poked.
Fry the Doughnuts:
  1. 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.
  2. Mix cinnamon sugar ingredients in a shallow bowl. Test the oil with a scrap of dough.
  3. 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:
  1. Let the doughnuts cool for 30 seconds, then toss in cinnamon sugar. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts

Notes

Best eaten the same day they’re made! Store leftovers lightly covered at room temperature and refresh in the microwave before serving.