Ever have one of those weekends where you just want to whip up something magical in the kitchen? Last weekend, just as the leaves started to turn crisp and golden, I found myself inspired to create these delightful Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. The best part? They were a massive hit with my family—they literally vanished before we knew it! There’s something about the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house that just screams comfort.
Growing up, donuts were a treat we reserved for special occasions. My mom would roll up her sleeves, tie on her apron, and transform the kitchen into a doughy paradise. With this recipe, I’ve tried to capture that same sense of joy and indulgence. It’s simple enough that you don’t need to wait for a special occasion—a lazy Saturday morning is reason enough!
The beauty of these homemade donuts lies in their crispy exterior and soft, tender inside—brought to life with a nice dunk in sweet cinnamon sugar. Now, I won’t lie, they do take a bit of time, but trust me, once you bite into one, you’ll agree it’s time well spent. Picture yourself with a cup of coffee, a good book, and a warm donut in hand.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick weekend breakfast or surprising a loved one with a mid-week treat, this recipe will not disappoint. Let’s dive into creating these bites of heaven!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
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Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Oil for frying (2-3 cups of vegetable or canola oil)
Directions:
- Begin by sifting the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a medium-sized bowl and set it aside for later.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar, mixing until combined.
- Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, ensuring everything is well mixed.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be slightly sticky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and shape it into a thick disc. Refrigerate for about 1-2 hours for easy handling.
- Once chilled, roll the dough out on a generously floured surface to form a 10×10 inch square. Cut out donut shapes using a floured donut cutter.
- In a deep-fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 375°F. Fry the donuts a few at a time, about 2 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown. Remove them to a wire rack to cool.
- For the topping, mix together sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Dip the warm donuts into this mixture, making sure they’re well coated.
Flexible Ingredient Options for Every Cook
Don’t have sour cream? Greek yogurt makes a great substitute while still keeping the donuts moist. If you’re out of vanilla extract, a little almond extract can provide a sweet, nutty twist. For those avoiding gluten, try using a gluten-free flour blend.
The Best Way to Store Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Safely
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. For longer preservation, you can freeze them but avoid coating them with cinnamon sugar until you’re ready to reheat and serve.
From Sides to Drinks: What Complements Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These donuts shine when served with a fresh cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte. You might also consider a warm apple cider, especially in the fall. For a more substantial breakfast, pair them with scrambled eggs or a fruit salad.
Cooking Hacks to Elevate Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
If you’re aiming for an even zestier flavor, consider adding a bit of orange zest to the dough. Ensure your oil is at the proper temperature to achieve the perfect golden crust. Also, a quick toss in the cinnamon sugar right out of the fryer ensures maximum sweet coating adherence.
Adding a Seasonal Spin to Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
In the fall, swap out the regular sour cream for pumpkin puree and add a dash of pumpkin spice. During the summer, lemon zest can infuse a fresh twist, while winter calls for a pinch of warming ginger. Creativity truly transforms these donuts into an all-year favorite!
FAQs:
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, if you prefer a less oily version, baking is a fantastic option! Simply place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake and lose their tenderness.
What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
No worries, you can use a round biscuit cutter or even the rim of a cup. For the donut hole, the cap from a water bottle or a similar small round object will work perfectly. It’s all about improvising with what you have at home!
Can these donuts be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to give the donuts the right texture. You might need to adjust the liquid proportions slightly, so do a test batch first.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Indeed, you can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. After shaping it into a disc, just wrap it tightly and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and it makes frying them up the next day even quicker and easier!
How can I make my donuts fluffier?
The right balance of baking soda and baking powder is key to achieving a fluffy donut. Make sure your ingredients, particularly the leavening agents, are fresh and haven’t expired. Also, handle the dough as little as possible to keep it light and airy.
What if I find frying donuts too daunting?
Understandably, frying can be daunting, but it just takes a bit of practice! Start with a small batch to get the feel of it, and use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature. Alternatively, you can try air frying or baking the donuts as a healthier option with less monitoring required.
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Equipment
- Fryer or pot
- Mixing bowls
- Donut cutter
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Donut Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for topping
- Pinch ground cinnamon
- 2-3 cups oil for frying vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this aside.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they're bubbly, then mix in the sugar. Add the sour cream and vanilla, stirring until combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture while mixing. Stop when everything is just combined—don't overdo it! The dough will be sticky. Place it on plastic wrap, shape it into a disc, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- When you're ready, take the dough out. It’ll be soft and still a bit sticky. On a floured surface, roll it out to about a 10x10 inch square, adding more flour as needed.
- With a donut cutter dusted in flour, cut out the shapes and reroll any scraps for more donuts.
- In a fryer or pot, heat about 1-2 inches of oil to 375°F. Carefully fry a few donuts at a time, making sure not to overcrowd them, cooking for around 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove to a wire rack to cool.
- For the cinnamon topping, mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the sweet mixture for that perfect finish!
