Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts Recipe

Quick Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts Recipe for Breakfast

Crispy, golden mini donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar promise a delightful morning surprise that’ll make you smile.

These bite-sized treats bring pure joy to your kitchen.

Small pastries like these create instant happiness with minimal effort.

Sweet, warm spices dance across each perfectly fried morsel.

Every golden round carries a nostalgic whisper of childhood bakery memories.

Modest ingredients transform into something magical through simple cooking techniques.

You’ll want to share these irresistible little circles with everyone around you.

Get ready to become the neighborhood’s most beloved baker!

Why People Crave Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts

  • Whip Up Quick Treats: These mini donuts come together in minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Versatile Cooking Options: Bakers can choose between oven-baking or frying, giving flexibility to match personal cooking preferences and kitchen equipment.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Small-sized donuts are easy for children to help prepare, creating fun family bonding moments and introducing young ones to baking skills.
  • Customize with Ease: The simple base recipe allows endless variations of toppings, coatings, and flavor additions to suit different taste preferences and occasions.

Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the donut that provides structure and texture.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for helping the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the donuts.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the donuts.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender.
Coating and Finishing:
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates the base for the cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the sweet coating.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar mixture stick to the donuts and adds richness.

Easy Way To Make Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts

Step 1: Whip Up the Donut Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Milk
  • Melted butter
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are perfectly okay.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

If baking donuts:
  • Grab your mini donut pan
  • Lightly coat with cooking spray or butter
  • Ensure every nook and cranny is greased to prevent sticking

Step 3: Fill the Donut Molds

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about two-thirds full. This allows room for the donuts to rise and keep a perfect shape.

Step 4: Bake or Fry to Golden Perfection

Baking Method:
  • Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes until donuts are lightly golden
  • Toothpick test: Insert into a donut – it should come out clean
Frying Method:
  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F
  • Carefully drop small spoonfuls of batter into hot oil
  • Fry until donuts turn a beautiful golden brown
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels

Step 5: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Step 6: Coat the Warm Donuts

While donuts are still warm, roll them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure each donut is completely covered in the sweet, spicy coating.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer donuts to a serving plate. Best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Watch as everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite of these irresistible mini treats!

Tips For Better Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts

  • Grease with Care: Use non-stick cooking spray or melted butter to ensure your donuts release easily from the pan without sticking.
  • Temperature Precision: Maintain a consistent oil temperature around 175C (350F) for even, golden-brown donuts that are crispy outside and tender inside.
  • Coating Technique: Roll warm donuts in cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking to help the sweet mixture adhere perfectly and create a delightful, crisp exterior.
  • Storage Wisdom: Let donuts cool completely before storing in an airtight container to prevent moisture buildup and maintain their delicious crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these mini donuts accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.

Best Storage Tips For Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts

  • Safeguard your delightful mini donuts by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Keep them separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Refrigerate the donuts if you want to extend their freshness for 3-4 days, but remember they might lose some of their soft, tender crumb.
  • Freeze the uncoated donuts in a freezer-safe container for maximum 2 weeks – simply thaw at room temperature and dust with cinnamon sugar before serving for that just-made magical taste.

Snacks That Go With Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts

  • Sweeten the Sip: Pair these delightful mini donuts with a warm chai latte, where the spicy cinnamon notes complement the donuts' sugary coating, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.
  • Brew the Perfect Match: Enjoy these treats alongside a classic black coffee or espresso, letting the rich, bold coffee cut through the sweetness and enhance the cinnamon's warmth.
  • Creamy Companion: Serve with a cold glass of vanilla bean milkshake, which provides a smooth, creamy contrast to the crisp donut texture and amplifies the dessert's comforting qualities.
  • Breakfast Bliss Pairing: Combine with freshly squeezed orange juice, its citrusy brightness balancing the donuts' sweetness and adding a refreshing morning touch to your treat.

Different Twists On Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts

  • Sweet Maple Magic: Swap cinnamon sugar coating with pure maple syrup glaze, drizzling warm maple goodness over freshly baked mini donuts for a rich, comforting Canadian-inspired treat.
  • Berry Bliss Crunch: Top donuts with crushed freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries, creating a tangy and crisp alternative that adds vibrant color and fruity intensity to the classic recipe.
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Dream: Dip mini donuts in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle crushed hazelnuts on top, transforming the simple cinnamon sugar recipe into a decadent nutty indulgence.
  • Tropical Coconut Escape: Roll warm donuts in toasted coconut flakes mixed with a hint of ground ginger, offering a subtle tropical twist that brings exotic warmth to the traditional mini donut experience.

FAQ For Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts

  • What makes these mini donuts special?

These donuts are a delightful treat that can be either baked or fried, giving you flexibility in preparation. They’re coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, creating a classic flavor that everyone loves.

  • Can I make these donuts without a special donut pan?

If you don’t have a mini donut pan for baking, you can use a muffin tin or make them as traditional fried donuts. The key is to maintain the right temperature for cooking to get a perfect texture.

  • How do I get the perfect cinnamon sugar coating?

Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the donuts are still warm, roll them completely in the mixture, ensuring an even and delicious coating that sticks well to the surface.

  • Are these donuts difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! These mini donuts are beginner-friendly. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create a delicious batch of donuts that look and taste professional.

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Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet mini “Cinnamon Sugar Donuts” deliver irresistible homemade charm with golden-brown delights dusted in warm spices. Crisp exterior and tender crumb promise a delectable treat that melts in your mouth, inviting pure bakery bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating Ingredients:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mini donut pan by thoroughly coating it with a light, even layer of non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Carefully warm the cooking oil in a deep skillet or pan to the optimal temperature of 175C (350F), maintaining a consistent heat for even frying.
  3. Gently combine the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, using a whisk to eliminate any potential lumps and create a uniform flour mixture.
  4. In a separate vessel, whisk together the wet components until they form a smooth, well-integrated liquid base with a consistent texture.
  5. Gradually fold the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with deliberate, gentle motions to create a lump-free batter that maintains a light, airy consistency.
  6. For baked donuts, carefully transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off, allowing precise filling of each donut cavity.
  7. If frying, use a small scoop or spoon to carefully drop small rounds of batter into the hot oil, working in small batches to maintain optimal temperature.
  8. For oven-baked versions, place the filled pan in the preheated oven and bake until the edges turn a delicate golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. For fried donuts, gently rotate the mini donuts in the oil, ensuring an even, golden-brown color on all sides before removing with a slotted spoon.
  10. Immediately after cooking, while still warm, roll the donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, creating a sweet, aromatic coating that clings to the surface.
  11. Allow the donuts to cool slightly on a wire rack, which helps prevent soggy bottoms and maintains their delightful crisp texture.
  12. Serve warm for the most enjoyable sensory experience, allowing the cinnamon sugar to melt slightly and create an irresistible treat.

Notes

  • Choose a non-stick mini donut pan for easy release and perfectly shaped donuts.
  • Ensure oil temperature remains consistent when frying to achieve golden-brown, crispy exteriors without absorbing excess oil.
  • Dust donuts with cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking while they’re still warm for maximum flavor adherence and delightful coating.
  • For healthier alternatives, consider baking instead of frying, which reduces overall oil content and calories while maintaining a delicious texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 165
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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