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These soft cinnamon sugar donuts are the ultimate sweet treat and are extremely easy to make! Perfect for any night of the week, you can have these treats ready in under 20 minutes.
I’ve only recently dabbled in making my own donuts. And yes, I definitely consider it a breakfast food. Maybe not quite to the level of a homemade breakfast casserole, but breakfast-worthy nonetheless.
I actually got the idea from a relative who had made a gluten and egg-free donut recipe for a party, and to say I was intrigued would be an understatement.
They had used a gluten-free pancake mix, left out the eggs the recipe called for, and fried them in a pot on the stove.
So, taking a few pointers from my honey butter biscuit recipe and with a few minor tweaks, mainly frying in oil instead of baking, I came up with a mouthwatering fried cinnamon sugar donut recipe.
Table of Contents
Why you will love this recipe
- Ready in under 20 minutes! That should be reason enough.
- Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts!
- It’s the best cinnamon sugar donut recipe out there!
Recipe ingredients
- All-purpose flour: I like using King Arthur unbleached flour, though you can use any all-purpose flour.
- Baking powder: This is perfect for giving our donuts an airy, light texture.
- Granulated sugar: What are donuts without sugar? You can also use coconut sugar as a healthier option.
- Salt: Just a pinch is all you’ll need.
- Butter: Make sure it’s frozen for best results!
- Whole milk: I use whole milk, though 2% would be fine too.
- Coconut oil: Or any cooking oil suitable for frying.
- Cinnamon and sugar: The classic combination that gives these donuts its irresistible flavor and aroma.
Recipe variations
Dress it up how you like! I made these with cinnamon sugar, but you can use any of your favorite toppings!
Add some nuts! A small handful of crushed walnuts are delicious in this recipe! I also tried chocolate chips, similar to my chocolate chip bagel recipe, and left out the cinnamon sugar topping – it was delicious!
Cinnamon sugar donut recipe
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, then shred your butter and add it to the mixture along with the milk.
Step 2: Transfer to a lightly floured countertop and shape into donuts. Alternatively, you can flatten the dough and cut it out using the rim of a cup, then poke a hole in the middle with your finger.
Step 3: Heat up about 1 inch of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat on the stove and carefully fry donuts for 1-2 minutes per side.
Step 4: Carefully dip the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after frying.
Expert tips
Be very careful, as hot oil will splatter.
If you decide to roll out your dough, use your hands to flatten it, rather than a rolling pin, to keep the dough as light as possible.
Leave a little room between the donuts since they will expand as they are heated.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use pre-mixed biscuits from the cooler at your local grocery store. Once you cut your hole in the center, just follow the same directions for frying!
No. This donut recipe is made without eggs.
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour; just be aware the texture may change some.
Best Donut Toppings
I prefer a cinnamon sugar donut topping in which I’ll mix 3 parts sugar with 1 part cinnamon, then dip the donut directly into the mixture immediately after frying.
This reminds me of my protein cinnamon rolls!
These also can be enjoyed with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Related recipes
- Chocolate chip banana bread
- Cast iron quiche
- Sourdough french toast casserole
- Simple omelet recipe
- Dutch baby pancakes
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Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 5 tbsp butter unsalted
- 3/4 cup milk I use whole milk
- Coconut oil for frying
- 3 tbsp sugar for topping
- 1 tbsp cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Throw butter in the freezer 15-20 min before starting.
- Add all the dry ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix well.
- Shred the butter with a cheese grater using the finest grate.
- Mix it in with the dry ingredients.
- Add milk and slightly mix everything until it is cohesive. Do not over-stir.
- Lightly spread a thin layer of flour on the countertop.
- Transfer dough to the countertop.
- Work the dough out flat with your hands, fold over and flatten out again. Repeat several times until the dough holds together well.
- Flatten the dough out about 1/2" thick. Next, cut out Donuts using a cookie cutter or the rim of a cup. Then, use your thumb to punch out the center hole.
- In a cast iron skillet over medium heat with about an inch of oil, add in the donuts. Be careful not to splash out the hot oil.
- Fry for about 1-2 minutes, then flip with tongs and fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- In a small shallow dish, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Dip donuts immediately into the mixture while still hot.
Notes
- Be very careful when frying these, as hot oil will splatter.
- Leave a little room between the donuts since they will expand as they are heated.
- Shaping your donuts: An alternative to steps 6-9, you can divide the dough up, roll it into small balls, flatten it, and then poke the hole out in the middle.
Can you make the dough the night before
Yes, covered in the fridge!