Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe – Quick Homemade Glazed Treats

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe – Quick Homemade Glazed Treats

Hey everyone! There’s just something magical about a warm, freshly made donut, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tried to make donuts at home – it was a bit of a messy adventure, but the end result was so worth it. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for easy cinnamon sugar donuts. They’re quick, they’re delicious, and they’re guaranteed to brighten your day. Perfect with a hot cup of chai, or even just a glass of cold milk!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your complicated, yeast-raised donuts. This recipe is wonderfully simple, using baking powder for a quick rise. It means you can satisfy your donut cravings without spending all day in the kitchen! They’re soft, fluffy, and coated in a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar goodness. Plus, the glaze adds a touch of sweetness that’s just irresistible.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful donuts:

• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk (120ml)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (14g)
• ¾ cup sugar (150g)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (4g)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5g)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5g)
• 4 tablespoons melted butter, for coating (56g)
• ¼ cup granulated white sugar, for coating (50g)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder, for coating (2.5g)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar, for glaze (30g)
• 1 tablespoon water, for glaze (15ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a moment. A few little things can make a big difference!

• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Don’t skimp on the cinnamon! It’s the star of the show. A tiny pinch of nutmeg adds a lovely warmth, but feel free to adjust to your liking. I sometimes add a tiny bit of clove too, for extra festive flavour.
• Butter Quality: Using good quality unsalted butter really shines through in the flavour. I prefer using a European-style butter for its higher fat content, which makes the donuts even more tender.
• Flour Type: All-purpose flour works perfectly here. Make sure to measure it correctly – spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents using too much flour, which can make the donuts tough.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan really well – this is key to easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and sugar until everything is nicely combined.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and everything is evenly distributed.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay – overmixing develops the gluten and can make the donuts tough.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full. Leave a little space for them to rise.
6. Bake for 17 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully removing them.
7. While the donuts are still warm, dip them in the melted butter, then toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon powder.
8. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and water until smooth. Add a drop of food coloring if you like! Drizzle the glaze over the cooled donuts.
9. Add sprinkles immediately if desired. Serve fresh and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked donuts will be dry. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
• Warm Donuts are Best: The glaze adheres best to warm donuts.
• Grease, Grease, Grease: Seriously, don’t skimp on greasing the donut pan!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes), and use plant-based butter and milk.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might need to add a little extra liquid to achieve the right consistency. My friend, Priya, swears by Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cardamom to the batter for a more complex flavour. It’s a lovely addition!
• Festival Adaptations: During Christmas and New Year’s, I love adding red and green sprinkles and a touch of vanilla extract to the glaze. They make such festive treats!

Serving Suggestions

These donuts are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a warm beverage. I love serving them with a cup of masala chai or a glass of cold milk. They also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread.

Storage Instructions

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze might become a little sticky, but they’ll still be delicious!

FAQs

1. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

You can bake the donuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. However, I recommend glazing them just before serving for the best texture.

2. What is the best way to prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the pan very well is the most important thing. You can also lightly dust it with flour after greasing.

3. Can I use different spices instead of cinnamon and nutmeg?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice.

4. How do I achieve a fluffier donut texture?

Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten and can make the donuts tough. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

5. What’s the best way to store leftover glaze?

Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You might need to add a little water to thin it out before using.