Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Your Ultimate 15-Minute Sweet Treat!
Craving warm, fluffy donuts but don’t have hours to spare for yeast dough and proofing? Look no further! This incredible recipe for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts is your secret weapon for satisfying those sweet cravings in record time. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth donut, generously coated in a shimmering cinnamon-sugar blend, all ready in just 15 minutes. Yes, you read that right – 15 minutes from pantry to plate! Forget the complex mixing and tedious kneading; these delightful fried donuts are designed for instant gratification and pure deliciousness. Perfect for a spontaneous breakfast treat, a quick dessert, or an impressive snack for unexpected guests, these homemade donuts are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
There’s nothing quite like the joy of enjoying these Cinnamon Sugar Donuts while they are still wonderfully warm. The irresistible aroma of cinnamon fills the kitchen, drawing everyone in. Each bite offers a heavenly combination of softness and fluffiness that simply melts in your mouth, leaving a sweet, comforting sensation. They are an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering, big or small. With this incredibly easy donut recipe, you can whip up a generous batch in practically no time, ensuring everyone gets to experience this delightful indulgence.
Looking to explore other delightful homemade treats? Be sure to check out some of my other popular recipes! You might love my Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins for a taste of autumn, the rich and layered Cinnamon Babka for a more elaborate bake, or the refreshing Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich for a cool and creamy dessert. Each recipe promises flavor and satisfaction!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These aren’t just any donuts; they are a game-changer for anyone who loves quick, delicious homemade treats. Here’s why these Cinnamon Sugar Donuts will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless & Lightning Fast: From your pantry to your plate in a mere 15 minutes! No complicated mixing, no yeast, no lengthy proofing, and absolutely no electric mixer required. This quick donut recipe is perfect for busy mornings or last-minute dessert cravings.
- Irresistibly Soft & Fluffy: Prepare for a truly melt-in-your-mouth experience. These fried donuts boast an incredibly soft, moist, and fluffy texture that makes them absolutely divine. Each bite is a tender cloud of sweet goodness.
- A Versatile Treat for Any Moment: Whether you need a quick breakfast idea to brighten your day, a satisfying afternoon snack, or an impressive dessert to share, these easy cinnamon sugar donuts fit every occasion. They’re naturally a hit with kids and adults alike!
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You only need four simple ingredients to create these delightful homemade donuts. The magic truly lies in their simplicity and the perfect balance of sweet cinnamon flavor.
- Customizable Fun: While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is undeniably perfect, these donuts serve as an excellent base for various toppings and glazes, allowing you to get creative and tailor them to your preference or occasion.
The Secret Weapon: Pillsbury Biscuit Dough
The innovation behind these incredibly easy homemade donuts is the use of pre-made refrigerated biscuit dough, specifically Original Pillsbury Biscuit Dough. This brilliant shortcut eliminates all the time-consuming steps typically associated with donut making. Instead of preparing a dough from scratch, which involves measuring, mixing, kneading, and waiting for yeast to rise, you simply pop open a can of biscuits. These biscuits are already perfectly leavened and ready to be transformed. Their consistent texture and flavor provide an excellent foundation for a perfectly fried donut that’s both soft and airy. Using biscuit dough means you can enjoy the satisfaction of homemade fried donuts without any of the traditional hassle, making this recipe accessible to even the most novice bakers. It truly is the ultimate hack for quick and delicious donuts!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the many charms of this easy donut recipe is its simplicity, requiring just a handful of everyday ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create your batch of delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donuts:
- Original Pillsbury Biscuit Dough: This is the star of the show! I recommend using the standard can that contains 8 biscuits. It provides the perfect base for our quick fried donuts, ensuring a fluffy interior without any of the traditional dough preparation.
- Ground Cinnamon: The key spice for that classic warm, aromatic flavor. You’ll be mixing this with sugar to create the irresistible coating. Adjust the amount to your personal preference for a stronger or milder cinnamon kick.
- Fine Granulated White Sugar: This will be combined with cinnamon to form the sweet, crunchy coating that makes these donuts so addictive. Fine granulated sugar adheres well to the warm donuts, creating a beautiful texture and balanced sweetness.
- Canola Oil (or other neutral frying oil): Essential for deep-frying our donuts. Canola oil is chosen for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, which is crucial for achieving perfectly golden brown and evenly cooked donuts without imparting any unwanted tastes.
Crafting Your Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to make the easiest, most delicious homemade donuts you’ve ever tasted! Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:
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Prepare Your Dough and Coating:
Start by opening your can of Original Pillsbury Biscuit Dough. Carefully separate each biscuit and lay them flat on a clean wooden board or a lightly floured surface. Using a small round cookie cutter (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter), create a hole in the center of each biscuit. Save these small dough circles – they fry up into delightful “donut holes” that are often the first to disappear! In a shallow bowl, mix together your fine granulated white sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Have this bowl ready and waiting for your freshly fried donuts.
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Heat the Oil and Fry the Donuts:
In a deep frying pan or a sturdy pot (at least 3-4 inches deep), pour enough canola oil to reach about 2-3 inches in depth. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature between 350°F and 360°F (175°C-182°C). A deep-fry thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy. Carefully place 2-3 prepared biscuit donuts into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Flip them gently with tongs or a slotted spoon. Don’t forget to also fry those mini leftover dough balls from the holes! These small, crispy bites are incredibly delicious and cook even faster than the full donuts.
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Coat Generously with Cinnamon Sugar:
Once the donuts are perfectly golden brown, carefully remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Allow any excess oil to drip off for a few seconds. Immediately transfer the hot donuts to the bowl of cinnamon sugar. Roll them around, ensuring they are coated generously on all sides. The heat from the donuts will help the sugar mixture adhere beautifully, creating that signature sweet and spiced crust.
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Cool and Serve:
Place the coated donuts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels for about 5 minutes. This allows any residual oil to drain and gives them a moment to slightly cool without becoming soggy. While they are still warm, they are at their absolute best. Serve them immediately and watch them disappear!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips for Perfect Donuts
Achieving the perfect homemade donut is easier than you think, especially with these helpful tips and tricks. Pay attention to these details to ensure your Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are absolutely flawless every time:
- Donut Hole Delights: Do not discard those mini dough balls cut from the centers of the biscuits! Fry them alongside your full-sized donuts. They cook quickly and are often considered the yummiest, bite-sized treats, perfect for a quick taste test.
- Immediate Coating is Key: For the best cinnamon sugar adherence, coat your donuts as soon as they come out of the hot oil. The residual heat helps the sugar stick and melt slightly, creating a perfect crust.
- The Thermometer is Your Friend: A deep-fry thermometer is highly recommended. Maintaining an oil temperature between 350°F and 360°F (175°C-182°C) is crucial. If the oil is too cool, donuts will absorb too much oil and be greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside and be raw in the middle. You can find reliable candy/deep-fry thermometers for about $10 at most grocery stores or kitchen retailers.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry donuts in small batches (2-3 at a time). Overcrowding the pan will drastically lower the oil’s temperature, leading to uneven cooking and greasy donuts. Keep a close watch on the temperature if adding a new batch and give the heat a small boost as needed to maintain the ideal range.
- Enjoy Them Warm and Fresh: These Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are truly best when eaten warm and fresh. As they sit longer, they tend to lose some of their initial fluffiness and softness. While still delicious, for that ultimate experience, aim to serve them shortly after frying.
- Safety First: Always use a large, deep pan or pot for frying to prevent oil splatters and potential burns. Keep a lid nearby to smother any oil fires, and never leave hot oil unattended.
- Adjust Cinnamon to Your Taste: Feel free to customize the amount of cinnamon in your sugar coating. If you love a bolder spice, add a little extra. For a milder flavor, reduce it slightly.
- Spice Twist: For an intriguing flavor variation, add a dash of ground cardamom to your cinnamon sugar mixture. Cardamom pairs beautifully with cinnamon and adds an aromatic, exotic twist that is incredibly good!
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Donuts
What type of oil is best for frying these Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?
For frying these homemade donuts, you should always opt for a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point. Oils like canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil are excellent choices. I specifically recommend canola oil because it won’t impart any unwanted flavors to your donuts, allowing the delicious cinnamon and sugar to truly shine. Avoid oils with strong flavors like olive oil, or those with lower smoke points.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying donuts?
The sweet spot for frying these donuts is between 350°F and 360°F (175°C-182°C). It’s essential to monitor the oil’s temperature carefully using a deep-fry thermometer and adjust the heat as needed. It’s generally better to add donuts to oil that is slightly warmer than desired (e.g., closer to 360°F) rather than too cool, because the introduction of the cooler dough will naturally cause the oil temperature to drop a few degrees. Maintaining this temperature range ensures your donuts cook through evenly, achieving a beautiful golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior without becoming greasy or burnt.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
While these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are best enjoyed warm and fresh, you can make them a few hours ahead. Store them loosely covered at room temperature. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave briefly (10-15 seconds per donut) until warm. Reheating won’t fully restore their initial fresh-from-the-fryer fluffiness, but it will make them wonderfully enjoyable again.
Are there any alternative cooking methods if I don’t want to deep-fry?
While deep-frying yields the classic donut texture, you can experiment with other methods. An air fryer can produce a lighter, less oily version: preheat to 350°F (175°C), lightly spray donuts with oil, and air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden. You might need to spray again and the texture will be more like a baked biscuit than a true fried donut. They will still be delicious but will have a different mouthfeel.
Other Topping Ideas for These Customizable Donuts
The beauty of these easy fried donuts is their versatility! While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is undeniably fantastic, they serve as a perfect canvas for a variety of other delicious toppings. Feel free to get creative and make different batches to cater to various tastes. Here are some inspiring ideas:
- Vanilla Glaze: A simple yet elegant choice. Whisk together 3/4 cup of powdered sugar with 1.5 tablespoons of milk (or cream for a richer glaze) and 0.5 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Dip warm donuts into the glaze for a classic finish.
- Chocolate Glaze: For the chocolate lovers! Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the vanilla glaze recipe. Mix well until you have a smooth, rich chocolate glaze. Drizzle over or dip your donuts for a decadent treat.
- Pumpkin Spice Sugar: Perfect for autumn or anytime you crave fall flavors. Replace half of the cinnamon in your sugar coating with an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Plain Powdered Sugar: For a simple, elegant dusting. Just roll the warm donuts in powdered sugar for a subtly sweet and soft coating.
- Maple Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with a little maple syrup and a touch of milk for a comforting, autumnal flavor.
- Coconut Flakes: After dipping in a glaze (like vanilla or chocolate), sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and tropical flavor.
- Lemon Zest Sugar: Mix granulated sugar with finely grated lemon zest for a bright, citrusy coating that’s wonderfully refreshing.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. Here are some ideas:
- Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing! The warmth of a fresh cup of coffee or a comforting tea perfectly complements the sweetness of the donuts.
- Milk: A tall, cold glass of milk is always a hit, especially for kids (and adults who are kids at heart!).
- Fresh Fruit: Balance the sweetness with a side of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a fruit salad.
- Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve a warm donut alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is delightful.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a touch of luxury.
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts is a super quick donut recipe you can literally get up and make at any time. It does not require any mixing or kneading or any pre preparations.
Ingredients
- 1 can Original Pillsbury Biscuit Dough (I used the one with 8 biscuits)
- Cinnamon
- Fine granulated white Sugar
- Canola oil
Instructions
- Open the biscuits and lay them flat on a wooden board. Grab a small round cookie cutter and make a hole in the middle of the biscuits. In a bowl mix some sugar and cinnamon together and have those ready.
- In a deep frying pan, heat the canola oil to medium heat and fry the donuts until they are golden brown. Also fry the mini left over dough balls from the holes. These are the yummiest!
- Remove the donuts and dip in the cinnamon sugar. Coat generously.
- Lay on a rack for 5 minutes and then serve.
Notes
- Fry the mini leftover dough balls from the holes. These are so good!
- Allow to sit for 5 minutes on a wire rack before serving.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to test oil temperature so donuts cook properly.
- You can find a reliable candy/deep-fry thermometer for about $10 at most grocery stores and other chain retailers.
- Don’t try to fry all the donut holes at once, otherwise you’ll lower the temperature of the oil and they won’t fry properly.
- The key is to eat these Cinnamon Sugar Donuts warm and fresh. As they sit longer, they become less fluffy and not as soft.
- Make sure you use a big pan/pot, to avoid splatter.
- Keep a close watch on the temperature if adding a new batch of donuts and give the heat a small boost as needed.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon, according to your taste.
- Add a dash of cardamom for a spice twist – so good!
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 21g |
Protein: 2g |
Fat: 8g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 1mg |
Sodium: 353mg |
Potassium: 92mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 3g |
Calcium: 38mg |
Iron: 1mg
Other Delightful Breakfast Recipes to Try
If you’ve enjoyed making these easy homemade donuts, you might also love exploring more breakfast and brunch options from my kitchen. Here are a few other fantastic recipes:
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – Easy Mixed Berry Recipe
- Fun & Creative Mini Pancake Cereal (3 Flavors)
- Seasonal Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes
I genuinely hope you enjoy creating and savoring all the recipes I share with you, especially this incredibly delicious and easy Cinnamon Sugar Donut recipe. It’s truly a joy to bring simple, heartwarming treats into your home. Please give it a try, enjoy every bite, and if you have a moment, I would be grateful if you could rate it and share your experience with your friends and family!
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