Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts are a beloved treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of sugar, and the delightful fluffiness of doughnuts. These irresistible doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting snack. Making them from scratch is not only fun but also ensures you enjoy the freshest, tastiest doughnuts possible. Let’s dive into the recipe and create these sweet, spiced delights.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preparing the Doughnuts:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two standard doughnut pans (each with 6 cavities) or one large doughnut pan (12-cavity) with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the buttermilk, melted and cooled unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Spoon the doughnut batter into a large resealable plastic bag or a piping bag. Snip off a corner of the bag to create a makeshift pastry bag.
- Pipe the batter evenly into the greased doughnut pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the doughnuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into a doughnut comes out clean.
Coating the Doughnuts:
- While the doughnuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Once the doughnuts are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes.
- Carefully remove the doughnuts from the pans and dip each one into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Immediately roll the buttered doughnut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it’s generously coated.
Serving:
- Place the freshly coated Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts on a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Enjoy these sweet and spiced delights while they’re warm and freshly coated.
Variations and Tips
- Glaze: If you prefer glazed doughnuts, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water to create a simple glaze. Dip each doughnut into the glaze and let it set before serving.
- Apple Cinnamon Variation: Add finely diced apples and a touch of apple pie spice to the doughnut batter for a delightful twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After coating with cinnamon sugar, drizzle the doughnuts with melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Mini Doughnuts: Use a mini doughnut pan to create bite-sized versions of these treats.
- Doughnut Holes: Roll small portions of doughnut batter into balls, bake them, and coat with cinnamon sugar for doughnut holes.
- Serve with Coffee: Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts are a delightful combination of sweet and spiced flavors, making them a favorite among doughnut enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a special treat with your morning coffee, these doughnuts are a true delight. So, roll up your sleeves, bake a batch, and indulge in the comforting taste of Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts.
