Cinnamon sugar mini donuts are delightful, bite-sized treats that are soft, fluffy, and coated in a delicious mix of cinnamon and sugar. These homemade donuts are quick and easy to make, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Whether baked or fried, they are sure to bring a warm and cozy vibe to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
- Bite-Sized Delight: Perfect for sharing or portion control.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Can be baked or fried.
- Irresistible Flavor: The classic cinnamon and sugar coating makes them a timeless treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Donuts:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for dipping)
Directions
Make the Donuts:
Baked Version:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini donut pan.
- Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fill the Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the mini donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the donuts spring back when touched. Let them cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Fried Version:
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Form Donuts: Roll small balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) or use a donut cutter.
- Fry: Fry in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Mix Coating: In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
- Coat the Donuts: Dip warm donuts in melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 mini donuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Dip the donuts in melted chocolate before adding cinnamon sugar.
- Glazed Option: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk instead of the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Apple Cinnamon Donuts: Add finely chopped apples or a spoonful of applesauce to the batter.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, egg replacer, and dairy-free butter.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw, warm, and then coat with cinnamon sugar before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Do I need a donut pan to make these?
A donut pan is helpful for the baked version. If you don’t have one, you can use a mini muffin tin or roll dough into small balls for the fried version.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the donuts may be slightly denser.
How do I avoid overmixing the batter?
Mix until just combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can result in dense donuts.
Are these donuts best served warm?
Yes, they are delicious warm but still tasty at room temperature.
Can I air-fry these donuts?
Yes, bake the donuts in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden.
How do I prevent the oil from being too hot when frying?
Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for evenly cooked donuts.
What can I serve with cinnamon sugar mini donuts?
Serve them with coffee, hot chocolate, or a caramel dipping sauce for extra indulgence.
Can I add a filling to these donuts?
Yes, after frying or baking, you can inject them with custard, jelly, or Nutella using a piping bag.
How can I make the donuts extra soft?
Ensure not to overbake or over-fry the donuts, and always coat them while they are warm for the best texture.
Conclusion
Cinnamon sugar mini donuts are the perfect treat for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort. With their soft interior, crunchy sugar coating, and warm cinnamon aroma, these donuts are hard to resist. Make them for your next gathering or enjoy them as a delightful homemade snack. Try this recipe today and indulge in these irresistible mini delights!
PrintCinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts
These cinnamon sugar mini donuts are soft, fluffy, and perfectly coated in a sweet and aromatic cinnamon-sugar mixture. They are quick to make using a donut pan or by frying, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a fun treat any time of the day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 mini donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baked or Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven or Prepare the Fryer:
- For baked donuts, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a mini donut pan.
- For fried donuts, heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F).
2. Make the Donut Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Fill the Donut Pan or Prepare for Frying:
- For baking: Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- For frying: If you are frying, use a piping bag or a spoon to drop small batter portions into the hot oil.
4. Bake or Fry the Donuts:
- Baking: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the donuts spring back when touched.
- Frying: Cook the donuts for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon.
- Place melted butter in a separate bowl.
6. Coat the Donuts:
- When the donuts are cool enough to handle, brush them with melted butter.
- Roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
7. Serve:
- Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or milk.
Notes
- For an extra twist, drizzle the donuts with a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- You can store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.