Hey there my friend 👋. These cinnamon sugar mini donuts are soft, warm, and coated in the most irresistible sugar-cinnamon mix. They come together quickly, don’t require deep frying, and taste way better than the store-bought ones.
And guess what? You don’t even need a donut pan. I’ll show you a simple trick to make perfect mini donuts without one.
Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Donut pan or mini muffin tin
- Piping bag or ziplock bag (for easy filling)
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush (for butter)
- Shallow bowl (for the cinnamon sugar)
- Cooling rack
Important Info
- Servings: 24 mini donuts
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $5
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
- Calories per serving: 90 calories per mini donut
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Original Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Whole wheat flour |
| Granulated sugar | Coconut sugar |
| Milk | Almond milk |
| Butter | Coconut oil |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your mini donut pan or mini muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag. Cut the tip and pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Enjoy warm or let them cool completely before storing.
Helpful Tips
- If you don’t have a donut pan, use a mini muffin tin. They’ll look like donut holes but taste just as good.
- Do not overmix the batter, or the donuts will be dense instead of soft.
- Coat the donuts while they are still warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks better.
- Store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh. See storage instructions below.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts
You can enjoy these mini donuts with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also pair well with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a more indulgent treat.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
The best way to serve these mini donuts is warm, right after coating them with cinnamon sugar. If you want to make them extra special, serve them on a wooden board with a small bowl of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These mini donuts are perfect for parties, brunch, and holiday gatherings. They are also great for road trips and school lunchboxes since they are easy to pack and mess-free.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Store the mini donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To keep them fresh, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
Refrigeration
- If you need to keep them longer, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.
Freezing
- These mini donuts freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin instead. The shape will be different, but the taste and texture will still be great.
Can I fry these mini donuts instead of baking?
No, this recipe is specifically for baked donuts. If you want to fry them, you’ll need a different batter.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can, but the donuts will have a slightly different flavor and a denser texture.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease the pan well with butter or nonstick spray before adding the batter.
Can kids help make these donuts?
Yes, kids can help mix the batter and roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar. Just be careful with the hot oven.
Meta Description
Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts Recipe – soft, baked mini donuts coated in cinnamon sugar. Easy to make, no frying needed, and perfect for snacks or desserts.