If you are looking for a treat that perfectly blends warm spices, sweet indulgence, and a touch of chocolatey goodness, this Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe is an absolute must-try. These donuts are delightfully soft, coated in a cozy cinnamon-sugar mix, and finished with a luscious chocolate drizzle that turns an already fantastic snack into pure magic. Whether you need a special breakfast, afternoon pick-me-up, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these donuts hit all the right notes and invite you to enjoy every bite with a big smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient here is carefully chosen to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these donuts simply irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, fluffy donuts with just the right amount of chew.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the golden crust during frying.
- Baking powder: Essential for lightness and that airy donut texture you’ll love.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice and depth, the heart of the cinnamon-sugar magic.
- Whole milk: Enriches the batter making each bite tender and moist.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the rich texture (make sure they’re at room temperature for best results).
- Unsalted butter: Melted for richness without overpowering, giving a subtle buttery note.
- Powdered sugar: Used for dusting to add a soft sweetness on top.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted and drizzled for that indulgent finishing touch.
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. This dry mix forms the base flavor and ensures even distribution of the cinnamon spice throughout your donuts.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the milk, melted butter, and eggs until the mixture is silky smooth. This combination will hydrate the dry ingredients and provide moisture and richness to your batter.
Step 3: Gently Fold Batter
Slowly combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, folding gently just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light, tender dough that fries up beautifully.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Proper temperature is key to getting that crisp exterior while keeping the inside perfectly soft.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry each donut for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Use tongs to gently flip and remove donuts to drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar
While still warm, toss the donuts in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This step creates that signature flavor and delightful texture you can’t resist.
Step 7: Drizzle with Melted Chocolate
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave until smooth. Drizzle generously over the coated donuts for a decadent finish that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar after the chocolate drizzle gives the donuts a pretty, bakery-style look while adding a little extra sweetness. You can also sprinkle some crushed nuts or edible gold dust for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these donuts with a steaming cup of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate for a cozy pairing. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or orange segments, provides a juicy contrast to the rich, sweet donuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these donuts on a festive platter dusted with cinnamon sugar or arrange them in a donut tower for a party centerpiece. You can even sandwich some whipped cream or fruit jam between two donuts for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from getting soggy, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to one month. When you want a treat, just thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating
Reheat donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer warmth and crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or unevenly warmed.
FAQs
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Absolutely! While frying gives you that traditional crisp exterior, you can bake the batter in a donut pan at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Just note the texture will be a little different—still delicious, just less crispy.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. This helps get the perfect golden crust without imparting extra flavors to the donuts.
Can I use milk alternatives in this Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe?
Yes! Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk work well as substitutes. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to balance the sugar in the recipe.
How do I know when the donuts are done frying?
Look for a deep golden brown color and fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If they float easily and feel light, they should be cooked through and ready to remove.
Can I make the cinnamon-sugar mix ahead of time?
Definitely. The cinnamon-sugar coating can be mixed well in advance and stored in an airtight container for weeks, making it super convenient to have on hand for quick donut nights.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyful about making Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe at home. From the way the warm cinnamon scent fills your kitchen while frying to the final indulgent chocolate drizzle, this treat feels like a hug in every bite. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious magic it brings to your table and your day.
Print
Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these homemade Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with a luscious Chocolate Drizzle. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these fried treats are coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend and finished with a rich semi-sweet chocolate drizzle, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Coating and Drizzle
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon (for tossing donuts, approximate 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to combine evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and room temperature eggs until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Batters: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Heat Oil: In a deep pot, heat oil to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for frying the donuts.
- Fry Donuts: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil carefully. Fry the donuts until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, using tongs to turn and remove them.
- Coat Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until fully coated for a sweet, spiced exterior.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between bursts. Drizzle the melted chocolate generously over the coated donuts for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays at 375°F for perfect frying—too hot will burn the donuts; too cold will make them greasy.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep donuts light and tender.
- Melt the chocolate carefully to avoid burning; microwave in 20-second bursts and stir.
- Serve donuts fresh and warm for best taste and texture.
- Can substitute whole milk with a plant-based milk for a dairy-free alternative, but frying times might vary slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American