If you have a sweet tooth and a love for cozy flavors, you are absolutely going to adore this Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe. These donuts have the perfect fluffy texture combined with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, and the rich chocolate drizzle on top takes everything to a whole new level of indulgence. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a special treat, this recipe brings warmth, comfort, and a little touch of magic to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that warm cinnamon aroma that will fill your home. From the fluffy flour base to the creamy butter and milk, every element has a part in crafting these incredible donuts.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the foundation, providing structure while keeping the donuts tender.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance out the spice.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy without any heaviness.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and the signature flavor that defines these donuts.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness for a soft, tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients while contributing to the light texture.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Gives a rich flavor and delicate flakiness.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzle): Melts into a smooth, luscious topping that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. This blend gives a perfectly balanced flavor and creates the right environment for the donuts to rise beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the whole milk, melted butter, and room-temperature eggs until completely smooth and uniform. This step ensures a silky batter that will keep the donuts tender and moist.
Step 3: Fold Wet Into Dry
Carefully fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Be gentle and fold just until everything comes together; overmixing here can make the donuts tough. You want a light, airy batter that will transform into soft donuts.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat your oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C). Achieving the right temperature is key to getting those gorgeous golden donuts with a perfectly crisp exterior without absorbing too much oil.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Using a spoon, carefully drop portions of the batter into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Use tongs to flip and remove the donuts, letting any excess oil drip off before transferring them to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, toss the donuts in a cinnamon and sugar mixture. This sticky, sweet coating embraces every bite with the comfort of that classic cinnamon flavor, making these donuts extra irresistible.
Step 7: Drizzle with Melted Chocolate
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Drizzle the luscious chocolate over the donuts in generous swirls, adding a beautiful shiny finish and a rich, decadent contrast.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these donuts even further, try sprinkling a few chopped toasted nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate drizzle. Fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a refined visual and flavor touch.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy latte. For a cozy brunch, consider serving alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with savory and refreshing notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these donuts on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cinnamon sugar and chocolate sauce for dipping. Or stack them in a beautiful tower and drizzle more chocolate as a shared centerpiece that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any donuts left (which is rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and delicious, but they are truly best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze these donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month and thaw quickly when brought back to room temperature.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until heated through. You can add a fresh chocolate drizzle or cinnamon sugar after warming for that freshly-made vibe.
FAQs
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes! You can bake them at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious and lighter.
What’s the best type of chocolate for the drizzle?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips work perfectly for a balanced sweetness, but you can use dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, but be mindful of slight texture differences.
Is there a way to make these donuts less oily?
Ensuring the oil temperature is consistently at 375°F helps prevent the donuts from soaking up too much oil. Also, draining them on paper towels immediately after frying reduces excess grease.
How should I store these if I want to keep the chocolate drizzle perfect?
Store the donuts uncovered at room temperature for short periods to keep the chocolate crisp. If storing longer, place them in a container but separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe is one of those delightful treats that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re sharing with family or keeping them all to yourself, these donuts are a true celebration of flavor and comfort. Go ahead, grab your ingredients, and create a batch of these irresistible donuts—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle are a delightful treat featuring soft, fluffy fried donuts coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend and topped with a rich, semi-sweet chocolate drizzle. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these homemade donuts combine classic flavors with an irresistible chocolate finish.
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)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzle)
- Additional granulated sugar and cinnamon for coating
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and eggs, whisking until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender donut texture.
- Heat Oil: Fill a deep pot with oil and heat it to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it is hot enough for frying to achieve crisp donuts.
- Fry Donuts: Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to turn and remove them from oil.
- Coat Donuts: While still warm, toss the donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar so they are evenly coated with the sweet spice blend.
- Prepare Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between each burst to prevent burning.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Generously drizzle the melted chocolate over the coated donuts. Optionally dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to help the batter mix smoothly and rise well.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature between 350°F-375°F for evenly cooked donuts and to prevent oil absorption.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- The chocolate drizzle can be substituted with other toppings like caramel or a simple glaze if preferred.
- For best results, eat the donuts fresh as the texture is optimal right after frying.
