Cinnamon Sugar Brioche Donuts

Cinnamon Sugar Brioche Donuts are the ultimate indulgence: soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. These homemade donuts are made from a rich brioche dough, fried until golden brown, and then coated in cinnamon-sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast treat or a dessert, these donuts are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These brioche donuts are far from your average donut. The brioche dough makes them incredibly soft and light, while the cinnamon-sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweetness and warmth. The process may take a bit of time, but the results are totally worth it. Fresh, warm donuts made from scratch are a treat you won’t be able to resist.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm milk

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (for coating)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy.

2. Make the dough: Add flour, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.

3. Let it rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the donuts: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters.

5. Second rise: Place the donut shapes on a baking sheet and cover with a cloth. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

6. Fry the donuts: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the donuts in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

7. Coat in cinnamon sugar: While the donuts are still warm, roll them in cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.

8. Serve and enjoy: Let the donuts cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 donuts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Glazed donuts: After frying, dip the donuts in a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a sweet, shiny finish.

• Filled donuts: Inject your donuts with your favorite filling, like jam, chocolate ganache, or cream cheese, for a fun surprise inside.

• Add spices: Mix ground nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon-sugar coating for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for a day or two.

• Freezing: Freeze the donuts after frying and cooling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

• Reheating: Reheat donuts in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the donuts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. They may not be as crispy as fried donuts, but they will still be delicious.

Can I use a different type of flour?

You can use bread flour for a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works perfectly for these soft, fluffy donuts.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying the donuts.

How do I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil?

Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (about 350°F or 175°C) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb more oil and become greasy.

Can I use store-bought dough?

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought brioche dough or donut dough, though the flavor and texture won’t be the same as homemade.

How do I know when the donuts are done frying?

The donuts should be golden brown on both sides. If you’re unsure, use a thermometer to check the oil temperature, or test one donut and ensure it’s fully cooked inside.

Can I make mini donuts?

Yes, you can use a smaller cutter to make mini donuts. Just be sure to adjust the frying time accordingly, as smaller donuts will cook more quickly.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies. These soft, fluffy brioche donuts are coated in cinnamon-sugar, making them the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Whether you’re having them for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, these cinnamon-sugar donuts will melt in your mouth and become an instant favorite!

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