How To Make Homemade Doughnuts: Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts

From the cozy corners of old-fashioned bakeries to modern brunch tables, doughnuts have a way of capturing nostalgia in every fluffy bite. Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts date back generations—fried dough lightly sweetened and rolled in cinnamon and sugar, often made fresh and served hot. Traditionally, they rely on yeast, sugar, and rich fats to develop both flavor and texture.

This version gives you that bakery-style chew and golden crust, using sprouted white wheat flour, a touch of honey, and coconut oil for frying. It’s not gluten-free in this standard version (if you like, I can offer a gluten-free alternative), but it’s wholly homemade and comforting. These doughnuts are perfect for weekend indulgence, brunch spreads, or treating loved ones.

Here’s your full recipe to make fluffy, fried cinnamon sugar doughnuts at home. Get ready to fry, roll, and sugar-coat.

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Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts

Recipe Details

Yield: 12 doughnuts
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Recipe Ingredients

For the doughnuts:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 packets dry active yeast
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 4 cups sprouted white wheat flour
• Coconut oil, for frying

For the topping (cinnamon sugar):

• 1 1/2 cups organic unbleached sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Recipe Instructions

1. Warm milk, honey, salt, and butter in a saucepan over low heat until lukewarm. Pour into bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if kneading by hand). Stir in yeast, and let proof for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Whisk in the beaten egg.
3. Mix in the flour and knead about 8 minutes with the dough hook (or on a floured surface by hand) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Form the dough into a ball, place in a well-greased bowl, cover tightly, and let it rise until doubled in size (≈ 1 hour).
5. Punch down the dough. Transfer to a lightly floured surface; roll out to about ¾-inch thick. Use a 3-inch cutter for outer circle and smaller cutter for the hole. Cover with a damp towel; let rise another ≈ 30 minutes.
6. While dough is rising, heat 2-3 inches of coconut oil in a cast-iron skillet or deep pot over medium-high heat. Carefully fry doughnuts, in batches, about 1 minute per side, or until golden. Drain on paper towels.
7. Mix together sugar and cinnamon in a low bowl. Dunk warm doughnuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides.
8. Store in an airtight container. Best enjoyed fresh and warm.

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Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per doughnut (as given on the live recipe page).

Serving Size	1 doughnut
Calories	≈ 305 kcal
Protein	≈ 2 g
Carbs	≈ 40 g
Sugar	≈ 23 g
Fiber	≈ 1 g
Fat	≈ 15 g

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Doughnut Making Variations & Tips

• Bake instead of fry: If the original is fried, try baking in a doughnut pan for a lighter version.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk in place of dairy ingredients.
• Lower sugar: Reduce the sugar in the cinnamon coating, or use a sugar substitute like erythritol + cinnamon blend.
• Extra spice: Add nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix.
• Air fryer method: Use an air fryer for crispier texture with less oil if applicable.
• Serve warm: Glaze or coat while warm so the sugar adheres well to the surface.

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What Goes Great with These Doughnuts

• Cold milk (dairy or plant-based) — classic dunking companion.
• Espresso or black coffee — bitterness cuts sweetness nicely.
• Fresh fruit (berries or banana slices) — brightness and contrast.
• Nut butter drizzle (almond, cashew) — adds richness and creamy counterpoint.
• Whipped cream or mascarpone (or non-dairy whipped topping) — indulgent touch alongside.

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When to Show Off Your Doughnut Making Skills

• Weekend brunches — a fun and comforting treat for guests.
• Breakfast parties or celebrations — serve alongside coffee and pastries.
• Kids’ parties or special mornings — doughnuts bring joy for special occasions.
• Café or bakery offerings — fits well in a homemade doughnut line-up.
• Holiday mornings or festive breakfasts — cinnamon sugar is classic and cozy for seasonal menus.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont