Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts

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Golden, pillowy-soft, and kissed with a sparkle of cinnamon sugar—Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts are the kind of treat that instantly transports you back to childhood fairs and cozy mornings. With their warm, buttery texture and perfect bite-sized shape, these donuts strike the right balance between indulgent and comforting. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or packed in a lunchbox for a midday pick-me-up, they deliver joy in every bite.

What makes these mini donuts irresistible is the light crunch of sugar on the outside paired with the soft, cake-like interior. They don’t need fancy toppings or glazes to impress—just a quick dip in melted butter and a generous roll in cinnamon sugar, and they’re ready to steal the spotlight. Perfect for brunch spreads, party platters, or a lazy weekend breakfast, these donuts are a crowd-pleaser that comes together effortlessly.

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Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for dipping)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini donut pan with non-stick spray or a thin brush of melted butter. This ensures the donuts pop out easily after baking and maintain their delicate shape.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

These dry ingredients create the warm, aromatic base of your donuts.

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Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk until smooth:

• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Make sure the butter isn’t too hot—just warm enough to blend well without cooking the egg.

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Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the donuts light and tender.

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Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off to pipe the batter into each cavity of the mini donut pan. Fill each one about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.

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Step 6: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.

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Step 7: Cool and Coat

Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, dip each donut in melted butter and roll generously in the cinnamon-sugar mix (½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon).

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Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

These mini donuts are best served warm, but they’re still amazing at room temperature. Serve them with a mug of coffee, milk, or even hot chocolate for a nostalgic treat.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts soft and delicious, allow them to cool completely before storing. Once cooled:

• Room Temperature: Place the donuts in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. To revive their softness, microwave them for 5–8 seconds before serving.
• Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm briefly before enjoying.
• Freezer: Place uncoated donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and coat in butter and cinnamon sugar just before serving for that fresh-made taste.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per 1 mini donut (approximate values):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 70mg

These values are based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on substitutions or serving sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! Use a mini muffin pan instead. They’ll have a different shape but the same delicious flavor—just reduce the baking time by a minute or two.

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2. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

These are already a baked recipe, making them lighter and easier to prepare than fried donuts.

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3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the batter right after mixing, but you can refrigerate it for a few hours if needed. Stir gently before piping into the pan.

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4. What if I don’t have nutmeg?

No worries! Just skip it or substitute with an extra pinch of cinnamon or a dash of allspice for a similar warm flavor.

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5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, though the texture will be a bit denser. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

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6. Can these be made dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.

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7. How do I keep the sugar coating from melting?

Make sure the donuts are only slightly warm and not hot when coating. Too much heat can melt the sugar.

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8. Can I add fillings or toppings?

These mini donuts are best kept simple, but feel free to drizzle with melted chocolate or inject with a tiny bit of jam for a sweet surprise.

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