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- Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your donut pan well. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can always make these as donut holes using a mini muffin tin instead. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Make the Batter:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be thick but smooth. - Fill the Pan:
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full with the batter. Don’t overfill, as the donuts will rise during baking. - Bake the Donuts:
Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool and Coat:
Let the donuts cool slightly for a few minutes before removing them from the pan. While they’re cooling, combine the sugar and cinnamon (and ginger, if using) in a shallow bowl. - Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating it evenly on all sides. The sugar will stick perfectly to the warm surface, giving your donuts that signature sweet and spicy crust. - Enjoy:
Serve your cinnamon sugar donuts fresh, with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. These donuts are best enjoyed within a few hours of making them, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a day or two.
Donut Customizations
While the classic cinnamon sugar combo is a timeless favorite, there are plenty of ways to put your own twist on these donuts. Here are some creative variations you can try:
- Apple Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Add finely chopped apples to the batter for a fruity, autumn-inspired twist. This pairs perfectly with a dash of extra cinnamon and nutmeg in the dough.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: For chocolate lovers, fold in some cocoa powder into the batter for a rich, chocolaty base, then coat in the cinnamon sugar for a delightful contrast.
- Glazed Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: For extra sweetness, dip your warm donuts into a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla before coating them in cinnamon sugar.
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: During fall, try adding canned pumpkin puree and a touch of pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a seasonal treat.
- Maple Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the donuts before dipping them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet, syrupy finish.
The Perfect Pairings
While these donuts are delicious all on their own, there are a few ways you can elevate your donut experience:
- Coffee: The classic pairing! A cup of hot coffee, whether black or with cream, balances out the sweetness of the donuts and makes for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.
- Milk: For the ultimate comfort combo, serve these donuts with a glass of cold milk. The milk complements the sweetness while soothing any cinnamon heat.
- Hot Chocolate: If you’re indulging during the colder months, a rich cup of hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with these donuts for a cozy treat.
Conclusion
Cinnamon sugar donuts are more than just a snack; they’re a celebration of warmth, comfort, and joy. Whether you’re making them from scratch at home or enjoying them from a local bakery, these donuts are always a crowd-pleaser. With their irresistible aroma and perfect combination of sweet and spicy, cinnamon sugar donuts are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So, next time the scent of cinnamon sugar is in the air, don’t resist—grab a donut and savor the moment!
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