Introduction
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with Just 3 Ingredients are the epitome of simplicity and flavor. These quick, easy-to-make treats require minimal ingredients but deliver maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast bite, a snack to share, or a dessert to enjoy with coffee, these donuts are sure to please. With just three key ingredients, these cinnamon-sugar-coated donuts come together in no time and are perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Soft, fluffy on the inside, and coated with a cinnamon-sugar crust, these donuts offer a taste of comfort and nostalgia, reminiscent of classic donut shop treats.
The History of Donuts
Donuts, also known as doughnuts, have a long and rich history that dates back centuries. The origin of the modern donut is often attributed to the Dutch settlers in America, who brought with them a pastry called “olykoeks,” or oily cakes, in the 18th century. These early donuts were fried in oil and shaped into rings, much like the donuts we know today. The iconic hole in the center of the donut, however, is credited to Captain Hanson Gregory, an American seafarer who, in the 1840s, punched a hole through the middle of his fried dough to allow for more even cooking. Since then, donuts have become a beloved treat around the world, with countless variations and toppings, including the ever-popular cinnamon sugar coating. The simplicity and ease of making donuts, combined with their irresistible flavor, have made them a timeless favorite.
Ingredients Breakdown
For this 3-ingredient recipe, the ingredients are basic yet essential. The first ingredient is store-bought biscuit dough, which serves as the base for the donuts. It’s the shortcut that saves time and makes the recipe accessible to anyone with a craving for homemade donuts. The second ingredient is cinnamon, paired with sugar to create that warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy coating that we all know and love. Finally, you’ll need vegetable oil or another neutral frying oil, which allows the donuts to fry up crispy and golden on the outside while staying soft and fluffy on the inside. These three ingredients combine to make donuts that are both delicious and incredibly easy to prepare.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Begin by heating about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping in a small piece of dough—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- While the oil is heating, open the can of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Use a small round cutter (or a bottle cap) to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit to form donut shapes. If you don’t have a cutter, you can simply make a small hole in the middle using your fingers.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the donut shapes into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
- Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve your warm, cinnamon sugar donuts immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- Be sure to heat the oil to the right temperature. If the oil is too cold, the donuts will soak up excess oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the donuts will burn before cooking through.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry the donuts in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get that perfect crispy exterior.
- For an extra crispy crust, you can double-coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar. Simply coat the donuts in sugar once, let them cool slightly, and then coat them again for an extra layer of flavor.
- You can use other types of dough if you don’t have biscuit dough on hand, like croissant dough or pizza dough, but biscuit dough gives the softest, fluffiest texture.
- For an added twist, try filling the donuts with jam, Nutella, or cream cheese before frying. Just be careful not to overstuff, as the filling may leak out during frying.
- For a healthier alternative, you can bake the donuts instead of frying them. Simply brush the donuts with a little butter or oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Variations and Customizations
While the cinnamon sugar coating is a classic, you can easily change up the flavor of these donuts by experimenting with different toppings and fillings. For a chocolate lover’s version, you can dip the donuts in melted chocolate or dust them with cocoa powder instead of cinnamon. If you prefer a fruitier twist, try coating the donuts in powdered sugar and filling them with fruit preserves, such as raspberry or strawberry jam. Another option is to add a drizzle of maple glaze or honey for a different sweetness level. You can also try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like crushed pecans or walnuts, for an added crunch.
For a savory variation, you could even swap out the sugar and cinnamon for a savory garlic and herb mixture, making them perfect as an accompaniment to pasta or salads. The possibilities are endless, and the base recipe is so versatile that you can adapt it to fit any flavor profile you’re craving.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Cinnamon sugar donuts, while delicious, are a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. These donuts are deep-fried, which adds a significant amount of fat and calories. A typical donut made from biscuit dough and coated in cinnamon sugar may contain around 200-250 calories per serving, depending on its size and the amount of oil absorbed during frying. They also tend to be high in sugar due to the cinnamon-sugar coating, which can contribute to a spike in blood sugar levels.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon coating or opt for a baked version to lower the fat content. Using a lighter oil or baking the donuts instead of frying can also help reduce the calorie load. If you’re trying to make the recipe gluten-free, look for gluten-free biscuit dough, or try using gluten-free all-purpose flour to make your own dough. Keep in mind that deep-fried foods are typically higher in unhealthy fats, so these donuts are best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.
FAQ
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake these donuts for a healthier version. Brush the dough with melted butter or oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
What if I don’t have biscuit dough?
You can substitute biscuit dough with other dough types, such as croissant dough or even pizza dough, though biscuit dough tends to provide the softest texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
These donuts are best served fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days at room temperature. Reheat them in the microwave or oven to restore some of their freshness.
Can I use other flavorings instead of cinnamon?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice, or even try a chocolate coating or glaze.
How can I avoid oily donuts?
To avoid overly oily donuts, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let the donuts drain on paper towels after frying to absorb any excess oil.
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with Just 3 Ingredients
Ingredients
Donuts
- ▢ 2 cups 240g all-purpose flour, properly measured
- ▢ ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ▢ ½ cup 99g granulated sugar
- ▢ 2 tsp baking powder
- ▢ 1 tsp salt
- ▢ ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp milk whole milk recommended
- ▢ 2 large eggs
- ▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ▢ ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ▢ ⅔ cup 132g granulated sugar
- ▢ 2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Donuts
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. Use a paper towel to evenly coat the entire surface of the donut wells.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, nutmeg, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set the dry ingredients aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Whisk or stir with a spatula until fully blended. Gradually add the dry flour mixture, mixing by hand with a spatula just until everything is incorporated.
- Transfer the batter into a ziplock bag, then snip off one corner to pipe the batter into the donut wells. Alternatively, you can use a cookie scoop to drop dollops of batter into the wells. If the batter isn’t level, gently smooth the tops with a small spatula. Fill each well about halfway to three-quarters full.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool for 10 minutes in the pan. After that, carefully flip the pan upside down and tap it on the counter a few times to release the donuts.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- In a ziplock bag, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Add one donut at a time to the bag and shake to coat evenly. Repeat with the remaining donuts. If the coating isn’t sticking, lightly brush the donuts with melted butter before shaking them in the cinnamon sugar bag.