There’s something undeniably magical about the smell of freshly fried donuts drifting through a cozy kitchen. It’s the kind of aroma that makes you slow down, take a deep breath, and let out a happy sigh. For me, it brings back memories of cool Saturday mornings spent with my grandmother, her old radio humming in the background while we worked side by side. She didn’t have a fancy donut maker or anything high-tech—just a sturdy pot, a wooden spoon, and plenty of love.
These Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle are my nostalgic twist on those cherished moments. The soft, fluffy interior, the crisp golden crust, and that perfect dusting of cinnamon sugar make every bite feel like a warm hug. Add a silky drizzle of chocolate on top, and it’s pure comfort food bliss.
Perfect for slow weekend mornings, surprise brunch treats, or just when your sweet tooth needs a little extra love—these donuts are easier to make than you might think, and way more satisfying than anything you’d pick up at a store.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No fancy equipment needed—just simple ingredients and a love for cozy treats
- The cinnamon sugar coating adds just the right amount of warmth and sweetness
- That rich chocolate drizzle takes everything up a notch
- Fried to golden perfection with a tender, airy inside
- Fun and easy for beginner bakers or little kitchen helpers
- Totally customizable—leave out the drizzle, add sprinkles, dip in chocolate… go wild!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
- 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CINNAMON SUGAR DONUTS DRIZZLED WITH CHOCOLATE:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This forms the base of our fluffy donuts—nothing too fancy, just pantry staples coming together.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a smaller bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla. Whisk it up until smooth, then slowly pour it into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix—it should look a little shaggy and soft, like biscuit dough.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Then roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters—one large and one small) to cut out those classic donut shapes. Don’t forget to save the holes!
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep pot or heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping in a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and float to the top quickly.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
Carefully lower a few donuts into the hot oil at a time—don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coat
While the donuts are still warm (but not too hot to handle), toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. They’ll get a beautiful golden coat that sticks perfectly when they’re still a little steamy.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Drizzle
Melt the chocolate chips with the cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy. Drizzle generously over the cooled donuts using a spoon or a piping bag for extra flair.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour a tablespoon at a time.
- No donut cutter? Use a wide glass for the outer circle and a bottle cap for the hole!
- Let the donuts cool slightly before drizzling the chocolate to prevent it from sliding off.
- Want a twist? Try using white chocolate or adding a pinch of sea salt to the drizzle.
- Donuts are best enjoyed warm and fresh, but they reheat beautifully in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts
Category: Dessert, Brunch
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES:
This recipe is incredibly adaptable—feel free to play with the spices or use different toppings depending on your mood. Nutella drizzle, maple glaze, or even a dusting of powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar would all be delicious twists!
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Per donut, approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can! They won’t be quite as golden and crisp, but they’ll still taste delicious. Just place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Absolutely. Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well in this recipe.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
You can use a chopped chocolate bar or even cocoa powder mixed with powdered sugar and milk for a quick glaze.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. Avoid refrigerating as it can make them dry out faster
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy, sweet delights:
- Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts
- Baked Crème Brûlée Donuts
- Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts
- Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts
CONCLUSION
Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or making new memories in the kitchen, these cinnamon sugar donuts drizzled with chocolate are the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into something special. They’re simple, nostalgic, and completely irresistible. So go ahead—tie on that apron, crank up your favorite playlist, and treat yourself to a batch of warm, homemade donuts. You deserve it.
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Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Drizzled with Chocolate
Description
There’s something undeniably magical about the smell of freshly fried donuts drifting through a cozy kitchen. It’s the kind of aroma that makes you slow down, take a deep breath, and let out a happy sigh. For me, it brings back memories of cool Saturday mornings spent with my grandmother, her old radio humming in the background while we worked side by side. She didn’t have a fancy donut maker or anything high-tech—just a sturdy pot, a wooden spoon, and plenty of love.
These Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle are my nostalgic twist on those cherished moments. The soft, fluffy interior, the crisp golden crust, and that perfect dusting of cinnamon sugar make every bite feel like a warm hug. Add a silky drizzle of chocolate on top, and it’s pure comfort food bliss.
Perfect for slow weekend mornings, surprise brunch treats, or just when your sweet tooth needs a little extra love—these donuts are easier to make than you might think, and way more satisfying than anything you’d pick up at a store.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1 egg
½ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
1 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This forms the base of our fluffy donuts—nothing too fancy, just pantry staples coming together.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a smaller bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla. Whisk it up until smooth, then slowly pour it into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix—it should look a little shaggy and soft, like biscuit dough.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Then roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters—one large and one small) to cut out those classic donut shapes. Don’t forget to save the holes!
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep pot or heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping in a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and float to the top quickly.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
Carefully lower a few donuts into the hot oil at a time—don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coat
While the donuts are still warm (but not too hot to handle), toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. They’ll get a beautiful golden coat that sticks perfectly when they’re still a little steamy.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Drizzle
Melt the chocolate chips with the cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy. Drizzle generously over the cooled donuts using a spoon or a piping bag for extra flair.
Notes
This recipe is incredibly adaptable—feel free to play with the spices or use different toppings depending on your mood. Nutella drizzle, maple glaze, or even a dusting of powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar would all be delicious twists!