There’s something about the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen that instantly transports me back to cozy mornings at my grandmother’s house. She had a habit of whipping up something warm and sweet for breakfast every Sunday, and while her baked goods were legendary, her cinnamon sugar donuts were the crown jewel. Fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and always finished with a generous coating of cinnamon sugar — it was the kind of treat that made us all gather in the kitchen, coffee or hot cocoa in hand, eager for that first bite.

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These homemade cinnamon sugar donuts drizzled with chocolate bring that same nostalgic magic right into your kitchen. They’re simple enough to whip up on a weekend morning but indulgent enough to serve at a brunch or bring to a gathering. The warm notes of cinnamon sugar paired with the rich drizzle of melted chocolate create an irresistible combo — and trust me, no one can stop at just one.

Making donuts at home might seem like a bakery-level task, but this recipe breaks it down in a way that even beginner bakers can follow with confidence. No need for fancy donut pans or deep fryers. Just a little time, a few pantry staples, and you’re in for a delicious homemade treat that feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Nostalgic and comforting: These donuts bring back the charm of homemade sweets from simpler times.
Easy to make: No donut pan? No problem. This recipe is designed to be approachable for all skill levels.
Perfectly spiced: The cinnamon sugar coating adds just the right amount of warmth and sweetness.
Chocolate drizzle: That extra touch of richness takes these donuts from cozy to crave-worthy.
Great for sharing: Whether it’s brunch, a bake sale, or just because — these donuts always disappear fast.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the donuts:

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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 semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp milk (or more to thin if needed)

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, salt, and cinnamon. This blend is the base of our donut dough — fluffy, flavorful, and with that hint of spice that gives these treats their signature warmth.

Step 2: Add the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then add in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour this into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too wet, you can dust in a little more flour.

Step 3: Roll and cut the dough
Flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Using a donut cutter (or two round cookie cutters — one large and one small), cut out your donuts. Don’t forget to save the holes — those little guys fry up beautifully and are just as delicious!

Step 4: Heat the oil
In a large pot, heat about 2-3 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (you can use a thermometer, or test with a small piece of dough — it should sizzle and float). Fry the donuts in batches, a few at a time, turning once, until golden brown on both sides — about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Coat in cinnamon sugar
While the donuts are still warm (but not too hot to handle), toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the sugar adhere beautifully, giving that irresistible sweet crunch.

Step 6: Make the chocolate drizzle
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the butter and milk. Stir until smooth and glossy. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk to thin it out to your liking.

Step 7: Drizzle and serve
Drizzle the warm chocolate over the cinnamon sugar-coated donuts. You can use a spoon or piping bag — or just do it rustic-style with a fork and a flick of the wrist.

Let the donuts cool slightly so the chocolate can set (if you can wait that long!). Then dig in.

HELPFUL TIPS:

No donut cutter? Use a large glass and a bottle cap or small shot glass for the center hole.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure even cooking.
Keep an eye on your oil temp: If it’s too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside stays doughy.
Prep ahead: You can make the dough the night before and refrigerate it — just let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.
Want a little crunch? Add a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle for a sweet-salty finish.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: About 12 donuts + holes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Fried
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after coating and drizzling. However, if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), they’re still delicious the next day — just not as crisp.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Approximate per donut (without extra chocolate drizzle or donut holes):
Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 12g
Fiber: 1g

(Note: Values will vary based on serving size and exact chocolate drizzle usage.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! While frying gives that classic donut texture, you can bake them at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes. They won’t be as golden, but still delicious.

Can I freeze these donuts?
You can freeze the uncoated donuts after frying. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven and coat with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely — just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be tasty.

What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To bring back a little warmth and crispiness, pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid refrigerating — it can make the donuts a bit dense and dry.

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CONCLUSION

There’s nothing quite like the joy of making your own donuts at home. From the scent of cinnamon filling the air to the moment that warm chocolate drizzle hits the golden crust, these homemade cinnamon sugar donuts are a little bite of happiness. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special breakfast, a sweet weekend treat, or just because — they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone who takes a bite. So tie on your apron, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade donut done right.