Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites Recipe

These pillowy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites are a weekend treat as well as being surprisingly light! Letting the dough rise twice makes the inside go fluffy and airy, which along with the hot cinnamon sugar coating adds a sweet, crunchy finish to these bites that is so addictive with coffee.

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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites Recipe Ingredients

• The Dough:
  • 315 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp instant yeast
  • 1 large egg
  • 150 g whole milk (warm)
• The Coating:
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• For Dipping (Optional):
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Sweetened condensed milk

How To Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites Recipe

1. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Make a well in the center and add the egg and warm milk. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
2. First rise: Lightly grease the bowl with oil. Place the dough inside, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5 hours. It should double in size and feel puffy and jiggly when poked.
3. Shape the bites: Punch the dough down gently. Divide it into small pieces, roughly 20g each (about the size of a ping pong ball). Roll each piece between your palms into a neat, tight ball.
4. Second rise: Place the shaped balls on a parchment-lined tray, leaving space between them. Cover loosely and let them rest for another 30 minutes. They will puff up slightly.
5. Heat oil: Fill a deep pot with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat it to 325°F (165°C). Use a thermometer if you can; consistent heat is key.
6. Fry: Carefully drop 4-5 dough balls into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are deep golden brown and cooked through.
7. Sugar time: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain for just a few seconds. While still hot, toss them immediately in the bowl of cinnamon sugar to coat thoroughly.
8. Serve: Serve warm with dipping sauces like chocolate or condensed milk!

Recipe Tips!

• Temperature Control: Keep the oil at 325°F. If it’s too hot (375°F+), the outside will burn while the inside stays raw dough. If it’s too cool, they will soak up oil and be greasy.
• Toss Hot: The sugar will only stick to the donuts while the oil on the surface is still hot and wet. If they cool down and dry off, the sugar will slide right off!
• Weigh It Out: Using a scale for the flour (315g) is much more accurate than cups. Too much flour makes dense, heavy donuts instead of fluffy clouds.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Frying too many at once drops the oil temperature drastically. Fry in small batches to keep the heat steady and the donuts crispy.

What To Serve With Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites Recipe?

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites Recipe is a sweet snack that begs for a dip! A bowl of warm Chocolate Ganache or Nutella makes them feel like churros. For a creamy contrast, dip them in Sweetened Condensed Milk or a vanilla glaze! They are the perfect partner for a hot Cappuccino or a cold glass of milk on a lazy Sunday morning.

How To Store Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites Recipe

• Room Temp: Store leftover donuts in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 1 day. Plastic containers will make the sugar coating melt and become sticky.
• Reheat: Donuts are best fresh, but you can revive them by popping them in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften the inside.
• Freeze: You can freeze the fried (unsugared) donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw, reheat in the oven, brush with butter, and then toss in sugar.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated per 3 bites.

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