Carnival Donuts
Nothing says fun and indulgence quite like carnival donuts—soft, pillowy, golden, and coated in cinnamon sugar. These homemade treats bring the fair right into your kitchen. Light, airy, and perfectly sweet, they’re ideal for a weekend breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert treat.
While the idea of making donuts at home might seem intimidating, this recipe is approachable for beginners and yields donuts that are just as delightful as those you’d get at a carnival.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Soft and fluffy—light, airy, and tender
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Classic carnival flavor—sweet, buttery, cinnamon sugar coating
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Made from scratch—no pre-mixed dough required
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Versatile—can be baked or fried depending on preference
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Fun for kids and adults alike—perfect for celebrations or weekend treats
Ingredients
For the Donuts
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2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
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¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
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Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
How to Make Carnival Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
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In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and remaining sugar. Add the yeast mixture.
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Gradually stir in flour and salt until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
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Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Donuts
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Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness.
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Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donuts and holes.
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Place donuts on a floured tray, cover lightly, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Fry the Donuts
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Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
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Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Optional Baking Method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), place donuts on a greased baking sheet, and bake 12–15 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter before coating with sugar.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
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Brush warm donuts lightly with melted butter.
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Toss in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar until evenly coated.
Tips for Perfect Carnival Donuts
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Use warm milk (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it.
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Don’t over-knead—you want light, airy donuts.
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Oil temperature is key—too hot burns the outside; too cold makes them greasy.
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Let donuts cool slightly before coating for better sugar adhesion.
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Customize flavors—add nutmeg, vanilla, or even a pinch of cardamom to the dough.
Variations
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Chocolate Carnival Donuts: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished donuts.
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Filled Donuts: Inject jam, Nutella, or custard after frying.
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Powdered Sugar Donuts: Dust with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar.
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Glazed Donuts: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Storage
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Best enjoyed fresh.
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Freezer: Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 1 month. Reheat and coat in sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, or milk for a fairground-inspired treat.
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Pair with fresh fruit or a smoothie for a fun brunch.
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Make a donut tower or platter for parties or celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Carnival donuts are a homemade celebration in every bite. Soft, golden, and coated in cinnamon sugar, they bring the joy of the fair into your kitchen. Whether you fry them or bake them, they’re sure to delight kids and adults alike, making them perfect for holidays, birthdays, or weekend indulgences.