Simple Sugar Donuts: Quick, Sweet, and Irresistible
Who doesn’t love a classic sugar donut? These Simple Sugar Donuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy treat with coffee, these donuts are easy to make at home and require just a few basic ingredients.
Whether you bake them or fry them, these donuts deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and texture—without complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy to make at home
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Soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth texture
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Can be baked or fried depending on preference
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Uses simple pantry ingredients
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Perfect for kids and adults alike
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
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¾ cup milk
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
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Oil for frying (if frying)
Equipment Needed
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk or spoon
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Donut cutter (or round cookie cutters)
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Frying pan or donut pan
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Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Cut donuts using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters for the hole.
Step 3A: Fry the Donuts (Traditional)
Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 3B: Bake the Donuts (Healthier Option)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan. Place dough in pan and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Coat with Sugar
Mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. While donuts are still warm, toss them gently in the sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. These donuts pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or milk.
Tips for Perfect Donuts
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Do not overmix the batter—overworking will make donuts dense.
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Use very fresh baking powder for the fluffiest texture.
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Fry in small batches for even cooking.
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Roll dough evenly for consistent donut size.
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Coat donuts while warm so sugar sticks better.
Variations
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Glazed Donuts: Mix powdered sugar and milk for a simple glaze.
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Chocolate-Coated: Dip in melted chocolate instead of sugar.
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Baked Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats.
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Filled Donuts: Fill with jam, Nutella, or custard after baking.
Storage
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Up to 4 days; reheat in microwave or oven.
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Freezing: Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months; thaw and coat before serving.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Donut – yields 12 donuts, fried)
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Calories: ~180
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 8g
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Sugar: 10g
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of baking powder for lift, eggs for structure, and butter for richness creates a donut that is soft, light, and tender. The cinnamon sugar coating adds the classic sweet crunch that makes donuts irresistible.
Baking or frying gives flexibility depending on time and health preferences, but both methods deliver delicious, homemade sugar donuts.
Final Thoughts
These Simple Sugar Donuts are proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or ingredients to create a sweet, comforting treat. Soft, fluffy, and coated with cinnamon sugar, they’re perfect for breakfast, snack time, or an anytime indulgence.