Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
If you’re searching for a treat that’s guaranteed to make you smile, Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle are your new go-to. Imagine fluffy, oven-baked donuts, rolled in warm cinnamon sugar, and finished with a glossy chocolate drizzle—each bite is a blend of cozy spice and sweet indulgence. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a special dessert, these donuts are simple to make but taste like they came straight from a bakery. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring one with your morning coffee, this recipe is pure joy in donut form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these donuts truly special is how each humble ingredient brings something unique—softness, flavor, or a gorgeous finish. With just a handful of pantry staples and a touch of chocolate, you’ll whip up Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle that taste as good as they look.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your donuts, giving them structure and that perfect cake-like crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the batter and the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and stay light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for maximum lift.
- Cinnamon: Infuses the donuts and coating with warm, comforting spice.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives a subtle depth that enhances the cinnamon.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness, making the crumb extra soft.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and keep the donuts moist.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and flavor to both the batter and the coating.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melt into a luscious drizzle that perfectly tops off the donuts.
- Coconut oil or heavy cream: Helps the chocolate drizzle stay smooth and glossy.
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Donut Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan well—this makes it a breeze to pop out your donuts later, keeping them perfectly shaped and ready for their cinnamon-sugar bath.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that all the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This simple step creates a smooth, rich base that will blend easily with the dry ingredients, ensuring your donuts turn out light and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the donuts tough, so keep things light and gentle for the best texture.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
Step 6: Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. While they’re still slightly warm, brush each donut with melted butter and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step makes every bite extra flavorful and gives the donuts their signature sparkle.
Step 7: Chocolate Drizzle Magic
For that finishing touch, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil or heavy cream in the microwave in short intervals, stirring until silky smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over each donut and let it set for a few minutes—this is the crowning glory of your Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle
Garnishes
Nothing beats the look of a freshly made donut with a little extra flair. Try a dusting of extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle for a sweet-and-salty twist. If you want to get really fancy, add a few chocolate shavings or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle with a cup of strong coffee, a frothy latte, or a big glass of cold milk for an unbeatable breakfast or snack. For a brunch spread, arrange them alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or even a platter of crispy bacon for a delightful mix of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, stack the donuts in a pyramid on a pretty cake stand and let the chocolate drizzle cascade down. You can also serve them on individual plates with extra drizzle on the side for dunking. If you’re making these for a party, try skewering mini donuts on sticks for a fun, grab-and-go treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store your Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The coating will stay deliciously crisp, and the donuts will remain soft and flavorful.
Freezing
These donuts freeze beautifully! Once the chocolate drizzle has set, place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop your donuts in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. The chocolate drizzle will soften, and the cinnamon-sugar coating will be just as tempting as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert, Breakfast
All-purpose flour is best for this recipe, but you can try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed. The texture may change slightly, but you’ll still get delicious results.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! Make a quick substitute by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use it in your batter.
Do I have to use a donut pan?
A donut pan gives you that classic shape, but you can use a muffin tin in a pinch—just be sure to reduce the baking time and keep an eye on them for doneness.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the donuts a day in advance, but wait to coat with cinnamon-sugar and drizzle with chocolate until just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
How do I make the chocolate drizzle if I don’t have coconut oil or heavy cream?
If you’re out of both, simply melt the chocolate chips gently with a small splash of milk or even a dab of butter. The key is to keep the chocolate silky and pourable for that perfect finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making homemade donuts, let Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle be your delicious introduction. Each step is easy, rewarding, and the end result is truly a treat worth sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate life’s small, sweet moments!
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Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with a luscious chocolate drizzle. Soft, fluffy, and baked to perfection, these donuts combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with a sweet sugar coating, finished off with a rich, glossy chocolate topping. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these oven-baked treats are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Chocolate Drizzle
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Donut Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts light and tender.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool further.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: While the donuts are still slightly warm, brush each one generously with melted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil or heavy cream together in the microwave using 20-second intervals, stirring well after each until smooth and glossy.
- Decorate Donuts: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the coated donuts. Allow the chocolate to set before serving to enjoy a beautiful finish and delicious flavor contrast.
Notes
- You can use a mini donut pan and reduce the baking time to 8–9 minutes for smaller portions.
- Store donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For an extra rich chocolate flavor, substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate.
- Ensure not to overmix batter to keep donuts tender and soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
