Basic Cinnamon Doughnuts Recipe

Ingredients for Basic Cinnamon Doughnuts

• Plain Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (can be omitted)
• Oil
• Icing Sugar

How to Make Basic Cinnamon Doughnuts

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
2. Cut in 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1/2 cup milk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently knead for a few seconds until it comes together. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use a 2.5-3 inch cookie cutter or a glass to cut out doughnuts. Gently poke a hole in the center of each doughnut with your finger. Remember to really flatten the dough to make sure the doughnuts puff up nicely.
5. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (approximately 350°F/175°C). Carefully fry the doughnuts for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove from the oil and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
6. While the doughnuts are still warm, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Toss the cooled doughnuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.