Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites with Vanilla Glaze

Introduction

Imagine a warm, fluffy cloud of dough, perfectly golden brown, generously coated in shimmering cinnamon sugar, and then lovingly drizzled with a sweet, creamy vanilla glaze. That, my friends, is the irresistible charm of these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites. These delightful little morsels are everything you love about a classic donut, condensed into a convenient, bite-sized package that’s impossible to resist. They’re a symphony of textures and flavors, offering a slightly crisp exterior that gives way to a tender, airy interior, all brightened by the aromatic spice of cinnamon and the comforting sweetness of vanilla.

What makes these donut bites truly special isn’t just their incredible taste, but also their versatility and surprising ease of preparation. Forget the daunting task of shaping and frying full-sized donuts; these mini treats are designed for home bakers of all skill levels. They’re perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast, an impressive brunch spread, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or even just a sweet pick-me-up any time of day. Kids adore them, and adults can’t get enough of their nostalgic appeal. With a simple list of pantry staples and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping up a batch of these golden gems in no time, filling your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma.

This recipe focuses on creating that perfect balance: a delicate donut base, vibrant cinnamon sugar that clings to every crevice, and a luscious vanilla glaze that adds a final touch of elegance and sweetness. Whether you choose to fry them for that classic donut shop experience or opt for a baked or air-fried alternative, the result is always a delightful treat that tastes like pure joy. Get ready to transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary deliciousness and discover your new favorite homemade indulgence.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximate values):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg

Ingredients

For the Donut Bites:

• 2 cups (240g) All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended for classic donut flavor)
• 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup (180ml) Buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 mins)
• 1/4 cup (60g) Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Vegetable oil, Canola oil, or Peanut oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups, depending on pot size)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon (use good quality for best flavor)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar)
• 2-3 tablespoons Milk (whole milk or half-and-half for richer glaze)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Salt (enhances sweetness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Donut Dough:

   1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg (if using). Make sure there are no lumps.
   2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg, buttermilk, melted and cooled butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
   3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in tough donut bites. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
   4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and the leavening agents to begin working.

2. Shape the Donut Bites:

   1. Lightly flour your hands. Scoop out small portions of dough, about 1 tablespoon each.
   2. Gently roll each portion into a smooth ball, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed donut bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Do not overcrowd them.

3. Cook the Donut Bites (Deep Frying Method):

   1. Pour 4-6 cups of vegetable oil (or preferred frying oil) into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, ensuring the oil is at least 3 inches deep.
   2. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350-360°F (175-180°C). Use a candy thermometer or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked donut bites.
   3. Once the oil is at the correct temperature, carefully drop 4-5 donut bites into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy, unevenly cooked donuts.
   4. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon or spider, until they are golden brown and cooked through. They should puff up nicely.
   5. Using the slotted spoon, remove the donut bites from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain off.
   6. Repeat with the remaining dough, ensuring the oil returns to temperature between batches.

4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

   1. While the donut bites are still warm (this is key for the sugar to adhere), combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl or a large zip-top bag. Mix well.
   2. Add a few warm donut bites to the cinnamon sugar mixture. Gently toss or shake the bowl/bag to evenly coat them.
   3. Remove the coated donut bites and place them back on the wire rack (or a clean plate) while you prepare the glaze.

5. Prepare and Apply the Vanilla Glaze:

   1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
   2. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (1/2 teaspoon at a time) until it reaches a thick, drizzly consistency. If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar.
   3. Arrange the cinnamon sugar-coated donut bites on a clean wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper or a baking sheet (to catch drips).
   4. Using a spoon or a whisk, generously drizzle the vanilla glaze over the donut bites. You can do this randomly or try to create a nice pattern.
   5. Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving, if desired, or serve immediately while still warm and gooey.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Donut Bite Tips:

• Do Not Overmix the Dough: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, rubbery donut bites. Mix until just combined, even if there are a few small lumps.
• Maintain Consistent Oil Temperature: If frying, invest in a good deep-fry thermometer. If the oil is too cold, the donut bites will absorb too much oil and be greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly on the outside and be raw in the middle. Aim for 350-360°F (175-180°C).
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and allow the donut bites to cook evenly.
• Draining Excess Oil: Always transfer fried donut bites to a wire rack set over paper towels immediately after removing them from the oil. This helps drain excess oil and keeps them from getting soggy.
• Coating While Warm: For the cinnamon sugar to adhere properly, the donut bites must be coated while they are still warm, right after draining the oil.
• Alternative Cooking Methods (Healthier Options):
  • Baked Donut Bites: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or a baking sheet. Place the donut balls in the muffin tin or spaced apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The texture will be more cake-like than fried, but still delicious.
  • Air Fryer Donut Bites: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the donut balls with cooking spray. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. You may need to work in batches.

Glaze & Coating Tips:

• Adjust Glaze Consistency: The perfect glaze should be thick enough to cling to the donut bites but thin enough to drizzle. Add milk sparingly for a thinner glaze, or powdered sugar for a thicker one.
• Enhance Vanilla Flavor: Use high-quality vanilla extract or even vanilla bean paste for a more pronounced vanilla flavor in the glaze.
• Double Glaze (Optional): For an extra thick layer of glaze, allow the first layer to set slightly, then drizzle a second layer.
• Cinnamon Sugar Quality: The quality of your cinnamon makes a big difference. A fresh, aromatic cinnamon will elevate the flavor significantly.

Variations:

• Spice It Up:
  • Nutmeg Donut Bites: Increase the nutmeg in the dough for a more pronounced flavor.
  • Pumpkin Spice: Replace cinnamon in the coating with a pumpkin pie spice blend for a seasonal twist.
  • Cardamom Sugar: Mix ground cardamom with sugar for an exotic, fragrant coating.
• Different Glaze Flavors:
  • Chocolate Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with cocoa powder, milk, and a touch of vanilla for a rich chocolate glaze.
  • Maple Glaze: Substitute some of the milk in the glaze with maple syrup for a warm, sweet flavor.
  • Lemon Glaze: Use lemon juice instead of milk (or a combination) for a bright, tangy glaze. Add lemon zest for extra zing.
  • Coffee Glaze: Mix instant coffee powder (or strong brewed coffee) with powdered sugar and a little milk.
• Add-ins to the Dough:
  • Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, aromatic note.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips for chocolate chip donut bites.
• Toppings:
  • Sprinkle with chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) or sprinkles after glazing for extra texture and visual appeal.

Storage and Reheating

These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites are undeniably best enjoyed fresh and warm, straight from the fryer (or oven/air fryer) with the glaze still slightly wet. The texture is at its peak, and the flavors are most vibrant.

• Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. The cinnamon sugar coating and glaze may become slightly sticky or absorb moisture over time, and the donut bites will lose some of their initial crispness.
• Reheating: To refresh leftover donut bites, you can gently warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven (300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry them out. If they were already glazed, the glaze might melt slightly upon reheating, but they will still be delicious. For best results, if you anticipate leftovers, you might consider glazing only the portion you plan to eat immediately and store the plain cinnamon sugar-coated bites separately, glazing them just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of oil is best for frying donut bites?

For frying donut bites, it’s best to use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point. Good options include vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil. These oils won’t impart unwanted flavors to your donuts and can withstand the high temperatures required for frying without breaking down.

Can I make the donut dough ahead of time?

While the dough is quick to make, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. After mixing, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to fry, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to come slightly closer to room temperature, then proceed with shaping and frying as directed. For optimal texture, it’s generally best to fry them the same day the dough is made.

My donut bites are coming out greasy. What went wrong?

Greasy donut bites are usually a sign that your frying oil was not hot enough. If the oil temperature drops too low (below 350°F/175°C), the dough will absorb too much oil instead of cooking quickly and developing a crisp exterior. Always use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (350-360°F/175-180°C) and avoid overcrowding the pot, which can also cause the oil temperature to drop significantly.

Can I skip the glaze and just do cinnamon sugar?

Absolutely! The cinnamon sugar coating alone is incredibly delicious and often preferred by many for a simpler, classic taste. If you’re skipping the glaze, you might want to increase the amount of cinnamon sugar coating slightly to ensure every bite is generously covered. These donut bites are fantastic either way, so feel free to customize them to your preference!