Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with Vanilla Glaze are the perfect blend of nostalgic sweetness and homemade comfort. These soft, fluffy donuts are coated with a warm cinnamon-sugar mixture and finished with a silky-smooth vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth.

Unlike store-bought versions, these donuts are fresh, fragrant, and full of love — baked or fried to golden perfection, with a light texture that’s impossible to resist. The cinnamon coating adds a cozy, comforting aroma, while the vanilla glaze provides just the right amount of creamy sweetness.

This recipe captures everything that makes donuts irresistible: warm, sugary, and indulgent — the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the classic charm of cinnamon sugar with the luxurious sweetness of vanilla glaze — two iconic flavors that balance each other perfectly.

Every bite feels like a warm hug — soft, airy, and lightly spiced. These donuts are simple to make yet feel like a bakery-quality indulgence right from your own kitchen.

They also make your home smell heavenly! The scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air is enough to make anyone smile. Plus, they’re versatile — you can bake them for a lighter treat or fry them for that authentic donut-shop texture.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try recipe because:

It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Delivers the perfect texture — crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside.
Combines two heavenly coatings — cinnamon sugar and vanilla glaze.
Can be baked or fried, depending on your preference.
Pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or milk for a complete indulgence.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings & Calories

Servings: 10–12 donuts
Calories: ~250 kcal per donut (including glaze)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup whole milk
2 large eggs
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Oil for frying (if frying donuts)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp melted butter (for brushing or dipping baked donuts)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Simple Cooking Directions

Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine to form a smooth batter.
Pour batter into donut molds or pipe onto a baking sheet if baking.
Bake or fry until golden.
Coat with cinnamon sugar and drizzle with vanilla glaze.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients until a smooth, thick batter forms.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

For baked donuts: Spoon or pipe the batter into greased donut pans, filling each mold about ¾ full.
For fried donuts: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut using a donut cutter.

Step 3: Bake or Fry

To Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.
To Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry each donut for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Brush each warm donut lightly with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Step 5: Make the Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.

Step 6: Glaze the Donuts

Drizzle or dip the cinnamon sugar donuts into the vanilla glaze. Place them on a wire rack to set for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or milk.

How to Serve

Serve these donuts warm and fresh for the best taste.
Add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar or drizzle of glaze for presentation.
Perfect for breakfast platters, brunch buffets, or dessert tables.

Additional Recipe Tips

Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the donuts fluffy.
Always coat donuts while they’re warm so the sugar sticks perfectly.
If baking, lightly brush baked donuts with melted butter before coating.
Use a piping bag to neatly fill donut molds.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.

Variations

Chocolate Cinnamon Donuts: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the batter.
Maple Glaze: Replace vanilla glaze with a mix of powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup.
Stuffed Donuts: Fill with jam, Nutella, or cream before glazing.
Air-Fried Version: Air-fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes for a lighter treat.
Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized snacks.

Freezing and Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep up to 5 days; reheat briefly in the microwave.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Reheat and coat with sugar and glaze before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Donut pan or donut cutter
Wire rack
Piping bag (optional)
Deep pan or fryer (if frying)

FAQ

Q1: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before, refrigerate it, and bake or fry in the morning.

Q2: What’s better — baked or fried?
Fried donuts are more traditional and indulgent, while baked donuts are lighter and slightly cake-like. Both are delicious!

Q3: Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. They taste amazing with just the cinnamon sugar coating too.

Q4: Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?
Yes! Buttermilk makes the donuts extra soft and flavorful.

Q5: Why are my donuts dense?
Overmixing the batter or using old baking powder can make donuts dense. Mix gently until just combined.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with Vanilla Glaze are a delightful treat that transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy indulgence. Each bite is a mix of warmth, sweetness, and comfort — a soft, fluffy donut with a crisp cinnamon coating and luscious vanilla glaze.

They’re perfect for mornings when you want something special, for sharing at brunch, or for satisfying your sweet cravings anytime. Once you make these at home, you’ll never want to buy donuts again — they’re that good.