Cinnamon Sugar Cream-Filled Donuts are a delightful treat featuring a light and fluffy fried dough coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and filled with a luscious, creamy filling. These donuts offer a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making them an irresistible homemade indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The combination of cinnamon sugar and creamy filling creates a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
- These donuts are soft, airy, and perfectly golden brown.
- Homemade donuts taste fresher and better than store-bought versions.
- The recipe is versatile—use different fillings like vanilla custard, chocolate cream, or fruit preserves.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Warm milk
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until foamy. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough and cut into rounds. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag.
- Coat and Fill: While the donuts are still warm, roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Using a piping bag, inject the cream filling into the center of each donut.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy fresh or store them properly for later consumption.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 12 donuts
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 2.5 hours
Variations
- Chocolate Filling: Replace the vanilla cream with chocolate ganache or chocolate pudding.
- Jam-Filled Donuts: Use fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry instead of cream.
- Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes for a lighter option.
- Glazed Option: Instead of cinnamon sugar, dip the donuts in a vanilla or chocolate glaze.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate if keeping them longer.
- Freezing: Unfilled donuts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill them when ready to serve.
- Reheating: Warm the donuts in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to refresh them.
FAQs
How do I know if my yeast is active?
If the yeast mixture becomes foamy after 5-10 minutes, it is active. If not, discard it and start again with fresh yeast.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Why are my donuts dense instead of fluffy?
This could be due to over-kneading, not allowing enough time for the dough to rise, or using too much flour.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before frying.
What oil is best for frying donuts?
Neutral oils like vegetable oil or canola oil are best because they have a high smoke point and mild flavor.
How can I fill the donuts without a piping bag?
You can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off or a small spoon to add the filling.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, but they will have a different texture. Baked donuts are lighter and less crispy.
How do I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil?
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) and do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
Can I make mini versions of these donuts?
Yes, simply cut smaller rounds and adjust the frying time accordingly.
What other coatings can I use instead of cinnamon sugar?
Powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or a simple sugar glaze work well as alternatives.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Cream-Filled Donuts are a delightful homemade treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon sugar with a rich, creamy filling. They are perfect for special occasions or as a comforting snack. With variations to suit different tastes and storage options to keep them fresh, these donuts are a must-try for anyone who loves indulgent baked goods.
Print
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts 1x
Description
These cinnamon sugar cream donuts are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cream cheese filling, then coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix in milk, egg, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fill the donut pan halfway, add a spoonful of cream cheese, then cover with more batter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl.
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Can be fried instead of baked for a crispier texture.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American