There’s something irresistibly comforting about warm, fluffy donuts coated with a crunchy cinnamon crumb topping. These Cinnamon Crumb Donuts deliver exactly that—soft, tender dough with a sweet, spiced crumb that adds the perfect texture and flavor. Best of all? This recipe is incredibly simple, letting you whip up a batch of bakery-quality donuts right in your own kitchen without any fuss or fancy equipment. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special breakfast surprise, these donuts are sure to become a fast favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Crumb Donuts
Super Easy: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can make these donuts anytime without stress.
No Frying Required: Baked to perfection, they’re lighter but just as delicious as traditional fried donuts.
Crunchy, Cinnamon-Sweet Crumb: The crumb topping adds a delightful texture contrast and irresistible cinnamon flavor.
Perfectly Soft Inside: Light, fluffy, and tender—these donuts are a dream with every bite.
Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack that feels like a special indulgence.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Crumb Donuts
Creating these cinnamon crumb donuts is a breeze, thanks to a simple list of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your donuts, providing structure and a soft texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create that delightful golden crust.
Baking powder: This leavening agent gives your donuts that perfect rise.
Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure a fluffy interior.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, adding warmth and a cozy aroma.
Whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and adds richness.
Vegetable oil: Ensures a tender crumb and keeps the donuts from drying out.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the donuts’ fluffiness.
Vanilla extract: A splash of flavor that elevates the overall taste.
For the crumb topping:
All-purpose flour: Again, for structure in the crumb topping.
Brown sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Ground cinnamon: A sprinkle in the topping for that extra kick.
Unsalted butter: Melts into the topping, creating that irresistible crumbly texture.
For a chocolate twist, toss in some mini chocolate chips. If you want a little extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled donuts.
Exact measurements are at the bottom of the article for your convenience.
How to Make Cinnamon Crumb Donuts
Making cinnamon crumb donuts is a delightful journey that’s easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, fluffy donuts ready to enjoy in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease your donut pan. This ensures your donuts slide out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend creates the foundation for your donuts, giving them that perfect texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is nicely blended. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to your donuts.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
Step 6: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crumb topping ingredients: all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is crumbly. This topping adds a sweet crunch that complements the soft donuts beautifully.
Step 7: Add Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter in the donut pan. Then, bake for 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
Measure your flour correctly; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay to keep your donuts light and fluffy.
Let the donuts cool completely before adding any glaze or toppings for the best texture.
Experiment with spices; a pinch of nutmeg can add a delightful twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for days.
Equipment Needed
Donut pan: Essential for shaping your donuts. If you don’t have one, a muffin tin works in a pinch!
Mixing bowls: Use at least two for wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to success.
Cooling rack: Helps donuts cool evenly; a plate can work too!
Variations
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Crumb Donuts: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup over the cooled donuts for a delightful twist.
Apple Cinnamon Crumb Donuts: Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped apples for a fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use almond milk instead of whole milk for a plant-based treat.
Serving Suggestions
Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of sliced strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast.
Coffee or Tea: Pair these donuts with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea for a cozy breakfast.
Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze for an eye-catching finish.
Ice Cream: Enjoy warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
FAQs about Cinnamon Crumb Donuts
Can I make these cinnamon crumb donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before filling the donut pan. Freshly baked donuts in the morning? Yes, please!
How do I store leftover donuts?
To keep your cinnamon crumb donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to a month!
Can I use a different type of milk?
Definitely! Almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk works just fine. The flavor may vary slightly, but your donuts will still be delightful.
What can I do if I don’t have a donut pan?
No worries! You can use a muffin tin instead. Just fill the cups about 2/3 full and adjust the baking time to about 15-18 minutes. You’ll have delicious donut muffins!
Can I add other flavors to the batter?
For sure! Feel free to experiment with flavors like nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or even a splash of orange zest for a refreshing twist. The possibilities are endless!
Final Thoughts
Baking cinnamon crumb donuts is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your home with warmth and joy. Each bite transports you back to simpler times, where the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar brings smiles to faces. These donuts are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo with a cup of coffee. They’re quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying, making them a delightful addition to any breakfast table or snack time. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of homemade donuts brighten your day!
