4 Ingredient Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the simplicity of just a few ingredients with the nostalgic comfort of homemade doughnuts, making it a perfect weekend treat. Plus, the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating adds a delightful twist, taking me back to carefree childhood days with every bite!

The straightforwardness of my 4 Ingredient Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts brings me joy. These doughnuts are a delightful treat made with only four ingredients: self-rising flour, plain Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.

The Greek yogurt in my doughnut recipe provides a moist and tangy base—no one would guess how easy it is to achieve a delicious and rich-tasting overhead with a simple mix of yogurt and warm dough. Cinnamon adds a delightful warmth and aroma to the overall experience.

Ingredients

Flour that rises on its own: Supplies not just the flour but also the leavening needed for light, fluffy doughnuts.

Greek yogurt with no added flavors: High protein, moisture, and a slight tang.

Sugar in granule form: Provides sweetness and contributes to the formation of a crisp crust.

Cinnamon in its ground state: Imparts warmth and spice, enhancing flavor even more.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Your oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C), and a doughnut pan should be very lightly greased.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour with Greek yogurt. Blend until a smooth, sticky dough develops.

3. Move the dough to a surface that is lightly dusted with flour. Knead it gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t work it too hard; just enough for it to become a smooth, pliant mass that will roll out easily when the time comes.

4. If you are using a standard doughnut pan, separate the dough into 6-8 equal parts.

5. Take each part and roll it into a ball. Then make a hole in the middle and shape it into something like a doughnut.

6. Insert the formed doughnuts into the pan prepared for doughnuts.

7. Preheat the oven, and bake these in it for 15-18 minutes at a temperature of your choosing. They should be golden brown and completely cooked when you take them out.

8. When the doughnuts are in the oven, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

9. Once completed, permit the doughnuts to cool a bit for around 5 minutes.

10. Take the doughnuts out of the pan and roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it is fully coated. Serve warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Doughnut pan
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Mixing spoon or spatula
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Surface for kneading (e.g., a clean countertop or pastry board)
8. Rolling pin (optional, for rolling out dough)
9. Shallow bowl
10. Cooling rack

FAQ

• Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?Certainly! Nonetheless, it is necessary to include 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the all-purpose flour to adequately simulate self-rising flour.
• Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?Although you can use regular yogurt, the doughnut texture might be slightly less dense.
• Do I need a doughnut pan for this recipe?You can shape the doughnuts by hand or use a muffin tin to make doughnut muffins.
• Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?Indeed, they may be baked at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown hue.
• How do I store leftover doughnuts?Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for as long as up to 2 days.
• Is there an alternative to granulated sugar for the coating?Powdered sugar or a sugar substitute, such as monk fruit sweetener, can indeed be used.
• Can these doughnuts be prepared in advance?The best way to enjoy the doughnuts is fresh, but the dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can then shape the doughnuts and fry them any time you’re ready for a tantalizing taste treat.

Substitutions and Variations

Self-rising flour: For 1 cup, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Use an equal amount of sour cream or a thick plain whole milk yogurt in place of Greek yogurt.
Sugar that has been granulated: Substitute it with 1/2 cup of coconut sugar or 1/2 cup of maple syrup (and modify as needed for liquid consistency).
Cinnamon: Use a mixture of ground cinnamon and nutmeg (3:1 ratio) and take 1 tablespoon of that mixture.

Pro Tips

1. Add Flavor to the Dough For a more aromatic dough, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg before combining the flour and yogurt. This will enhance the flavor profile of the doughnuts.

2. Ensure Proper Kneading When kneading the dough, lightly coat your hands with flour to prevent sticking. Avoid over-kneading to maintain a soft texture.

3. Uniform Doughnuts To ensure even baking, use a kitchen scale to divide the dough into equal portions. This will help the doughnuts cook uniformly and come out of the oven with a consistent size.

4. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating Tip For a more indulgent coating, lightly brush the doughnuts with melted butter before rolling them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This helps the sugar stick better and adds richness.

5. Experiment with Baking Time Keep a close eye on the doughnuts as they bake since oven temperatures can vary. Check for a golden-brown color around the 14-minute mark to prevent them from overbaking. This will ensure they stay moist and tender.