Spiced Churro-Inspired Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar
Light and fluffy mini donuts dusted with a warm cinnamon sugar blend, capturing the beloved flavors of churros in bite-sized form. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- for frying vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for dusting)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk 3/4 cup milk, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined — do not overmix.
- Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C), enough to submerge the mini donuts (about 2 inches deep). Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, carefully drop batter into the hot oil to form mini donuts or donut holes. Fry in batches for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, toss the donuts in a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon until fully coated. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Churro-Inspired Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Spiced Churro-Inspired Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Churro-Inspired Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Churro-Inspired Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Churro-Inspired Mini Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar?
Mexican desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
