If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, you’ve got to try this Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sticks Recipe. These delightful snacks combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with the irresistible crunch of freshly fried dough sticks. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime indulgence, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s quick to whip up and even easier to devour. Trust me, once you taste these golden beauties, you’ll want to keep making them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sticks Recipe truly comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each element plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color — from the fluffy dough to the sweet, crunchy coating.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the donut sticks, giving them a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the cinnamon sugar coating.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just the right amount of rise for a light, airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Moistens the dough for that soft inside everyone loves.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that complements the cinnamon sugar.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Used to achieve that crispy golden outer layer.
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating): For rolling the hot donut sticks, creating that addictive crispy cinnamon sugar crunch.
How to Make Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). This precise temperature is key to getting those donut sticks nicely golden and crispy without absorbing too much oil.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination forms the flavorful base of your dough sticks.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant. This mixture adds moisture and richness that keeps the donut sticks tender.
Step 4: Bring Dough Together
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a light hand ensures your donut sticks stay airy inside.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Then cut it into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. These shapes are perfect for frying and coating later.
Step 6: Fry to Perfection
Carefully place a few strips at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally to get an even, golden brown crust. This step is where all the crispy magic happens!
Step 7: Drain and Coat
Remove the donut sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil. While they’re still warm, roll each stick in the remaining sugar to create that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating.
Step 8: Enjoy Warm
Serve the donut sticks fresh from the fryer when they’re warm, crispy, and bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor. They don’t last long, so make sure to have plenty on hand!
How to Serve Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
While these donut sticks shine all on their own, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate them to next-level indulgence. Fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon can also add a pretty, fragrant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these donut sticks with warm, creamy dipping sauces like vanilla glaze, caramel sauce, or even a rich chocolate ganache to make your snack time feel extra special. A side of fresh fruit or a cup of coffee or chai ties the whole experience together beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the donut sticks in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a cozy vibe, or stack them on a decorative platter with small ramekins of dipping sauces. For a fun breakfast twist, set up a donut stick bar where friends and family can customize their toppings and dips!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. While they’re best enjoyed fresh, a simple storage method helps keep their texture and flavor intact for a little while.
Freezing
To keep these treats longer, freeze the donut sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 1 month, making it easy to enjoy a crispy snack anytime you want.
Reheating
For reheating, pop your donut sticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to bring back their crispiness. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make them soggy, and trust me, crispy is what we want!
FAQs
Can I bake these donut sticks instead of frying?
Baking won’t give you the same crispy exterior that frying does, but you can try baking them at a high temperature for a slightly healthier version — expect a softer texture and less crunch.
What’s the best oil to use for frying donut sticks?
Vegetable oil is ideal due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can also use canola or peanut oil for excellent results.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
Using a thermometer to reach 350°F ensures the perfect frying temperature. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble up immediately and rise to the surface quickly.
Can I add cinnamon to the sugar coating?
Absolutely! Mixing ground cinnamon into the sugar before coating the hot donut sticks enhances the flavor and fits perfectly with this Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sticks Recipe’s theme.
What makes the donut sticks crispy on the outside?
The frying process at the right temperature creates a golden, crunchy shell while keeping the inside soft and tender. The final sugar coating also adds a delightful crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sticks Recipe enough if you want a fun, tasty treat that’s easy to make and utterly delicious. The combination of crispy edges and warm cinnamon sugar sweetness is guaranteed to brighten your day and impress your guests. So, grab your ingredients, get frying, and enjoy every bite of these wonderful donut sticks!
Print
Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 12-15 donut sticks
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously crispy donut sticks coated in sugar, these treats are quick to prepare and perfect for a sweet snack or breakfast indulgence. Made with a simple dough and fried to golden perfection, they are best enjoyed warm.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oil: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for frying the donut sticks evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir these together until evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Roll Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness, ensuring an even thickness for uniform frying.
- Cut Strips: Cut the rolled dough into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 4 inches long, the perfect size for frying and eating.
- Fry Donut Sticks: Carefully place a few dough strips at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even golden brown color on all sides.
- Drain Oil: Remove the fried donut sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Sugar Coating: While the donut sticks are still warm, roll them in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar to coat completely with a sweet and crunchy exterior.
- Serve: Serve the donut sticks warm for the best taste and enjoy this delightful treat.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays at 350°F for perfect frying; oil that’s too hot can burn the exterior while undercooking the inside.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donut sticks light and tender.
- The sugar coating can be substituted with cinnamon sugar for an extra flavor twist.
- Leftover donut sticks can be reheated briefly in the oven to regain crispness.
- Use a slotted spoon to safely remove the donut sticks from hot oil.
