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These Chocolate Cinnamon Doughnuts are soft, cakey, and full of rich cocoa flavor, topped with a sweet and tempting cinnamon glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast treat!

Close-up of a stack of glazed chocolate cinnamon doughnuts with a bite taken from the top one.

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Homemade Donuts Recipe

These Chocolate Cinnamon Doughnuts are everything you want in a sweet breakfast treat. Fried until golden and dipped in a warm cinnamon glaze, they’re soft, rich, and full of cozy flavor. Whether you call them doughnuts or donuts, this is a homemade donuts recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s one of the best donuts you can make from scratch.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic fried donuts with a twist of cinnamon and chocolate
  • Cozy flavor combo that’s perfect for mornings
  • Easy to make ahead and glaze before serving
  • Soft, cakey texture with just the right amount of sweetness
Overhead view of measured ingredients for chocolate cinnamon doughnuts on a white herringbone surface.
Ingredients for the cinnamon glaze, including powdered sugar and cinnamon.

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

doughnuts

  • all-purpose flour – Use cake flour for a softer crumb or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version
  • unsweetened cocoa powder – Swap with Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor
  • baking powder
  • ground cinnamon
  • salt
  • baking soda
  • large eggs – Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for an egg-free version
  • granulated sugar – Use coconut sugar or light brown sugar for a slight caramel note
  • vegetable oil – Substitute with canola oil, grapeseed oil, or even melted butter for added richness
  • vanilla extract – Swap vanilla for almond extract for a flavor twist
  • buttermilk – Use sour cream or yogurt in place of buttermilk. Alternatively, mix ¾ cup milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar as a quick homemade substitute
  • oil – Use oil with a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. Vegetable, canola, peanut, sunflower, and corn oils are all great options.

glaze

  • powdered sugar
  • vanilla extract
  • ground cinnamon
  • milk – Swap with heavy cream or non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option

✨ Variations

Rolled dough with chocolate cinnamon doughnuts cut out, ready to fry.
Chocolate doughnuts frying in hot oil in a black cast iron skillet.
Freshly fried doughnuts cooling on a wire rack over a floral cloth.
Glazed chocolate cinnamon doughnuts cooling on a wire rack.

🔥 Tips

  • Keep your oil at 375°F for best results
  • Chill the dough fully to make it easier to roll and cut
  • Glaze while the donuts are still slightly warm

❓ FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Frying gives the best texture, but you can bake them at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cooked through.

Can I use a different glaze?

Yes, try a chocolate glaze or maple glaze for something different.

How should I store leftover doughnuts?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, freeze unglazed donuts and add the glaze after thawing.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and chill it overnight. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap.

Do I need a doughnut cutter?

A doughnut cutter makes it easier, but you can use a round biscuit cutter and a small bottle cap for the center.

Why is my dough too sticky to roll?

Make sure your donuts recipe is well chilled, and don’t be afraid to dust your surface and rolling pin with flour.

How do I know when these homemade donuts are done frying?

They should be golden brown on both sides and puffed up. It usually takes 1 to 2 minutes per side.

🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

Square crop of a bitten chocolate cinnamon doughnut stacked on others, showing the texture inside.
5 from 2 votes
Servings: 20 doughnuts

Chocolate Cinnamon Doughnuts

By Jamie Sherman
These Chocolate Cinnamon Doughnuts make soft, chocolatey doughnuts with a cinnamon glaze that’s perfect for cozy breakfasts or brunch!
Prep: 2 hours 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total: 3 hours
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Equipment

Ingredients 

For the doughnuts:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • Oil, for frying

For the glaze:

  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 5 – 6 tablespoons milk

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and sugar until thick and lemon-colored. Stir in the oil and vanilla.
  • Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to the egg mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until blended after each addition.
  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill dough for two hours.
  • Roll dough onto a lightly floured surface to ½-in. thickness. Cut with a floured doughnut cutter.
  • Fry the doughnuts in batches in 375°F oil, 1-2 minutes per side, turning once. Drain on a rack over paper towels.
  • In a medium shallow bowl, mix the glaze ingredients until well combined. Dip the tops of the doughnuts into the glaze and place the glazed side up onto cooling racks to allow the glaze to set.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE: Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Keep unglazed donuts separate from glazed to prevent sogginess.
Place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.
♨️ REHEATING: Microwave donuts for 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm texture.
Warm in a 300°F oven for 4-6 minutes on a baking sheet.
Use an air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore slight crispness.
Avoid reheating glazed donuts for too long, or the glaze will melt off.
❄️ FREEZING: Freeze unfrosted donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Use within 2 months for best flavor and texture.
Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS: Chill the dough to make rolling and cutting easier.
Use a candy thermometer to keep the oil at 375°F while frying.
Let excess oil drip off on a cooling rack for a cleaner glaze finish.
Glaze donuts while they’re still slightly warm to help the glaze set nicely.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS: Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, but the texture will be more like that of a cake.
Try an air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Stovetop frying in a Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet yields the best results.
Avoid using deep fryers with narrow baskets, as donuts may stick.
♻️ LEFTOVERS: Use leftover donuts for a sweet bread pudding or French toast bake.
Crumble into ice cream or milkshakes for an extra dessert boost.
Slice and pan-toast leftover donuts for a crispy treat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1doughnut, Calories: 277kcal, Carbohydrates: 57g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 205mg, Potassium: 76mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 37g, Vitamin A: 49IU, Vitamin C: 0.01mg, Calcium: 73mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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5 Comments

  1. Angela Paris says:

    Whoa baby! These look delish! Thanks so much for sharing on Cook it! Craft it! Share It! this week- I pinned it to the party board.
    I'm featuring this on my Facebook page today, too 🙂
    Ang

    Reply
    1. Jamie says:

      Thanks, Ang!

      Reply
  2. Nici @ Posed Perfection says:

    I love chocolate and cinnamon together…In a donut? I'm all for that! Thanks for sharing at my Creative Ways Link Party!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    Reply
  3. Melissa @ My Recent Favorite Books says:

    Oh my! These sound yummmmy! =)
    Pinned!

    Reply
  4. Winnie says:

    These doughnuts look fantastic!
    I loooooooove cinnamon and I can almost smell the wonderful aroma via the screen

    Reply