If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic treat, look no further than these Cinnamon Roll Donuts. Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, only to find that you can have your cinnamon roll in the shape of a donut! With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, these donuts are a game changer for breakfast or brunch. They’re soft, fluffy, and drizzled with a sweet glaze that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or just indulging yourself, these donuts are a surefire hit.

Why This Recipe Works

This Cinnamon Roll Donuts recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Using pre-made cinnamon rolls eliminates the need for extensive preparation, meaning you can enjoy fresh donuts in no time. The vegetable oil frying method ensures that every bite is perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. Plus, the sweet glaze adds a delightful finish that perfectly complements the cinnamon flavor.

Ingredient Checklist

To whip up a batch of Cinnamon Roll Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

3 to 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
12.4 ounces canned cinnamon rolls (8 count, your favorite brand, such as Great Value)
1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
2 tablespoons milk (for the glaze)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the glaze)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

Setup & Equipment

Before you start frying, make sure you have the following equipment:

Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer (for frying the donuts)
Slotted spoon or spider (for removing donuts from the oil)
Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
Baking sheet (to hold the fried donuts)
Mixing bowl (for preparing the glaze)

Method: Cinnamon Roll Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Oil

In your heavy-bottomed pot, pour in 3 to 4 cups of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.

Step 2: Shape the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate each roll. Using your fingers, gently stretch each roll into a donut shape, making a hole in the center. Try to keep the thickness even for uniform cooking.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the shaped cinnamon roll donuts into the oil, a few at a time. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip them halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Drain and Cool

Once cooked, remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 6: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon.

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

These Cinnamon Roll Donuts can be enjoyed year-round with a few tweaks:

Warm Weather: Serve them with a light lemon glaze or fresh fruit toppings to keep things fresh and bright.
Cool Weather: Add a touch of nutmeg to the glaze or serve them with a warm cup of spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.

Testing Timeline

To ensure your Cinnamon Roll Donuts turn out perfectly, consider:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Frying Time: 15 minutes
Cooling & Glazing Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Shelf Life & Storage

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later:

The Cinnamon Roll Donuts can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without glaze. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds and glaze before serving.

Troubleshooting Q&A

What if my donuts are too greasy?

If your donuts are greasy, it may be that the oil wasn’t hot enough. Ensure that the oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying, and avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead?

Yes, you can absolutely use your favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe! Just cut them into donut shapes and follow the same frying instructions.

How do I get the glaze to stay on the donuts?

Make sure your donuts are slightly warm when glazing. This helps the glaze adhere better. You can also roll the donuts in the glaze for a thicker coating.

Can I add toppings to my donuts?

Definitely! You can sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even chocolate chips on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor.

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Final Bite

There’s something undeniably satisfying about making your own Cinnamon Roll Donuts. The combination of the familiar cinnamon flavors and the fun shape makes for a delightful treat. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or simply indulging in a lazy weekend, these donuts are sure to impress. With a soft and fluffy interior, crispy exterior, and sweet glaze, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy a batch of homemade cinnamon roll goodness!