If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for breakfast cereals, you are in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Doughnuts Recipe. Imagine soft, fluffy doughnuts infused with the nostalgic flavor of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, then glazed with a luscious cereal milk icing and sprinkled with crunchy cereal bits on top. Each bite offers a cozy warmth from cinnamon, a delightful crunch, and just the right amount of sweetness to brighten any morning or indulge a midday craving. This recipe combines comfort and creativity in a way that makes homemade doughnuts absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a single doughnut on a white plate with a bite taken out, revealing its soft, light beige inside. The doughnut has a light brown outer crust covered with a smooth, slightly shiny white icing. On top, there is a layer of square, light brown cereal pieces that look crunchy. In the background, more doughnuts with the same layers are stacked on a white plate, and empty white plates are slightly visible to the left, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delectable doughnuts. Each component plays a key role, from building the dough’s tender texture to delivering that unmistakable cinnamon flavor and creamy glaze glow.

Whole milk: Warmed to 110°F to gently activate the yeast for perfect rise.
Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and fluffily, ensuring a soft bite every time.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the cinnamon’s warmth.
Large egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure while keeping the dough soft.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavor complexity and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a tender crumb.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: Used both in the dough and as a crunchy topping for that signature flavor twist.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and thickens it to the ideal consistency.
Ground cinnamon: Amplifies the cozy spice element in the glaze.
Additional cereal: For garnish, adding texture and visual appeal to the finished doughnuts.

How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix Wet Ingredients

Start by combining the warmed whole milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar in the mixer bowl. Let it rest for about 5 minutes so the yeast wakes up and begins to bubble gently—it’s a sign that your dough will rise beautifully. Then whisk in the egg until everything is perfectly blended and ready for the flour.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Start Dough Formation

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. This step ensures even distribution of salt which is crucial to taste. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and slowly add one-third of your flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Gradually incorporate the rest in two batches, adding softened butter one tablespoon at a time to keep the dough moist and tender.

Step 3: Knead the Dough to Perfection

Once the dough comes together, increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for 3 to 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and soft but still slightly sticky to the touch. Don’t worry if it clings a little to the sides; a spatula can help you scrape it down. This kneading stage is vital to develop the gluten and create that airy texture inside the doughnuts.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough into a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes until it doubles in size. This resting time allows the dough to become light and airy, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth wonderful.

Step 5: Shape Your Doughnuts

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. On a floured surface, roll or pat the dough to a ½-inch thickness. Use a 3 ½-inch doughnut cutter to punch out as many doughnut rings as you can. For the holes, use a smaller 1-inch cutter. Save your scraps, re-roll once, and cut out more doughnuts to minimize waste.

Step 6: Fry the Doughnuts Until Golden

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F and carefully fry doughnut rings for 90 seconds per side until they’re beautifully golden brown. Smaller doughnut holes only need about 50 seconds each side. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pot as it may lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy doughnuts. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried doughnuts onto a paper towel-lined tray for draining excess oil.

Step 7: Prepare the Cereal Milk Glaze

Soak the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in whole milk for 10 minutes, then strain to reserve that magical cereal-infused milk. Whisk together powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, then slowly add four tablespoons of the cereal milk. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar until you have a smooth glaze that’s perfect for coating your warm doughnuts.

Step 8: Dip, Glaze, and Garnish

Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off before setting them on a wire rack. For an extra layer of indulgence, prepare a thicker glaze to dip the doughnuts a second time and sprinkle generously with additional cereal pieces. These finishing touches turn your cinnamon-infused doughnuts into a crunchy, sweet masterpiece.

How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Doughnuts Recipe

A close-up shows a woman's hand holding a round donut dipped in a smooth, light pink or white glaze with small brown specks, dripping some glaze back into a clear glass bowl below. The donut has a shiny, even coating of glaze that covers the top and sides fully. In the blurred background, there are round donut holes and other donuts resting on a tray. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Give your doughnuts a final flourish with extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal sprinkled on top right after glazing to keep that satisfying crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar can add a delicate touch of sweetness and visual appeal, making them look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these doughnuts with a steaming cup of rich coffee or a creamy hot chocolate to make your snack or breakfast feel extra special. For a refreshing contrast, a glass of cold milk or a simple fruit salad brightens the plate and balances the sweetness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Doughnuts Recipe on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a cozy, inviting vibe. Alternatively, stack mini doughnuts with layers of glaze and cereal in a dessert trifle glass or skewered to create a fun doughnut “tower” that’s perfect for parties and sharing with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Be sure to keep the glaze dry by separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their crispy exterior and chewy inside.

Freezing

You can freeze unglazed doughnuts by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight at room temperature before glazing for best results.

Reheating

Reheat doughnuts gently in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to bring back their soft, warm texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or tough. After warming, dip in fresh glaze or simply dust with some powdered sugar to refresh their irresistible flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Cinnamon Toast Crunch?

Absolutely! While Cinnamon Toast Crunch gives a unique cinnamon-sugar flavor and crunch, you could experiment with cereals like Frosted Flakes or Golden Grahams, but the taste and texture will differ slightly.

Do I have to fry the doughnuts or can they be baked?

Frying is traditional and gives that classic crispy exterior, but you can bake the doughnuts as a lighter alternative. Just reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Is it necessary to soak the cereal in the milk for the glaze?

Soaking the cereal infuses the milk with cinnamon and sweetness, creating a signature cereal milk glaze. While you could skip this step and use plain milk, the glaze won’t have the same depth of flavor that makes this recipe so special.

How can I tell when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here. The ideal frying temperature is 350°F. If the oil is too hot, doughnuts will brown too fast outside and remain raw inside; too cool and the doughnuts will soak up oil and become greasy.

Can I make the doughnuts dairy-free?

This recipe heavily relies on dairy for texture and flavor, but you can try substituting whole milk with plant-based milk like oat or almond milk and using vegan butter. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might change slightly, but it’s a fun experiment!

Final Thoughts

Making this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Doughnuts Recipe from scratch is not only a rewarding baking adventure but also a delicious way to bring a beloved cereal into a whole new form. These doughnuts capture the magic of cinnamon and sugar with a nostalgic twist that will impress anyone lucky enough to taste them. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this cozy, fun recipe—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!