Heavenly Spiced Brioche Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

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Looking for a treat that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside? These Heavenly Spiced Brioche Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar hit the sweet spot between indulgent and effortless. Brioche dough is already rich and buttery, and when you give it a boost of warming spice and a generous toss in cinnamon sugar, you’ve got a shortcut to donut bliss. Perfect for weekend brunch, dessert, or whenever the donut craving strikes!

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound store-bought brioche dough (available in many grocery stores or bakeries)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for dusting
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves (optional, for extra warmth)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • ½ cup sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
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Instructions

Begin by lightly flouring your counter and dividing the brioche dough into small rounds (about the size of golf balls). If you like more traditional donut shapes, flatten the rounds slightly and use your finger to create a hole in the center. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let them rest for about 15 minutes to take off the chill and puff up slightly.

In a medium saucepan or deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). While the oil is heating, combine sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl; if you love that cozy spiced taste, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves here, too. Carefully drop a few pieces of dough into the hot oil and fry for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.

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As soon as they’re cool enough to handle—yet still warm—toss the donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. For extra richness, you can brush them lightly with melted butter before coating. Repeat until you’ve fried and coated all the dough.

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Each bite practically melts in your mouth, thanks to the buttery brioche base paired with fragrant spices. These donuts are wonderful for anyone craving a homemade pastry without spending hours in the kitchen—plus, they’re easy to adapt. You can swap the cinnamon for pumpkin spice or even add a drizzle of chocolate. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with new flavors, these quick and easy spiced brioche donuts are bound to delight family, friends, and that sweet tooth you’ve been trying to satisfy.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.