Hot Buttered Mini Donuts

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Soft, pillowy, and coated in a dreamy blanket of cinnamon sugar, these Hot Buttered Mini Donuts are pure comfort in every bite. They deliver that just-fried, bakery-fresh taste but are made right in your own kitchen with minimal fuss. Perfect for cozy mornings or late-night treats, they come together in minutes and disappear even faster.

The golden crust, buttery flavor, and spiced coating hit all the nostalgic notes of carnival donuts, yet they’re bite-sized and way easier to manage. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, gifting them for the holidays, or just craving something sweet, these mini donuts are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Hot Buttered Mini Donuts Recipe

• Quick to make: No yeast or rise time required—ready in under 20 minutes.
• Bite-sized indulgence: Perfect for portion control (or popping several with zero guilt).
• Simple ingredients: All pantry staples you likely already have.
• Customizable: Play with coatings or drizzle with chocolate, glaze, or maple icing.
• Kid-friendly: The little ones love helping coat them in cinnamon sugar.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Mini Donut Pan or Donut Maker: Crucial for shaping that iconic donut ring. A mini muffin pan can be used in a pinch.
• Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients and one for dry. This makes mixing quick and lump-free.
• Whisk and Spatula: The whisk ensures a smooth batter, while a spatula helps fold everything together gently.
• Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag: Makes transferring batter into donut molds clean and precise.
• Cooling Rack: Prevents sogginess and helps the coating stick better once they’re slightly cooled.

These tools streamline your process and guarantee donuts that look as good as they taste.

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Ingredients for the Hot Buttered Mini Donuts

• All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and softness.
• Baking powder: Adds lift and fluff to keep the donuts airy.
• Salt: Enhances sweetness and deepens flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the buttery richness.
• Ground cinnamon: Used for the coating, adds that warm spice that screams “donut shop.”
• Butter (melted): For both the batter and the final butter dip—a must for that classic rich flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture and binds the batter.
• Egg: Provides structure and slight richness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a touch of warmth.

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How To Make the Hot Buttered Mini Donuts

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and a portion of the sugar. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot to avoid cooking the egg.

Step 3: Combine to Form Batter

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry using a spatula. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix or the donuts may turn dense.

Step 4: Pipe and Bake

Transfer the batter into a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the tip cut) and pipe into a greased mini donut pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 5: Dip and Coat

While still warm, dip each donut into melted butter, then roll generously in cinnamon sugar. Set on a rack to set the coating.

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Serving and Storing Your Mini Donuts

Serve your hot buttered mini donuts warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience. They pair beautifully with coffee, chai, or a tall glass of cold milk.

To store, place cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to revive their buttery magic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make these without a donut pan?

Use a mini muffin tin and slightly reduce the baking time. The shape will be different, but the taste is just as divine.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, bake and store them without coating. Reheat, then dip in butter and cinnamon sugar just before serving.

Can I air fry these mini donuts?

Yes, spoon the batter into silicone donut molds and air fry at 330°F for 6–8 minutes.

What variations can I try?

Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter, dip in maple glaze, or drizzle with melted chocolate for a twist.

Are they freezer friendly?

Yes! Freeze uncoated donuts, then thaw and reheat before coating with butter and sugar.

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Want More Donut Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Hot Buttered Mini Donuts, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins for a bakery-style breakfast treat.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread if you’re craving rich, nutty flavors.
• Creamy Homemade Bubblegum Ice Cream for a fun nostalgic pairing.
• Easy Fluffy Blueberry Muffins that rise tall and taste bakery-fresh.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Follow Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a chocolate drizzle or keep it classic? Did the kids help with coating?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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