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There is nothing quite like the aroma of freshly fried cinnamon donuts wafting through the house on a lazy weekend morning. This Cinnamon Rolls Donut recipe lets you recreate classic cinnamon donuts at home in no time, using convenient canned cinnamon rolls. Hot from the skillet and glazed with gooey icing, each bite brings bakery-level comfort with almost no effort.
My family requests these donuts every holiday morning. The first time I made them my kids polished off the entire plate before they even cooled.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying Look for a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for the best crispiness
- Canned cinnamon rolls: Packs in flavor and saves on time Choose your favorite brand and check the expiration date for freshness
- Prepared icing from the cinnamon roll package: Sweet glaze that finishes the donuts If you prefer a thinner drizzle warm briefly before using
Each ingredient was chosen to make the process both foolproof and delicious. Watch for cinnamon roll packaging that has the softest dough and the most generous icing packet for maximum gooeyness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a ten-inch skillet Set over medium-high heat Attach a thermometer and allow the oil to reach between three hundred forty and three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit This temperature ensures crispy exteriors without burning
- Prepare the Donuts:
- Open the can of cinnamon rolls Carefully separate each one without unraveling the spiral Gently press down the dough disks to flatten slightly Set the included icing aside for later
- Cut the Donut Shape:
- Use a large cake decorating tip apple corer or even a clean bottle cap to punch out a hole from the center of each cinnamon roll Save the centers as donut holes for frying
- Seal the Edges:
- Check the outer edge of each cinnamon roll and pinch together any loose seams This keeps the donut shape intact as it fries
- Set Up the Draining Station:
- Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels nearby This will catch excess oil after frying
- Fry the Donuts:
- Once the oil is hot slip in three to four donuts at a time Fry each side for one to two minutes until deeply golden brown Adjust the heat as needed so the oil stays in range Use a slotted metal spoon to flip and remove the donuts Carefully transfer to the prepared cooling rack Repeat with remaining donuts and donut holes
- Ice the Donuts:
- After all the donuts have cooled slightly spread the reserved icing evenly on top For extra drizzly icing warm it for a few seconds in the microwave and pour over the donuts instead
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My favorite part has always been the donut holes I remember saving them for myself as a reward after making the big batch for my family We love to drizzle on extra icing and eat them warm for a truly decadent treat
Storage Tips
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For best results reheat briefly in the microwave or oven before serving Do not refrigerate as the dough will lose its tenderness
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute the canned cinnamon rolls with any other refrigerated sweet dough rolls Make sure they are not too flaky since a sturdy dough holds up best during frying Even biscuit dough can work in a pinch though the flavor will be less cinnamon focused
Serving Suggestions
These donuts are a natural fit for brunch alongside hot coffee or tea For a festive touch top with extra cinnamon sugar or a dusting of powdered sugar Serve as a party platter dessert or tuck them in a lunchbox for a sweet surprise
Cultural and Historical Context
Cinnamon roll donuts mix two beloved American treats into one nostalgic bite The shortcut recipe captures the spirit of creative home baking where comfort food traditions meet kitchen ingenuity
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of oil is best for frying cinnamon rolls donuts?
Vegetable oil is recommended for an even, crispy texture. Maintain the temperature between 340°F and 350°F for optimal results.
- → How do I shape the cinnamon rolls into donuts?
Press down the center with a large piping tip, apple corer, or bottle cap to create the donut hole before frying.
- → Can I use the included icing differently?
Yes, warm the icing slightly in the microwave to drizzle or spread directly over the warm donuts and donut holes.
- → Are the donut holes cooked differently?
Fry the donut holes just as you would the larger donuts but reduce the frying time slightly until golden brown.
- → What should I do if the donuts absorb too much oil?
Drain the donuts on a rack over paper towels immediately after frying to help remove excess oil.