Introduction
This Donut Sticks crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, these golden sticks are the perfect fusion of a doughnut and a churro. Fried to perfection and coated in a warm cinnamon-sugar mixture, they deliver just the right amount of crunch with every bite. Whether you enjoy them as a morning pick-me-up or a late-night snack, they’re a treat that never disappoints.
The first time I made these, the kitchen was filled with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and fried dough—it was impossible to wait for them to cool before taking a bite! What makes these even more special is their versatility. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a classic touch, dip them in rich chocolate or caramel sauce, or even enjoy them plain with a steaming cup of coffee.
Surprisingly simple to make, these homemade this recipe come together quickly with just a few basic ingredients. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a family breakfast or serving them as a fun dessert, they’re sure to be a hit!
Perfect for:
- Breakfast or brunch
- A sweet afternoon snack
- Dipping in coffee or hot chocolate
- Holiday or weekend treats
- Churro and doughnut lovers
Why You’ll Love This Donut Sticks
Here’s why this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Crispy and Fluffy Texture: These sticks have a crispy golden exterior while remaining light and fluffy on the inside.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an approachable recipe for any home cook.
- Perfect for Dipping: This recipe pair beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, caramel, or chocolate sauce.
- Customizable: Coat them in cinnamon sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or dip them in fruit sauces for endless variations.
- Better Than Store-Bought: Freshly made donut sticks taste far superior to pre-packaged versions, with a warm, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Servings: 12 donut sticks
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
- Key Nutrients: Carbs: 22g, Fat: 7g, Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make this recips:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Melted chocolate or caramel sauce, for dipping
Ingredient Highlights
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help create a light and airy texture in this recipe.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor while keeping the dough soft.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: The classic combination of cinnamon and sugar gives these donut sticks their signature sweetness and warmth.
- Vegetable Oil: The right frying oil ensures a crispy, golden crust without making the sticks greasy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this recipe:
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the donut sticks light and fluffy.
Shape and Fry the Donut Sticks:
- Prepare for Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into strips about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide.
- Fry the Donut Sticks: Carefully drop the dough strips into the hot oil in batches, frying for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Coat and Serve:
- Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Coat the Donut Sticks: While still warm, roll each donut stick in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your donut sticks fresh and warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or served with dipping sauces.
How to Serve Donut Sticks
This recipe are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in different ways:
- With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Dunk them in a warm drink for the ultimate comfort snack.
- With a Dipping Sauce: Serve them with melted chocolate, caramel, or fruit preserves for extra flavor.
- As a Party Snack: Arrange them on a platter for a crowd-pleasing dessert at gatherings.
- For a Breakfast Treat: Pair them with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a fun twist on a morning pastry.
- With Ice Cream: Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Milkshake Topper – Stick a few donut sticks into a thick milkshake for a playful and indulgent garnish.
- Peanut Butter & Jelly – Spread peanut butter and jelly on the donut sticks for a nostalgic, sandwich-inspired snack.
- Savory-Sweet Combo – Serve alongside crispy bacon and maple syrup for a sweet and salty breakfast treat.
- Chocolate Fondue – Arrange donut sticks on a platter with marshmallows, strawberries, and pretzels for dipping into melted chocolate.
- Churro-Style – Drizzle with dulce de leche or condensed milk and sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar for a churro-inspired version.
Additional Tips for donut Sticks
Here are some tips to ensure this recipe turn out perfectly every time:
- Monitor the Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking without burning or absorbing too much oil.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Mix until just combined to maintain a soft, airy texture.
- Work with a Floured Surface: Lightly flour your hands and work surface to prevent sticking while shaping the dough.
- Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan—frying in small batches ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use paper towels to remove any extra oil before coating in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve Immediately: This recipe taste best fresh and warm, but they can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
Recipe Variations for donut Sticks
Here are 10 variations to try for this recipe:
- Chocolate-Glazed Donut Sticks: Drizzle melted chocolate over the sticks for a rich, decadent finish.
- Powdered Sugar Donut Sticks: Skip the cinnamon-sugar coating and dust them with powdered sugar for a classic taste.
- Lemon Sugar Donut Sticks: Mix lemon zest into the sugar coating for a citrusy twist.
- Maple Donut Sticks: Swap cinnamon sugar for maple glaze or drizzle with maple syrup.
- Nutty Donut Sticks: Sprinkle crushed almonds or pecans over a chocolate drizzle for extra crunch.
- Pumpkin Spice Donut Sticks: Add pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a fall-inspired flavor.
- Coconut Donut Sticks: Roll the fried sticks in toasted coconut for a tropical twist.
- Espresso Donut Sticks: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough for a coffee-infused treat.
- Stuffed Donut Sticks: Pipe a little jam, Nutella, or cream into the center for a surprise filling.
- Baked Donut Sticks: Instead of frying, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes for a lighter version.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Freeze uncoated donut sticks in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm before coating in cinnamon sugar.
- Storage: Store leftover donut sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Special Equipment for donut Sticks
Here are some tools that can help with making this recipe:
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: For even frying at a consistent temperature.
- Slotted Spoon: Helps remove donut sticks from hot oil safely.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
- Thermometer: Ensures the oil stays at the right frying temperature.
- Wire Rack: Helps cool the this recipe while keeping them crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions for donut Sticks
- Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, but they taste best fresh. Reheat before serving. - What’s the best oil for frying?
Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for best results. - Can I freeze donut sticks?
Yes, freeze before coating and reheat when ready to eat. - How do I make them extra crispy?
Fry in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) and drain well.
Donut Sticks
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Donut Sticks are a crispy, golden treat that combines the light, airy texture of a doughnut with the crunch of a churro. These delightful sticks are deep-fried to perfection and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, making them an irresistible snack for any time of the day. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee, dipped in chocolate sauce, or served with a dusting of powdered sugar, these homemade donut sticks are a simple yet satisfying treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Melted chocolate or caramel sauce, for dipping
Ingredient Highlights
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help create a light and airy texture in the donut sticks.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor while keeping the dough soft.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: The classic combination of cinnamon and sugar gives these donut sticks their signature sweetness and warmth.
- Vegetable Oil: The right frying oil ensures a crispy, golden crust without making the sticks greasy.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the donut sticks light and fluffy.
Shape and Fry the Donut Sticks:
- Prepare for Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into strips about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide.
- Fry the Donut Sticks: Carefully drop the dough strips into the hot oil in batches, frying for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Coat and Serve:
- Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Coat the Donut Sticks: While still warm, roll each donut stick in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your donut sticks fresh and warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or served with dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion
Donut Sticks are a crispy, fluffy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a delicious dip, these homemade delights are an easy and satisfying way to indulge in the classic taste of doughnuts.
Simple to make and irresistibly good, they’re ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack any time of day. Whether you’re sharing with family or savoring them solo, every bite is pure joy.
I’d love to see this recipe! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!