Yogurt Cinnamon Roll Donuts: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Yogurt Cinnamon Roll Donuts: Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut that tastes like a cinnamon roll had a baby with a cloud. That’s exactly what you get with this delightful recipe! These aren’t your average fried donuts; we’re taking a shortcut to deliciousness using yogurt for an incredibly moist and tender crumb.

While the exact origins of the cinnamon roll are debated, its popularity exploded in the 20th century, becoming a beloved treat worldwide. The donut, with its own rich history dating back centuries, has similarly captured hearts (and stomachs!). Combining these two iconic desserts creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.

What makes these Yogurt Cinnamon Roll Donuts so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet cinnamon spice, the tangy richness from the yogurt, and the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Forget spending hours kneading dough; this recipe is designed for busy bakers who crave a homemade treat without all the fuss. People love this dish because it delivers all the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll in a fun, convenient, and utterly addictive donut form. Get ready to experience donut bliss!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Yogurt Dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat works)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (or water)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Frying:
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups)

Preparing the Yogurt Dough:

Okay, let’s get started with the dough! This is a super simple yogurt dough, which means no yeast and no long rising times. It’s perfect for when you’re craving donuts but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined so the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed. This will help your donuts rise properly.
2. Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Ensure the sugar is mostly dissolved into the yogurt mixture.
3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. The dough will be slightly sticky, and that’s perfectly fine.
4. Turn out and knead: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently knead it for about 2-3 minutes, or until it comes together into a smooth ball. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky to handle, but try to avoid adding too much, as this can also make the donuts tough.
5. Rest the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

While the dough is resting, let’s whip up that delicious cinnamon-sugar filling. This is what gives these donuts their signature cinnamon roll flavor!

1. Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use a fork or a small whisk to mash and mix everything together until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste. Make sure there are no lumps of butter or sugar.

Assembling the Cinnamon Roll Donuts:

Now for the fun part – assembling the donuts! This is where the magic happens, and you start to see those beautiful cinnamon roll swirls.

1. Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface again. Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep the rectangle as even as possible so the donuts are uniform in size.
2. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to get it all the way to the edges.
3. Roll up the dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to create those nice, defined swirls.
4. Cut into slices: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. You should get about 12-15 slices, depending on the length of your log.
5. Shape the donuts: Gently flatten each slice into a round donut shape. You can use your fingers to press them down slightly. If you want a more traditional donut shape, you can use a small cookie cutter to cut out a hole in the center of each donut. However, I like to leave them as they are for a more rustic, cinnamon roll look.
6. Rest the donuts: Place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them rest for another 10-15 minutes. This will help them puff up slightly before frying.

Frying the Donuts:

Time to fry these babies up! Frying can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. Just make sure you have everything set up and ready to go before you start.

1. Heat the oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. It’s crucial to maintain the correct temperature for even cooking and to prevent the donuts from becoming greasy.
2. Fry the donuts: Carefully place 2-3 donuts into the hot oil at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts.
3. Cook until golden brown: Fry the donuts for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or spider to flip them over halfway through cooking.
4. Remove and drain: Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Making the Glaze:

While the donuts are cooling slightly, let’s make the glaze. This simple glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness and makes these donuts even more irresistible.

1. Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk or water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drizzle easily.

Glazing and Serving:

Almost there! Now for the final touch – glazing and serving these delicious yogurt cinnamon roll donuts.

1. Glaze the donuts: Dip each donut into the glaze, coating it completely. Alternatively, you can drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon or a piping bag.
2. Let the glaze set: Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack and let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
3. Serve and enjoy: Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, I doubt they’ll last that long!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Yogurt Cinnamon Roll Donuts are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be a little biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of the tangy yogurt, the warm cinnamon spice, and that irresistible donut texture is simply divine. Forget those heavy, greasy donuts from the bakery – these are lighter, healthier (relatively speaking, of course!), and bursting with flavor. They’re the perfect treat for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or even just a little something to brighten up a weekday morning.

But why are these donuts a must-try? It’s not just about the taste (although that’s a pretty big factor!). It’s about the ease of making them. Seriously, this recipe is so straightforward, even a novice baker can whip up a batch with confidence. The yogurt adds a wonderful moisture and tenderness to the dough, eliminating the need for complicated yeast-based recipes. Plus, the cinnamon roll swirl adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal that’s sure to impress.

And the best part? You can totally customize these donuts to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the dough for a bit of crunch. Or, how about incorporating some dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist? For the glaze, you could experiment with different extracts, like vanilla, almond, or even maple. A drizzle of chocolate ganache would also be absolutely decadent.

Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

* Warm and Fresh: Enjoy them straight from the oven, while they’re still warm and gooey.
* Coffee Companion: Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate morning indulgence.
* Dessert Delight: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert.
* Brunch Star: Add them to your brunch spread for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that these Yogurt Cinnamon Roll Donuts will become a new favorite in your household. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience donut bliss!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made your own batch of these delightful donuts, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the taste and texture? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. Let’s spread the donut love! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy baking!