If you’re looking for the coziest treat to share with friends or spoil yourself on an afternoon, you cannot go wrong with Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs. Imagine crisp, golden puffs coated in cinnamon sugar, tender within and swirling with the gentle warmth of cinnamon and creamy, caramel notes from condensed milk. Every bite is like a hug from your favorite bakery, only these are even more delightful because they’re homemade. The best part? They’re fast and approachable—no yeast, no complicated techniques, just pure, irresistible bliss. Whether you want to impress at a potluck or brighten a quiet weekend, Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs deliver happiness with every pillow-soft bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each one plays a unique part, coming together to create doughnut shop flavor in your own kitchen.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure, ensuring your puffs are airy but substantial.
- Baking powder: Gives the doughnut puffs their signature lift and that delightfully soft, light texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up the flavors and balances all the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice—warming, fragrant, and cozy, essential for that classic cinnamon-sugar profile.
- Large egg: Binds everything together so your batter is rich and fluffy.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Lends a creamy, caramel sweetness and moisture you can’t get from sugar alone.
- Whole milk: Adds just enough liquid to create a luscious batter without making it too runny.
- Vanilla extract: For depth and that homey, bakery scent.
- Melted butter: Makes these puffs irresistible and soft, and adds decadence to the coating as well.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral and reliable, it crisps the doughnut puffs to perfection.
- Granulated sugar (for coating): Delivers sparkle and a crunchy finish on every bite.
- More ground cinnamon (for coating): Boosts the spice factor and ties the whole experience together.
How to Make Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures your leavening and spicing are evenly distributed, so every puff comes out tasting perfectly cozy. Don’t skip the whisking—it makes all the difference for a uniformly tender crumb.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the large egg, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. It’s the condensed milk here that infuses these puffs with such a rich sweetness and impossibly creamy texture. Whisk until you have a smooth and well-blended mixture—no streaks of butter or egg should be visible.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Pour your wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently, just until combined. The batter will be thick and a little sticky—this is exactly what you want for puffs that are crisp on the outside and soft within. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will bake out as the puffs rise.
Step 4: Fry the Doughnut Puffs
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, frying in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on the temperature—too hot, and they’ll brown too quickly; too cool and they’ll soak up oil.
Step 5: Drain and Prepare the Coating
As each batch finishes frying, use a slotted spoon to lift the puffs onto a paper towel-lined plate. This step helps keep them light. In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for that signature cinnamon-sugar crunch.
Step 6: Butter and Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
While the puffs are still warm, brush them with a little more melted butter (don’t be shy!), then roll each one generously in your cinnamon-sugar mixture until totally covered. The warm butter helps the sugar coating adhere and melt just a touch, creating that perfect “doughnut shop” texture.
How to Serve Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs
Garnishes
For a gorgeous finishing touch, dust your Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs with a little extra cinnamon sugar or drizzle them with more sweetened condensed milk. Fresh berries on the side add a pop of color, or a light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
These doughnut puffs love company! Pair them with a mug of hot chocolate, spiced chai, or a rich coffee for a comforting breakfast or dessert. If you’re serving brunch, offer them alongside a fruit salad for freshness, or even a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your puffs into a tower and sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar for a fun “doughnut hole mountain,” or serve them in little paper cups for easy sharing at a party. For a dramatic dessert, pile them high on a platter and let guests drizzle on their own condensed milk or caramel sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs (lucky you!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their delicious flavor and soft interior for about a day, though they’re best eaten fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze these puffs. Arrange cooled doughnut puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay tasty for up to a month, ready to reheat at a moment’s notice whenever you get a craving.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer magic, reheat the puffs in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until just warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven ensures they stay crisp on the outside. You can roll them in a little extra cinnamon sugar after reheating to refresh their sparkle.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs their irresistible crunchy edges, you can bake them in a mini muffin tin at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes. They’ll be less crisp but still deliciously tender and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar.
What’s the best oil for frying doughnut puffs?
I recommend using a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These options can handle the high heat necessary for frying and won’t overpower the sweet, spicy flavors of the doughnut puffs.
Why are my doughnut puffs greasy?
Doughnut puffs can turn out greasy if the oil temperature is too low. Always check with a thermometer and keep it at 350°F (175°C) for the perfect golden, crisp finish without excess oiliness.
Can I use different spices instead of cinnamon?
Absolutely! While cinnamon is classic, you can try nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice in the batter or coating for a fun twist. The Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs base is super adaptable to your favorite flavors.
How do I make sure the puffs are cooked inside?
Fry smaller batches and don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re worried, test one puff by splitting it open; the inside should be fluffy and cooked through, with no gummy spots. Adjust the size of your dough drops if needed for perfect results every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something extra special about homemade treats, and I truly believe these Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs will win you over with their simplicity and irresistible flavor. Try a batch for your next gathering or quiet morning at home—you might just find yourself making them on repeat, and I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy them!
Print
Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs are a delightful treat that combines the richness of sweetened condensed milk with warm cinnamon flavors, creating puffy, golden-brown doughnuts coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for a cozy dessert or snack!
Ingredients
Doughnut Puffs:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for coating)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk the egg, condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined to form a thick batter.
- Fry the Doughnut Puffs: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, frying in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Brush the warm doughnut puffs with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. Serve warm.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh the same day.
- Drizzle with more condensed milk for an extra sweet touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
