There are some kitchen moments you just know are going to be special—the scent of cinnamon swirling in warm air, the first bite into a pillowy donut still warm from the fryer. These Buttery Soft Cinnamon-Sugar Ricotta Donuts deliver all that and more. They’re comforting, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying in a way only freshly fried donuts can be.
I can still remember the first time I made these—barefoot, music on, powdered sugar in my hair. It felt like magic, and I’m so excited to share that magic with you. They’re soft, golden, and tossed in a spiced sugar shell that makes them impossible to resist.
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Why These Ricotta Donuts Are a Must-Try
- Supremely soft — thanks to the ricotta and butter-rich dough.
- No yeast! — these are quick-fry cake donuts, not yeast-risen, so there’s no proofing.
- That cinnamon-sugar coating — need I say more?
- Perfect for brunch, holidays, or whenever comfort calls.
What They Taste Like
Buttery. Cinnamon-kissed. Cloudlike. Imagine if snickerdoodles and ricotta pancakes had a golden-fried baby. The ricotta makes the interior tender and moist, while the outer crust is crisp and coated in sweet spice. They melt in your mouth with just a little crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil, for deep-frying
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- 3” and 1” round cutters (or biscuit cutter + bottle cap!)
- Deep pot or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon or spider
- Candy or deep-fry thermometer
- Paper towels or wire rack
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
- No ricotta? Mashed cottage cheese (blended) or Greek yogurt in a pinch.
- Try nutmeg or cardamom for a flavor twist in the sugar coating.
- Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy hint.
- Make donut holes! No need to punch centers—just roll into balls.
How to Make These Cinnamon-Sugar Ricotta Donuts
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Fold dry into wet ingredients, then stir in the melted butter until the dough comes together—soft and slightly sticky.
2. Chill & Roll
Cover and refrigerate dough for 20–30 minutes.
On a floured surface, roll dough to about ½″ thick.
3. Cut the Donuts
Use a 3” cutter to cut rounds, then a 1” cutter to punch out the centers.
Re-roll scraps gently to use all the dough.
4. Heat the Oil
Fill a heavy pot or Dutch oven with 2–3″ of oil. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy!
5. Fry the Donuts
Fry in batches of 3–4 donuts, turning once, for 90 seconds per side or until deeply golden. Don’t overcrowd!
6. Drain & Coat
Drain briefly on paper towels. While still warm, toss generously in cinnamon-sugar—make sure
📌 Make It Pin-Worthy + Printable!
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📍 Pin it now so you always have a warm donut moment just a scroll away.
These donuts deserve a spot on your “must-bake again” board!
💛 Final Sweet Words
I truly hope this Buttery Soft Cinnamon-Sugar Ricotta Donut recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. There’s something undeniably special about frying up something so comforting, so nostalgic, and sharing it (or not!) with people you love.
Whether you’re baking on a lazy Sunday or prepping something cozy for guests, these donuts are a sweet, simple reminder that magic lives in the little things—like sugar on your fingertips and a warm bite of buttery goodness.
Thank you again for baking with me. You are always welcome in this kitchen.
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