There’s something about weekend mornings that begs for a little indulgence. These Warm Cinnamon Ricotta Donuts are my answer to that craving — soft, tender, gently sweet, and rolled in cinnamon sugar while still warm. They’re the kind of treat my family hovers around, grabbing “just one more” before they’ve even cooled.
Ricotta is the quiet hero here. It gives these donuts a moist, cake-like texture without heaviness, while cinnamon adds that familiar, comforting warmth. If you love cozy breakfasts and bakery-style treats made at home, be sure to subscribe by email so you never miss a recipe fresh from my kitchen to yours.
Overview of Recipe Content
What Are Cinnamon Ricotta Donuts?
These are soft, cake-style donuts made with ricotta cheese for richness and moisture. They’re lightly fried (or shallow-fried), then coated in cinnamon sugar for a warm, comforting finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra tender thanks to ricotta
- No yeast, no long rising time
- Perfect for weekend mornings
- Best enjoyed warm with coffee
What Do They Taste Like?
Soft and pillowy inside, lightly crisp outside, with a gentle sweetness and cozy cinnamon flavor that feels like a hug.
Ingredients
For the Ricotta Donuts
- 1 cup (250 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
- ⅔ cup (135 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Tools Needed
Substitutions & Additions
- Add orange or lemon zest for brightness
- Swap nutmeg for cardamom
- Roll in powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar
How to Make Warm Cinnamon Ricotta Donuts
Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk ricotta, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Fold dry ingredients into wet just until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Heat Oil
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Fry
Drop spoonfuls of dough into oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Step 6: Coat
Drain briefly, then roll warm donuts in cinnamon sugar.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Ricotta Donuts
- Freshly brewed coffee
- Cappuccino or latte
- Hot chocolate for kids
- Fresh fruit on the side
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use whole-milk ricotta for best texture
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Keep oil temperature steady
- Roll donuts in sugar while still warm
Storage Instructions
- Best eaten fresh and warm
- Store at room temperature up to 1 day
- Reheat briefly in oven or air fryer
- Freezing not recommended
General Information
Ricotta-based pastries are common in Italian home baking, prized for their tenderness and richness. These donuts bring that tradition into a cozy American weekend breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead?
They’re best fried, but baking will work with slightly different texture.
Can I use part-skim ricotta?
Yes, but whole-milk gives the softest result.
Are these sweet?
Lightly sweet — perfect with coffee.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Best fried right after mixing.
Conclusion
These Warm Cinnamon Ricotta Donuts are simple, comforting, and absolutely irresistible — the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary morning into something special. If you love cozy breakfast treats, try these next:
- Ricotta Pancakes
https://poulef.com/ricotta-pancakes/ - Cinnamon Sugar Muffins
https://poulef.com/cinnamon-sugar-muffins/ - Italian Breakfast Cake
https://poulef.com/italian-breakfast-cake/ - Vanilla Donut Holes
https://poulef.com/vanilla-donut-holes/ - Orange Ricotta Cake
https://poulef.com/orange-ricotta-cake/
Interactive Elements
Made these donuts? Leave a review below!
Share your cozy morning on Pinterest and tag me https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Nutritional Information (Per Donut – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
Warm Cinnamon Ricotta Donuts That Make Weekends Extra Cozy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm Cinnamon Ricotta Donuts are soft, tender, cake-style donuts made with creamy ricotta cheese and rolled in cinnamon sugar. A cozy weekend treat perfect with coffee.
Ingredients
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
⅔ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil for frying
¾ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
1. Whisk ricotta, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
2. Mix dry ingredients separately.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
4. Heat oil to 350°F.
5. Fry spoonfuls of dough until golden.
6. Drain and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Notes
Best served warm.
Use whole-milk ricotta.
Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Table of Contents
Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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