The Ultimate Cinnamon Sugar Donut Poppers with White Chocolate Filling
There is something undeniably nostalgic about the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through a kitchen. It reminds me of weekend mornings at the local bakery, staring through the glass at rows of golden treats. But what if I told you that you could recreate that magic—and even improve upon it—in just about 40 minutes?
I’m Jason Griffith, and today I’m sharing a recipe that has become a legend in my household: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Poppers with a Creamy White Chocolate Filling. These aren’t just your average donut holes; they are pillows of fluffy dough, fried to a perfect golden brown, rolled in crunchy spiced sugar, and injected with a silky, melted white chocolate pudding.
If you are looking for a bite-sized treat that hits every single flavor note, you’ve found it. Much like my love for these chocolate chip cookie bites, these poppers are dangerously poppable!
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes these donut poppers stand out is the texture contrast. You get that initial “crunch” from the cinnamon-sugar crust, followed by the soft, cake-like interior, and finally, a burst of cool, creamy white chocolate filling.
Unlike traditional yeast donuts, these use baking powder as a leavener, meaning there is no waiting for dough to rise. You can go from a craving to a finished plate in under an hour. It’s the perfect “wow-factor” dessert for brunch or a late-night snack, right up there with this edible cookie dough when you need a sweet fix fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- All-Purpose Flour (1¼ cups): The sturdy base for our poppers.
- Baking Powder (2 tsp): Our secret to that instant lift and fluffiness.
- Salt (¼ tsp): To balance the sweetness.
- Milk (¼ cup): Room temperature ensures a smooth batter.
- Plain Yogurt (¼ cup): This provides moisture and a slight tang that makes the dough tender.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): For just the right amount of sweetness in the dough itself.
- Butter (3 tbsp): Melted, for a rich, buttery crumb.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying (ensure you have enough for about 2 inches of depth).
For the Coating & Filling
- Granulated Sugar (⅔ cup): For the classic sandy coating.
- Ground Cinnamon (1½–2 tsp): Adjust based on how much “spice” you like.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (1 box): The shortcut to a perfect filling.
- White Chocolate (4 oz): Melted and stirred into the pudding for a gourmet touch.
Swaps and Notes
- The Yogurt: If you don’t have plain yogurt, sour cream works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute. It adds the same necessary fat and acidity.
- The Filling: While white chocolate is my favorite, you can use chocolate or butterscotch pudding for a different profile.
- Gluten-Free: I have had success using a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly denser.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Coating
In a medium bowl, whisk together your ⅔ cup of sugar and the ground cinnamon. Set this aside near your frying station so it’s ready the moment the donuts come out of the oil.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensuring these are well-combined prevents any “clumps” of baking powder in your finished donuts.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the milk, yogurt, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is completely smooth.
4. Create the Dough
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula and stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour. Overmixing will lead to tough, rubbery donuts!
5. Heat the Oil
Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). Using a candy or meat thermometer is highly recommended here to ensure consistent results.
6. Fry the Poppers
Roll about ½ tablespoon of dough into gentle balls. Fry them in small batches (don’t crowd the pan!) until they are golden brown on all sides. They usually take about 2-3 minutes total.
7. The Sugar Toss
Remove the poppers with a slotted spoon and drain them briefly on paper towels (for only about 10 seconds). While they are still hot and slightly oily, roll them aggressively in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Mix the Filling
Prepare the instant vanilla pudding according to the box instructions (usually using less milk for a thicker consistency). Stir in the melted white chocolate until the mixture is silky and smooth.
9. Fill the Donuts
Fit a piping bag with a small Bismarck (filling) tip. Poke the tip into the side of each popper and squeeze gently until you feel the donut expand slightly.
Tips for Success
- Check Your Temp: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. If it’s too cold, the dough will soak up the oil and become greasy.
- Small Batches are Key: Adding too many dough balls at once drops the oil temperature significantly.
- Fill While Warm: I find the dough is most pliable and easy to fill while still slightly warm, though the pudding should be cool.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These poppers are best served immediately while the exterior is still crisp.
- For Brunch: Serve these alongside this 3-ingredient egg wrap for a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
- For a Party: Pair them with a tall glass of refreshing blueberry lemonade to cut through the richness of the white chocolate.
- Seasonal Pairing: In the autumn months, these go beautifully with a side of easy pumpkin spice muffins.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Estimated based on 1 filled popper (Recipe makes approx. 20-24)
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Storage and Leftover Tips
To Store: These are best eaten the day they are made. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Note that the sugar coating may soften over time due to the moisture in the filling.
To Reheat: If you have unfilled poppers, you can pop them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to crisp them back up. Once filled, reheating is tricky as the pudding may melt or separate, so enjoy them cool!
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed these bite-sized treats, you have to try these other ChefManiac favorites:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – For when you want that classic cookie flavor in a mini form.
- No-Bake Edible Cookie Dough – A safe and delicious way to skip the oven entirely.
Final Thoughts
I hope you love these white chocolate filled donut poppers as much as I do! They are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and surprisingly simple to whip up on a whim.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Tag us on social media or leave a comment below with your favorite filling swaps. Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more weekly recipe inspiration.
Happy frying! — Jason Griffith
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