Sugared Campfire Donuts

Sweet Memories & Sugared Campfire Donuts

There’s something magical about gathering around a crackling campfire, isn’t there? The way the flames dance, the scent of woodsmoke clinging to your sweater, and the promise of something sweet shared between laughter and stories. These Sugared Campfire Donuts take me right back to childhood summers at my grandparents’ lakeside cabin, where my grandpa would fry dough in his old cast iron skillet over the fire, dusting each golden bite with cinnamon sugar that stuck to our fingers—and our hearts.

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why I Love Them)

2 cups all-purpose flour – The trusty foundation for our cozy donuts. I like to fluff mine with a fork before measuring for extra lightness.
1/3 cup granulated sugar + extra for coating – Just enough sweetness to balance the smoky campfire flavor. The coating sugar will become your best friend—it sparkles like morning dew!
2 tsp baking powder – Our little rising miracle worker. Make sure it’s fresh for the fluffiest donuts.
1/2 tsp salt – The secret whisper that makes all the other flavors sing.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – Warm and nostalgic. Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg too when I’m feeling adventurous.
3/4 cup whole milk – Richness matters here. The higher fat content makes the dough tender.
1 large egg – Binds everything together with golden goodness.
2 tbsp melted butter + extra for frying – Because everything tastes better with butter, especially when it sizzles over an open flame.
1 tsp vanilla extract – My grandma always said vanilla is like a hug for your baked goods.

Let’s Make Some Firelight Magic

Mix the dry ingredients – In your favorite big mixing bowl (I use my speckled blue enamel one—it feels rustic and right), whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Watch how the cinnamon swirls through like autumn leaves—this is where the love begins.
Create your well – Make a little crater in the center of your dry ingredients. This is where we’ll pour our wet ingredients, just like how we pour our memories into each batch.
Whisk the wet ingredients – In another bowl or large measuring cup, beat the egg lightly, then stir in milk, melted butter (let it cool slightly first!), and vanilla. The vanilla will perfume the air—take a deep breath and smile.
Bring it all together – Pour the wet mixture into your flour well. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. The dough will be sticky and shaggy—that’s perfect! Overmixing makes tough donuts, and we want these as tender as childhood memories.

Now here’s my favorite campfire tip: Let the dough rest for 10 minutes while you prepare your cooking station. This gives the flour time to hydrate and the baking powder a head start. I use this time to melt extra butter in my cast iron skillet over the fire, watching it bubble and dance in the firelight…

Pro Tips for Perfect Sugared Campfire Donuts

After making countless batches of these golden treats under the stars, I’ve picked up some tricks to share:

Temperature matters: Let your oil reach 350°F before frying – test with a small bread cube (it should sizzle immediately)
Dough consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If too wet, add 1 tbsp flour at a time
Campfire hack: Use a cast iron Dutch oven over glowing embers (not flames) for even heat
Safety first: Always keep a lid nearby to smother any oil flare-ups

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic cinnamon-sugar version is heavenly, don’t be afraid to experiment:

Maple glaze: Mix powdered sugar with real maple syrup and drizzle over warm donuts
Chocolate dipped: Melt chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil for dipping
Spiced sugar: Add cardamom or pumpkin pie spice to your sugar coating
Stuffed: Pipe in jam or Nutella after frying for a surprise center

What to Serve With Your Campfire Donuts

These sweet treats pair beautifully with:

Strong campfire coffee or hot chocolate
Fresh berries to cut the richness
Whipped cream for dipping
Vanilla ice cream for donut sandwiches

Storage and Reheating Tips

While best eaten fresh, you can:

Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day
Revive: Briefly warm in a 300°F oven or over campfire coals for 30 seconds
Freeze: Place cooled donuts in a single layer, freeze, then transfer to bags for up to 1 month

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! Prepare the dough, wrap tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before frying.

What if I don’t have a thermometer?
The “wooden spoon test” works – when oil bubbles form around a wooden spoon handle, it’s ready.

Can I bake these instead?
While not quite the same, you can bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet.

Are these suitable for kids to help make?
Absolutely! Let little ones mix dry ingredients or shake donuts in the sugar coating (with supervision near hot oil).

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about pulling golden donuts from a crackling fire as the stars emerge. The laughter of friends, the sweet aroma of cinnamon in the crisp air, and that first blissful bite – these are the moments that turn simple recipes into cherished traditions. Whether you’re in the backcountry or your backyard, may these sugared campfire donuts bring warmth and joy to your gathering. Don’t be surprised if they become your most requested camping treat!