Years ago, I had cinnamon donuts dipped in a rich chocolate sauce for the first time ever. And it was a pretty significant moment. I’ve never forgotten the joy of discovering that dessert, and I’ve never stopped wanting to make it.
So here we are! In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I’ll be posting recipes through next Monday that are holiday-themed. And this hot chocolate is definitely not the kind you see here in American coffee chains. For one thing, it’s made of chocolate, not cocoa. And it’s wonderfully thick and decadent. On my honeymoon in Mexico, this is definitely the kind of hot chocolate I was enjoying.
Before we revel in chocolate and cinnamon heaven, I need to delve for one second into a pretty large and combustible topic: the Mommy Wars.
Anyone who is a mom is very much aware of the one-upmanship that occurs among some mothers the second any babies are born. I’ve made it my goal to avoid the women who engage in this kind of interaction, and so far, it’s going pretty well. After all, I make myself feel guilty enough. I don’t need anyone to add to that.
I’ve always been very open about my approach to parenting, and I don’t give a rat’s behind if people don’t agree with me. I love my children more than I love myself. That’s a given. But that doesn’t mean that I still don’t love myself. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I sprinted back to work after each of my children was born, that I still do things just for myself weekly, and that I can’t sit through most kiddie theater without wanting to run screaming out the door.
Because I’m pretty candid about maintaining individuality in the face of motherhood, a lot of people think I’m a bad mom. In fact, one woman at work once had to apologize to me for judging my views harshly before she became a mom herself. Then she realized that I wasn’t a terrible mother. I just wanted to keep parts of the old me alive.
Listen, you have to do what works for you. If you love children’s theater, then I’m actually kind of jealous. If you love being at home with newborns, I am in awe. But it’s just not for me. We just have to learn to celebrate these differences, not engage in subtle (or not too subtle) digs at other people.
Now we can talk about the day I first dipped a cinnamon donut into Mexican hot chocolate.
A new restaurant had just opened around the corner from my single-girl condo, and my best friend decided we had to go. Alene (a.k.a. best friend) is a restaurant expert, and I learned a lot about food from her. If she said this was the hot spot, she was right. And now, 15 years later, this restaurant is one of the hardest spots to get into.
I still remember the thick richness of the hot chocolate, the crisp cinnamon sugar exterior of the donut. To call it by any ordinary adjective would be unfair. The experience was life-changing.
It took a few tries to get these donuts to their fluffy best, but this is the result of trial and error. I’m very happy with it. I hope you are, too!
As it happens, Alene and I are now mothers with totally different approaches. She’s a baby person, and I’m not. She had a hard time ending her maternity leave, and I didn’t mind at all. But it’s never been a problem because we love each other. And boy, do we love donuts!
Cinnamon Donuts with Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
Donuts
2 cups flour
1 and 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 extra-large egg
1 and 1/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla
Topping
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Hot Chocolate
4 ounces dark chocolate
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Spray two donut pans with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Into a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Using a spoon (or a piping bag if preferred), transfer the batter into the donut pans, filling each one a little over the halfway mark.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Cool slightly and then release the donuts onto a platter.
- Make the topping. Pour the melted butter into a medium-sized bowl. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Dip each donut first in the butter and then in the cinnamon sugar, covering both sides fully.
- Make the hot chocolate. Put the dark chocolate and half of the milk in a saucepan over very low heat and cook, stirring consistently, until the chocolate has melted. Dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining milk and whisk the mixture into the chocolate along with the sugar. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate thickens (anywhere from 5-10 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Pour the chocolate straight from the saucepan into heat-proof cups. Serve along with the donuts.
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/cinnamon-donuts-with-chocolate-dipping-sauce/
Happy Monday, Mir! These donuts look heavenly. These are definitely the kind of wake-me-up that I need this week. I’m glad that you embrace who you are as a mother as well as an individual. I think that’s extremely important. My cousin just had a baby almost a year ago and is trying to balance her job, her child, and her degree in social work. I give her a lot of credit for continuously working to support her little family. It looks like you have a clear sense of self. Never change that!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Petite Crustless Greek Quiches
Balancing anything is such a challenge, Erin. Everyone is comfortable with different parenting styles, but I think I’m finding mine. We’ll see! Thanks much!
Oh now these are my kind of donuts! Cinnamon donuts are one of my favorites and I absolutely LOVE the idea of dipping them in chocolate! So creative, Mir! These would not last long in my house at all!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Berry Cream Cheese Turnovers
The dipping chocolate was crazy rich and addictive, Gayle! I couldn’t stop dipping. Danger zone! Thanks!
These remind me of somethin we used to get at the fair when I was young. Happy childhood memories 🙂
Sounds like a good fair, Dannii! They have a lot of cinnamon-type treats at fairs!
Oh my gosh! I haven’t had anything like these, but I’ll have to try them for Cinco de Mayo!
Megan – The Emotional Baker recently posted…{Easy} Granola Cookies
I hope you do, Megan! Dipping cinnamon donuts into chocolate is one of life’s happy places!
Mir, I 120% agree with you. . on maintaining your individuality in the face of motherhood. You have to do it! I think having something for yourself and doing things for yourself makes you a better mother because it’s about sanity and happiness too!! so, I’m with you sister. . I’m the same way. . and chocolate + cinnamon is like one of the best combos ever!!! love these donuts!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Classic Strawberry Topped Cheesecake + A Giveaway!
That’s so right, Alice. Happy mom equals happy kids! We have to keep some part of ourselves, even a big part. It’s okay to do that! Thanks!
Good for you for standing up for the fact that to take good care of our kids we also need to take care of ourselves. It’s really important. And oh, these donuts and oh that SAUCE!! Perfection. 🙂
Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…Pressed Wedge Salad with Shrimp
Thanks, Kate! I know there are people who can be more selfless, but I’m not one of them. It’s something I’m making peace with! And thanks for the donut props!
I don’t remember having cinnamon donuts (weird!), but will definitely try these! So good! The chocolate sauce is a great addition!
mira recently posted…Blackberry Kiwi Mini Pavlova
Never, Mira?! You have to! Cinnamon donuts are classic. Thanks so much!
I seriously need a dozen of these pronto! They look soooo good!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) recently posted…Banana Pudding Cheesecake Blondies and GIVEAWAY!
Thanks, Jocelyn! They went VERY fast.
Oh man, Mir! These are way up my alley. Cinnamon donuts are the best. And with a chocolate dipping sauce? Move over banana; I’m having a donut for breakfast!!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert recently posted…Garlic Breadsticks
I’m sure the banana will understand, Jen! 🙂 Thanks!
Great Recipe! I can totally appreciate your views on motherhood. I’m not at that point in my life yet, but I can only imagine the changes you go through personally, professionally, emotionally, etc. At the end of the day, you can’t judge until you’ve walked a mile in the other persons shoes! Everyone is different, so you do you! Like motherhood, donuts seem to be this daunting task that I have yet to have the courage to overcome. But I know how tasty the results are, so I HAVE to jump that hurdle soon! Where can I find a donut pan?
Heather – Butter & Burlap recently posted…Vanilla Almond Granola
Thanks for the encouragement, Heather! You are awesome. As for the donut pan, I ordered mine on Amazon (source of all things), but I’m sure that lots of online retailers have them. Wilton makes them too, so Michaels might stock them (if you have one nearby). Good luck! You will have so much fun with your donut pan!
These look amazing and I can not wait to see all of your recipes. I love mexican food anything and I’m super excited. I wish I could eat these now. 😉
Cyndi – My Kitchen Craze recently posted…Funfetti Rice Krispie Treats
Thanks, Cyndi! I love Cinco de Mayo. It’s just a fun holiday, no strings attached!
I agree 100%! I feel the judgement when I say I’m skipping a field trip because of my work out or because I don’t feel bad being away from my daughter. As moms we have to do what works for us, keeps us happy, and keeps us sane. Otherwise NO one is happy! And these donuts. OMG.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Margarita Bars
That judgment is so hard to take. If it were coming from men it would be better. But it’s usually women. And I love me time! It’s like nothing else. Thanks, Dorothy!
The donuts are gorgeous especially with that chocolate dipping sauce! I can never resist thick dark chocolate! Mmmm! And Mir the bottom line is to do what makes you happy..at the end it’s all the counts 🙂 I’m so glad you live by the philosophy, way to go!
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Easy Puff Pastry
Thanks, Manali! I’m into the thick chocolate. It’s my happy place!
Amen sister! I am not going to crawl around on the floor with my kids and pretend to be a princess. Not happening. It’s why I started a blog. I need something to distract me from peanut butter sandwiches and wiping noses. Otherwise, you know, crazy town. These donuts are amazing! I am ALL about Mexican chocolate. I want to Mexican chocolate all the things! Pinning these bad boys!
Lisa @ Wine & Glue recently posted…Fudge Stuffed Oreos
That is the ticket to crazy town, at least for me. When they play pretend games, I always pick the role of Mom. Then I just keep doing whatever I was doing before. And I want Mexican chocolate in all the things, too! Thanks for pinning, Lisa!
Gorgeous donuts and chocolate dipping sauce, but more importantly, beautiful example for your children on what it means to live authentically! Well done!
Annie @ ciaochowbambina recently posted…Nachos Italiano with Calabrese Salami & Hot Peppers
Thanks, Annie! I hope they agree with you. I’ve been feeling mom guilt since the second my first child was born 7-plus years ago!
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