Grilled Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (New Hampshire Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the scent of warm cinnamon and sugar hitting a hot griddle to instantly transport you to a crisp autumn day at the county fair. These grilled donuts are a revelation—taking a humble bakery staple and transforming it with the smoky, caramelized magic of the Arteflame. The exterior gets impossibly crisp and buttery, while the inside stays warm and pillowy. It is a sensory experience that combines the comfort of a morning pastry with the excitement of live-fire cooking.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

I adore this recipe because it turns "stale" into "spectacular." It is the ultimate zero-waste dessert hack, as day-old donuts actually hold up better on the grill than fresh ones. The high heat of the plancha cooktop creates a caramelized crust that you simply cannot achieve in a microwave or oven. Plus, it is an effortless crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes after the main barbecue is done, keeping everyone gathered around the fire for one last treat.

Tips for Success

• Watch the Heat: Sugar burns easily, so keep the donuts on the outer ring of your Arteflame where the heat is gentle rather than the scorching center.
• Butter is Key: Don't skimp on the melted butter; it acts as the conductor to crisp up the dough and ensures the sugary coating sticks perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are dairy-free, simply swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative; the result is just as delicious. You can also trade the nutmeg for cardamom or pumpkin pie spice for a different seasonal twist.

Ingredients

• 6 Plain cake or yeast donuts (day-old donuts work surprisingly well)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp Ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg (optional, for that authentic cider donut taste)
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Start your fire early to ensure you have a nice bed of coals. You want the flat cooktop (plancha) to be hot, but not scorching.
2. Aim for a medium heat zone on the griddle. On an Arteflame, this is typically found closer to the outer edge of the cooktop, away from the direct center flame.
3. Wipe down the grill surface with a little oil to ensure it is clean and ready for the dough.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Mix

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and the pinch of sea salt.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
3. Set this bowl aside near your grilling station, as you will need to toss the donuts in it immediately after grilling.

Step 3: Grill the Donuts

1. Slice each donut in half horizontally, similar to how you would slice a bagel.
2. Brush the cut sides of the donuts generously with the melted butter.
3. Place the donuts cut-side down onto the hot Arteflame griddle.
4. Grill for approximately 1 to 2 minutes. You are looking for a golden-brown, caramelized crust to form.
5. Flip the donuts and grill the rounded side for just 30 to 45 seconds to warm them through.

Step 4: Coat and Serve

1. Remove the donuts from the grill while they are still hot.
2. Immediately toss them into the cinnamon sugar mixture. The residual heat and melted butter will help the sugar adhere to the crispy surface.
3. Shake off any excess sugar and plate them immediately while warm.

Tips

Grilling desserts requires a slightly different approach than grilling meats, primarily due to the sugar content. Sugar burns at 350°F, so temperature management is crucial. When using the Arteflame, avoid the center grate where the fire is hottest; instead, utilize the outer ring of the cooktop where the heat is consistent but gentler. If you are using day-old donuts, this method is actually preferred, as the heat revitalizes the texture, making them taste freshly baked. Additionally, do not skimp on the butter. The butter acts as the conductive medium that crisps the dough and creates that irresistible golden crust. If you find the sugar isn't sticking well, give the grilled donuts a very light second brushing of butter before tossing them in the mix.

Variations

While the classic New Hampshire cinnamon sugar style is timeless, the versatility of the Arteflame allows for endless creativity. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit the season or your personal palate. For a more decadent dessert, consider glazing the donuts instead of using dry sugar, or incorporating different spices into your sugar mix to match the time of year. Here are a few delicious variations to try:

• The Maple Glaze: Swap the cinnamon sugar for a drizzle of real New Hampshire maple syrup and a sprinkling of crushed pecans.
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace the cinnamon with a pumpkin pie spice blend for a perfect October treat.
• Chocolate Dipped: Grill the donuts as usual, then dip half of the donut into melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.
• Berry Burst: Top the grilled donuts with a compote of fresh strawberries or blueberries grilled in a cast-iron skillet on the Arteflame.
• Savory Breakfast: Skip the sugar, grill the donut, and use it as a bun for a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.

Best pairings

To create a cohesive dining experience, pairing these grilled donuts with the right beverage or side is essential. The rich, caramelized sweetness of the donuts needs something to cut through the sugar or complement the warmth of the cinnamon. If you are serving this as a morning treat or brunch, coffee is the obvious choice, but the type of roast matters—a dark roast contrasts beautifully with the sweet coating. For evening gatherings around the fire, look for beverages that have their own roasted or spiced notes. Here are some excellent pairing options:

• Hot Apple Cider: The acidity of the apples cuts through the sweetness and enhances the nutmeg notes.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve the hot donut with a scoop of cold ice cream for a grilled donut sundae.
• Coffee Stout: For an adult twist, a dark stout beer complements the charred, smoky flavor of the grill.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar creates a classic New England sweet-and-savory flavor profile.

Conclusion

Mastering New Hampshire style grilled cinnamon sugar donuts on the Arteflame is about more than just cooking; it is about creating a moment. The contrast between the cool outdoor air and the warm, sugary crunch of a freshly grilled donut is an experience that defines comfort food. This recipe proves that your grill is not just for steaks and burgers but is a versatile tool capable of producing bakery-quality desserts. By utilizing the unique heat zones of the Arteflame, you achieve a texture that an oven or deep fryer simply cannot replicate. So, the next time you fire up the grill, save a little space on the plancha for dessert—your guests will thank you for this sweet, smoky, and satisfying finale.