A Sweet Tradition: Portuguese Malassadas
Growing up, Malassadas were more than just a treat-they were an event. My mother made these on special occasions, filling our home with the warm, sweet scent of frying dough. She would spend the entire day making a huge batch, and once they were perfectly golden and coated with cinnamon sugar, we’d pile them onto plates and share them with the neighbors. The anticipation was almost unbearable, but that first bite-soft, airy and melt-in-your-mouth-made it all worth it. These Malassadas were a true labor of love. Today, I’m sharing a smaller, more manageable version of our family’s authentic Portuguese cinnamon sugar donut recipe so you can experience the same joy.
What are Malassadas?
Malassadas (pronounced “mah-lah-SAH-dahs” are Portuguese cinnamon sugar donuts, traditionally made without a hole. That have a light, pillowy texture with a slightly crisp exterior, rolled in sugar or cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
Though they originated in Portugal, Malassadas are especially beloved in the Azores and Madeira. They are often made for Carnaval (the days leading up to Lent) and other festive gatherings.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these Portuguese cinnamon sugar donuts:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 packets or 14 grams of active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 7 eggs at room temperature
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
For Frying & Coating:
- Cooking oil (melted lard, canola, vegetable, etc)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
How to Make This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Recipe
1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2: Mix Dry Ingredients Together
In a medium sized bowl mix flour and salt together and set aside.
3: Melt Butter
4: Zest Lemons
4: Make the Dough
Beat together eggs, sugar, lemon zest and melted butter. Slowly add in the flour mixture a little at a time. Lastly add in activated yeast mixture.
5: Knead the Dough
If dough is too sticky add just a little flour at a time to make it more manageable. The dough should still be a little tacky but not as wet as before. Remember that the dough will get a little less sticky as it rises.
6: Let it Rise
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise until doubled. It should take about 2 hours, depending on how warm your home is.
7: Heat the Oil
In a deep pan, or fryer, heat oil to 350 degrees.
8: Fry the Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Using oiled hands, grab a walnut sized portion of dough. Stretch it out in a rough circle so that you can almost see through it and were as if shaping a small pizza crust. Drop in oil. Keep a close eye and turn on both sides until they are golden brown.
9: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Remove from oil and drain on paper towels, and immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
10: Enjoy!
