Copycat Recipe: Tim Hortons Spiced Vanilla Filled Dream Donut

This donut takes the nostalgic flavor of mini cinnamon-sugar doughnuts and gives it a bakery-level upgrade. With a light and fluffy base, a whipped vanilla cream filling, and a spiced sugar coating, it’s the perfect sweet treat that balances cozy and indulgent without being heavy.

Ingredients

For the donuts:

2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C) 2 tbsp sugar

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

1 egg ½ tsp salt

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the spiced sugar coating:

½ cup granulated sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, adds depth)

For the vanilla cream filling:

1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled

3 tbsp powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp vanilla pudding mix (instant, dry powder — this helps stabilize)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the dough

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1 ½ hours until doubled.

Step 2: Shape & fry the donuts

Roll dough to about ½-inch thick. Cut into rounds with a 3-inch cutter (or the rim of a glass). Place rounds on parchment-lined trays, cover, and let rise again 30–40 minutes. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in small batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Coat in spiced sugar

Mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a shallow bowl. While donuts are still warm, roll them in the spiced sugar until fully coated.

Step 4: Make the vanilla cream filling

Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add vanilla extract and pudding mix, then continue beating until thick and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the donuts

Transfer vanilla cream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Insert tip into the side of each donut and squeeze until filled (you’ll feel them puff slightly).

Tips for Success

Stable cream: Adding pudding mix to the whipped cream makes it light yet sturdy, just like Tim’s version.

Warm sugar coat: Roll donuts in the spiced sugar while still warm so it sticks properly.

Don’t overfill: The donuts should feel full but not burst—about 2–3 tablespoons of filling each.