Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

If you’ve ever dreamed of a warm, soft, and lightly sweet treat that feels like a hug in every bite, you’re in for a delicious surprise with this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts recipe. These donuts are perfectly fluffy, baked to golden perfection, and coated in a luscious cinnamon sugar blend that’s both comforting and addictive. Whether you’re breakfast-ing, snack-craving, or just looking for an easy homemade delight, these baked donuts bring joy with simple ingredients and a no-fuss method. Prepare to fall in love with every bite of these fluffy, sweet, and lightly spiced wonders!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples that most people already have, making it super accessible.
• Healthier option: Being baked, not fried, means less oil but all the flavor and texture you want.
• Perfect texture: Soft on the inside and lightly crisp outside, creating the ultimate donut experience.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, ideal for busy mornings or last-minute treats.
• Kid-friendly: Kids love helping coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar, and they adore the warm, sweet flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this recipe plays a key role, from flavor to the irresistible fluffy texture. Plus, all ingredients are easy to find, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the donuts tender and light.
• Baking powder: Adds the necessary lift to create fluffy donuts with delightful airiness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right for balance without overpowering.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses that signature warm, spicy note essential for cinnamon sugar donuts.
• Milk: Keeps the donuts moist and tender, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and assists in that light yet rich crumb.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the flavor while helping with moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with a sweet aromatic touch.
• Cinnamon sugar mix: Simply ground cinnamon mixed with granulated sugar for coating the donuts.

Variations for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Feel free to put your own twist on this classic recipe! It’s incredibly easy to customize based on your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor cravings.

• Glazed version: Swap the cinnamon sugar coating for a simple vanilla glaze for a shiny, sweet finish.
• Spiced twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a warmly spiced donut.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a delightful gluten-free treat.
• Vegan option: Replace egg with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
• Chocolate cinnamon sugar: Mix cocoa powder into the cinnamon sugar coating for a chocolatey upgrade.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and prepare donut pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan, ensuring each cavity is well coated to prevent sticking and allow easy removal.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Blend wet and dry mixtures

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry, folding gently until just combined—overmixing can make the donuts dense, so stop when it looks smooth but a few lumps remain.

Step 5: Fill the donut pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off, then pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Coat with cinnamon sugar

Once slightly cooled (warm is best), brush the donuts lightly with melted butter, then generously roll them in cinnamon sugar for that classic, irresistible coating.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

• Room temperature ingredients: Using eggs and milk at room temp ensures a smoother batter and better rise.
• Don’t overmix: Stir the batter until combined but don’t worry about minor lumps to keep donuts fluffy.
• Use a piping bag: Makes filling the donut pan neat and helps control the portion size evenly.
• Brush before coating: Applying melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar enhances adhesion and flavor.
• Cool slightly: Cinnamon sugar sticks best on warm donuts, not piping hot or completely cold.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Garnishes

Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a delicate finish or drizzle warm vanilla or caramel glaze to add extra sweetness and eye-catching appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or a glass of cold milk for a classic combination that balances flavors and textures beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange donuts on a tiered dessert stand with fresh fruit and edible flowers for brunch, or stack several for a fun donut cake centerpiece for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 2 days without losing their charm.

Freezing

For longer storage, individually wrap cooled donuts in plastic wrap and keep them in a freezer bag—freeze up to 3 months for best taste.

Reheating

Warm donuts gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low-temp oven to regain that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness and warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a muffin tin instead of a donut pan?

Yes! Baking in a muffin tin will work fine but will create cupcake-shaped treats instead of donuts—adjust baking time to around 15-18 minutes.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

The recipe uses all-purpose flour by default, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free flour blend without compromising taste or texture.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the egg with flax egg and use plant-based milk and butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly without losing flavor.

How do I prevent donuts from sticking to the pan?

Grease your donut pan well with butter or non-stick spray, and let the donuts cool slightly before removing to ensure they come out cleanly.

Is it possible to add icing or different toppings?

Yes, feel free to get creative with glazes, chocolate drizzles, or even chopped nuts and sprinkles to customize your donuts.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts recipe is an absolute game-changer—easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing with family or friends any time of day. Once you try these light, fluffy, sweet treats, you might never want to go back to store-bought donuts. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a homemade classic that warms the heart and delights the taste buds. Happy baking!

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