The sweet, inviting scent of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen can turn any ordinary morning into a cherished memory. When I first tried making Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, I discovered a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat that pairs perfectly with coffee and conversation. Not only are these baked donuts a healthier alternative to their frying counterparts, but they also come together quickly using simple pantry staples. Plus, I love that they can easily be customized for gluten-free diets without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or indulging in a cozy breakfast at home, these soft and fluffy donuts will have everyone coming back for more. Ready to bring a bit of sweetness into your day? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Are Baked Donuts So Irresistible?
Warm, Inviting Aroma: The scent of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen is enough to awaken your senses and create a cozy atmosphere.
Healthier Option: These baked donuts offer a guilt-free alternative to traditional fried treats, ensuring you can satisfy your sweet tooth without the excess calories.
Simple Ingredients: With only a handful of pantry staples required, these donuts are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect even on busy mornings.
Customizable Delight: Whether you prefer a gluten-free version or want to experiment with flavors like nutmeg or pumpkin spice, this recipe is versatile and adapts to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for brunches or family breakfasts, these delightful donuts are guaranteed to impress your guests and keep them reaching for seconds.
Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can serve up a batch of these soft, fluffy donuts and enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or milk.
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the donuts; substitute with gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the donuts beautifully.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon – The key flavoring that brings warmth and spice to the donuts.
• Milk – Adds moisture to the batter; use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together, adding richness.
• Unsalted Butter – Contributes flavor and moisture; can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor and sweetness.
For the Coating
• Melted Butter – Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the donuts.
• Granulated Sugar – Fosters that sweet finish with a delightful crunch.
• Ground Cinnamon – Enhances the coating with that warm spice we love.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, generously grease a donut pan with cooking spray or melted butter to ensure your baked cinnamon sugar donuts release easily after baking. This is vital for achieving that perfect shape and texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This blend of dry ingredients sets the foundation for your donuts, ensuring they rise beautifully. Take a moment to inhale the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon as it fills the air.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This combination introduces moisture and flavor to your baked cinnamon sugar donuts. Ensure that the butter has slightly cooled to avoid cooking the egg, creating a harmonious batter.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. You want a thick, cohesive batter that will yield fluffy donuts without losing their light texture during baking.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without spilling over. For an even distribution, you may use a piping bag or a spoon to fill the molds, ensuring they all look uniform and enticing.
Step 6: Bake
Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; they should spring back lightly when touched, indicating they are perfectly baked cinnamon sugar donuts ready to come out.
Step 7: Cool and Coat
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After cooling slightly, gently brush the tops with melted butter, then roll each donut in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for that irresistible sweet crust. This final touch transforms them into a delicious treat.
Storage Tips for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
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Room Temperature: Keep your baked cinnamon sugar donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and delicious flavor.
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Fridge: If you want to keep them longer, you can store your donuts in the fridge for up to a week, but they may lose some of their fluffiness. Use a tightly sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donuts for up to 1 month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or air-tight container.
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Reheating: To enjoy your donuts warm, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
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Mix Wisely: Avoid overmixing the batter. Gentle folding ensures light, fluffy donuts without a dense texture.
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Perfect Baking Time: Check donuts around 10 minutes; ovens vary. Donuts are ready when they spring back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For maximum adhesion, coat the donuts while they are still warm. This helps the sugar mixture stick beautifully.
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Alternate Flavors: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a unique twist on your baked cinnamon sugar donuts.
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Gluten-Free Option: Simply substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking flour for a delightful alternative that everyone can enjoy!
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during those busy mornings! You can mix the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Also, you can prepare the wet ingredients (milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla) and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the wet and dry ingredients, fill the donut pan, and bake as instructed. This will give you fresh, delicious donuts with minimal effort, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings!
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful baked donuts to suit your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour for a deliciously inclusive treat.
- Nutmeg Surprise: Add a teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an aromatic twist that complements the cinnamon.
- Pumpkin Spice Delight: Swap in pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a fall-inspired variation that will warm your heart.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the donuts after coating them in cinnamon sugar.
The sweet and salty combination takes these donuts to the next level of decadence. - Coconut Flour: Use coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour for a nutty flavor and a moisture boost.
- Donut Holes: Instead of the donut shapes, use a muffin tin to make bite-sized donut holes, perfect for snacking!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an unexpected heat that balances the sweetness.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free delight.
You won’t sacrifice flavor and can enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that’s just as delicious!
For more sweet ideas, try pairing these donuts with a warm cup of coffee or enjoy them with Apple Cinnamon German Pancake for a delightful breakfast experience!
What to Serve with Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Indulging in these soft, fluffy bites of joy opens up a world of delightful pairings to create a heartwarming meal.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of colorful, juicy fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts. They brighten your plate with vibrant flavors and textures. Enjoying a bite of donut alongside succulent strawberries and crisp apples creates harmony on your palate.
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Hot Coffee: The rich, robust notes of freshly brewed coffee perfectly complement the warm, sweet cinnamon. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the flavors of the donuts, inviting you to linger over each delicious bite. Plus, nothing beats a cozy morning ritual with a cup of joe!
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Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of smooth yogurt provides a tangy counterpoint to the sugary donuts. It’s light and creamy, adding a velvety texture that balances out the sweetness. You can even drizzle a bit of honey on the yogurt for an extra touch of indulgence.
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Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm maple syrup over your donuts elevates the sweetness to another level. This classic pairing adds a luxurious touch, turning an already delightful treat into an exquisite experience. It’s like a warm hug on a plate that invites every bite to melt in your mouth.
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Milk: A glass of cold milk is the quintessential companion to baked cinnamon sugar donuts. Its cool and creamy nature soothes the palate and makes each bite even more satisfying. Plus, the nostalgic feeling of childhood breakfasts comes rushing back with every sip.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent twist, serve these donuts alongside a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. The creamy dessert melts slightly against the warm donuts, creating a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. This treat is perfect for serving at gatherings or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home.
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ingredients for my donuts?
Absolutely! To achieve the best flavor and texture in your baked cinnamon sugar donuts, select fresh, high-quality ingredients. Look for all-purpose flour that’s unbleached for the best results, and make sure your baking powder isn’t expired. For the cinnamon, choose ground cinnamon from a reputable source; the fresher it is, the more vibrant the flavor. When it comes to dairy products, use whole milk or almond milk for added richness in the batter.
What’s the best way to store leftover donuts?
For sure! Store your baked cinnamon sugar donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and tasty. If you find yourself with extras, you can refrigerate them for up to a week; just remember they may lose a bit of that fluffiness! For longer storage, wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Can I freeze these donuts? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your baked cinnamon sugar donuts, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label the bag with the date so you can remember how long they’ve been in the freezer. These donuts can be stored this way for up to 3 months, and you can reheat them straight from the freezer, either in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
What if my donuts turn out dense or dry?
Oh no! If your baked cinnamon sugar donuts come out dense or dry, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. When mixing, aim for a light hand: stir just until the ingredients are combined. I recommend spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to avoid a flour-packed batter. If the donuts are dry, try adding an extra tablespoon of milk to the batter next time to enhance moisture.
Are these donuts safe for my gluten-sensitive friends?
Definitely! For a gluten-free option, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that measures 1:1. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, like the baking powder and any dairy alternatives, are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can indulge in these delicious baked cinnamon sugar donuts without worry!
How can I enhance the flavor of my baked donuts?
Of course! To give your baked cinnamon sugar donuts an extra flavor kick, consider adding spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the dry mixture. You could also fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a delightful twist. For an indulgent top note, a drizzle of caramel or icing glaze after coating in cinnamon sugar can elevate these treats to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Delicious Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts You Can’t Resist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or melted butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined.
- Transfer the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then brush with melted butter and roll in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
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