Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a cozy, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug. These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are exactly that—soft, tender, and just perfectly sweet. What makes this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe especially great is that it’s baked, not fried, so you get all the flavor with less guilt and way less mess. I love pulling these out on a weekend morning or when friends drop by for coffee because they come together quickly and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Whether you want a quick snack or a fun homemade breakfast, these donuts hit the spot every time. The cinnamon sugar coating adds this beautiful, crispy sweetness that makes every bite oh-so-satisfying. Trust me, once you try this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe, you’ll want to keep a donut pan on hand for whenever that craving strikes. Plus, it’s versatile enough that you can tweak it depending on what you have in your pantry or mood for the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this recipe come together in such a simple yet effective way. Each one plays a role—flour gives the structure, yogurt adds moisture and tang, and the cinnamon sugar finish ties it all together with that classic flavor. When shopping, don’t stress over fancy ingredients; this recipe shines with everyday pantry staples!

• All-purpose flour: The base of your donuts; make sure it’s fresh for best rising.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note that complements cinnamon beautifully.
• Baking soda: Helps the donuts rise quickly and stay fluffy.
• Baking powder: Works with baking soda for that perfect light texture.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Egg: Provides structure and richness; room temperature eggs blend better.
• Plain non-fat yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang without heaviness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts tender and moist; you can substitute with mild olive oil if you like.
• Whole milk: Adds richness and helps bring everything together.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and depth to the batter.
• Granulated sugar: For coating; the texture is key for that crunch.
• Ground cinnamon: The heart of the cinnamon sugar mix—freshly ground if possible.
• Butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds extra flavor.
• Donut pan: Essential equipment to shape your donuts beautifully without frying.

Variations

I always like to switch things up depending on my mood or who I’m baking for. This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe is super flexible, so feel free to experiment. Sometimes I add a little nutmeg or swap half the milk for buttermilk for a tangier twist.

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve replaced the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend, and it works surprisingly well—just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mix gives it a lovely autumn vibe.
• Maple Glaze Option: Instead of cinnamon sugar coating, I sometimes drizzle warm maple glaze for a shiny, sweet finish.
• Vegan Adaptation: Using flax eggs and plant-based yogurt and milk works in a pinch, though the texture is slightly different but still delicious.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed so your donuts rise beautifully. I like to give it a good mix until everything looks evenly combined and no clumps remain.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly, then add the yogurt, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Keeping dry and wet ingredients separate at this point helps prevent over-mixing—which can make your donuts tough—so this step sets you up for success.

Step 3: Combine and Fill Your Donut Pan

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. The batter should be thick but spoonable. I like to use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to fill each donut cavity evenly—it’s less messy and more precise. Fill each about three-quarters full to give them room to rise without spilling over.

Step 4: Bake and Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While they bake, mix your granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt your butter and have it ready – you’ll toss the donuts in it while they’re warm to help the cinnamon sugar stick.

Step 5: Coat and Cool

Right after the donuts come out of the oven, brush or dip them in the melted butter, then roll them generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warm donuts soak up the butter and perfectly cling to the cinnamon sugar coating. Set them on a cooling rack for a few minutes and prepare yourself for the first bite—it’s magic.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar on top or a light drizzle of honey if I’m feeling fancy. Sometimes, a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a snowy look that’s just beautiful. Fresh berries on the side can also bring a bright contrast to the warm spices.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea—my go-to combo. For a complete breakfast spread, add scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad. You’ll love how the cinnamon donuts bring a little sweetness alongside savory bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or brunch parties, I’ve arranged donuts on tiered stands like mini doughnut towers, which creates a fun centerpiece. You can also thread them onto a skewer like a donut kabob and serve with dipping sauces like caramel or chocolate for a playful twist. The cinnamon sugar finish makes for a lovely sparkly effect that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft but still delicious. If your kitchen is warm or humid, you might prefer storing them in the fridge, though I always bring them back to room temp before eating for the best flavor.

Freezing

When I make extra batches, I freeze donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then bagged together in a freezer-safe container. Frozen donuts keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight at room temperature, and they’re ready to enjoy almost like fresh.

Reheating

To bring out that fresh-baked taste after storage, I pop leftover donuts in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 15-20 seconds. I find the oven method keeps the coating crispier, but the microwave is quicker in a pinch. Just keep an eye so they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe enough—it’s one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing treats that feels homemade and fuss-free at the same time. Every time I make these, the smell fills the whole house with warmth and comfort, and the first bite never disappoints. Whether you’re new to baking donuts or just want a quicker, cleaner way to enjoy this classic, give this recipe a try. I know you’ll love sharing these with your friends and family as much as I do!

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