Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts

If you’ve ever wanted a donut that’s warm, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious — but without the mess and heaviness of frying — then these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts are about to become your new go-to treat.

They’re gently spiced, perfectly sweet, and irresistibly coated in buttery cinnamon sugar. Every bite feels like comfort in dessert form — reminiscent of fall fairs, cozy bakeries, and weekend breakfast indulgence.

Baking donuts instead of frying gives them a lighter texture while still keeping that classic bakery-style softness. Paired with the warm aroma of cinnamon, these donuts make your entire kitchen smell like heaven.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, effortless, and unbelievably satisfying. Everything mixes in one bowl, they bake in under 12 minutes, and the cinnamon sugar coating gives them the perfect nostalgic taste of classic donuts. The texture is soft and tender — almost cake-like — with just the right hint of spice.

They also feel special without being complicated. In less time than it takes to go to a donut shop, you can make fresh, warm donuts at home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

These donuts are a must-try because:

✔ They’re baked — not fried
✔ They use easy, pantry-friendly ingredients
✔ They’re perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy weekends
✔ They freeze well and reheat beautifully
✔ They can be customized with flavors like pumpkin, chocolate, or maple

If you love cinnamon, sugar, and warm desserts — this recipe is essential.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 20–25 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 donuts
• Calories: Approx. 170–200 per donut
• Course: Breakfast | Dessert | Snack
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ cup melted butter (unsalted)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup melted butter (for brushing or dipping)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or spray with non-stick spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • flour
   • sugar
   • baking powder
   • baking soda
   • cinnamon
   • salt
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk:
   • milk
   • melted butter
   • egg
   • vanilla extract
4. Combine Mixtures
   Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fill Donut Pan
   Spoon or pipe batter into each donut cavity, filling about ¾ full.
6. Bake
   Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until donuts spring back when lightly touched.
7. Coat With Cinnamon Sugar
   Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

How to Serve

Serve warm with:

• Coffee or tea
• Hot chocolate
• Milk (especially for kids)

Optional garnishes:

✨ caramel drizzle
✨ whipped cream
✨ dipping sauces

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps donuts fluffy.
• Use a piping bag or zip bag to fill the pan neatly.
• Coat while still warm so sugar sticks well.
• For extra softness, cover baked donuts with foil for 5 minutes before coating.

Variations

Flavor	How to Make
Pumpkin Spice	Replace ¼ cup milk with pumpkin puree + add pumpkin spice
Chocolate Glaze	Skip cinnamon sugar and dip in melted chocolate
Maple Glaze	Mix powdered sugar + maple syrup + milk until drizzling consistency
Apple Cinnamon	Add ¼ cup finely grated apple to batter
Churro Style	Add an extra cinnamon sugar coat + dip in dulce de leche

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in airtight container for 2–3 days
• Refrigerator: Lasts 5–6 days
• Freezer: Freeze uncoated donuts up to 2 months
  Recoat with cinnamon sugar after reheating.

Reheat for 10–12 seconds in microwave to soften.

Special Equipment Needed

• Donut baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry brush (optional but helpful)

FAQ

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q: Can I use almond milk or oat milk?
Absolutely — any milk works.

Q: Can I make them without butter?
Use coconut oil or neutral oil instead.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts are warm, fluffy, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make. With pantry staples and less than 25 minutes, you can enjoy a batch of bakery-style donuts right at home. Whether you’re treating guests, surprising family, or simply craving something sweet and cozy — this recipe guarantees a delicious result every time.