There’s something utterly magical about stepping into a cozy kitchen filled with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked cinnamon sugar donuts. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy, golden donut that is soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend. Just thinking about it makes my heart do a happy dance!
These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or an impromptu gathering with friends. Trust me, one bite will transport you back to your childhood, perhaps to those blissful days of carefree weekends where time stood still and donuts were the ultimate treat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for novice bakers
- Their delightful flavor combines sweet and spicy notes that everyone loves
- Visually appealing with their dusting of sugar, they add charm to any brunch table
- You can even customize them with various toppings or fillings to suit your taste
I remember the first time I made these donuts; my kids’ eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning when they smelled the cinnamon wafting through our home!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
All-Purpose Flour: Choose a good quality flour for that fluffy texture; it’s the foundation of your donuts.
-
Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your donuts rise beautifully; check its freshness for best results.
-
Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for that warm spice flavor; it’s what makes these donuts irresistible.
-
Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness is essential; it balances out the spices perfectly.
-
Milk: Whole milk adds richness; feel free to swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
-
Eggs: Two large eggs provide structure and moisture; room temperature eggs work best.
-
Butter: Melted and slightly cooled butter gives flavor and moisture; don’t skimp on quality.
-
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon for rolling after baking; this is where the magic happens!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan lightly so they slide right out after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until well combined. The aroma will be heavenly!
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. Ensure the melted butter isn’t too hot to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Bring It All Together!: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
Fill The Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into each donut cavity about two-thirds full. This allows space for rising without overflowing.
Bake & Cool: Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Allow them to cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating Time!: While still warm but not hot, roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated. It’s like giving them a cozy blanket of sweetness!
There you have it! These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are now ready to be devoured! They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds—or thirds!
Serve these delightful treats at brunch gatherings or enjoy them as an afternoon snack while binge-watching your favorite show (no judgment here!). Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—your secret is safe with us!
You Must Know
- Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a delightful alternative to fried versions; they’re lighter yet bursting with flavor
- The warm scent of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like you’re in a cozy bakery
- These donuts are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your donut pan. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution, followed by the wet ingredients for a smooth batter.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, restoring that fresh-baked warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve fluffy donuts, don’t overmix the batter; stop once combined
- Use room temperature ingredients for better integration and rise
- Always let the donuts cool before glazing to prevent melting
Baking these donuts reminded me of my childhood baking sessions with grandma, where we’d make messes but create delicious memories together.
FAQ
How do I know when my donuts are done baking?
Donuts are ready when they spring back lightly when touched and have a golden color.
Can I freeze baked cinnamon sugar donuts?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing for up to two months.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
Try using applesauce or mashed bananas as an egg substitute in your donut batter.
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 donuts 1x
Description
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a delightful, healthier alternative to their fried counterparts. These soft, fluffy treats are coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend that evokes warm memories of cozy mornings and childhood delights. Perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack, they’re easy to make and customizable to your taste. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or stored for later—each bite is sure to bring joy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup cinnamon-sugar mixture (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar.
- In another bowl, combine milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fill each donut cavity two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown; cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Roll warm donuts in cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
