Best Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe Ever

Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon swirling through your kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of freshly baked donuts. The first time I made these baked cinnamon sugar donuts, I was instantly transported back to childhood mornings when my mom would surprise us with sugary treats that felt like pure magic. These donuts have that same nostalgic charm—soft, fluffy, and coated in a wonderfully sweet cinnamon sugar mixture that makes every bite irresistible. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you pause and smile because you know you’ve made something really special.

I stumbled upon this recipe on a rainy Saturday, searching for an easy baked donut alternative to deep-fried ones. Let me tell you, it was love at first bite. My family couldn’t stop sneaking them off the cooling rack (and I don’t blame them). Now, these donuts are a staple for weekend breakfasts and cozy gatherings. They’re dangerously easy to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones—or keeping all to yourself!

Whether you’re looking to brighten up your Pinterest board or impress guests at brunch, these baked cinnamon sugar donuts are a winner. Trust me, they taste like a warm hug in donut form. You’ll want to bookmark this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery trips required; you likely already have everything in your pantry.
• Healthier Alternative: These are baked, not fried, which means less mess and fewer calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfectly soft and fluffy, with a cinnamon sugar coating that everyone loves—kids and adults alike.
• Pure Comfort: These donuts are the kind of treat that make you close your eyes and savor every bite.

What sets this recipe apart is the texture—soft and airy with a slight chewiness—and the way the cinnamon sugar clings to the warm donuts. Plus, they’re easy to customize, so you can make them uniquely yours. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or alongside coffee for dessert, these donuts are guaranteed to impress.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a batch of baked donuts that are bursting with cinnamon flavor. Most of these are pantry staples you likely already have on hand!

• All-purpose flour: The base for soft and fluffy donuts.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter.
• Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and stay light.
• Ground cinnamon: For that signature warm spice flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
• Milk: Use whole milk for richness or swap with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness.
• Vanilla extract: A hint of sweetness and depth.
• For the coating:
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter, melted (helps the cinnamon sugar stick)

If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free baking flour. Don’t worry—it works beautifully!

Equipment Needed

• Donut pan: A non-stick donut pan is key for perfectly shaped donuts. If you don’t have one, you can use a muffin tin and shape your donuts into “holes.”
• Mixing bowls: One for wet ingredients, one for dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients evenly.
• Spatula: For folding the batter and scraping every last bit.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for brushing melted butter onto the donuts before coating them.

If you’re new to baking, don’t worry! These tools are simple, and you can find affordable options at your local store. Bonus tip: grease your donut pan generously to ensure the donuts pop out easily.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—your donuts should be light and airy.
5. Spoon the batter into a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops if necessary.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. For the coating, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Tip: Work quickly while the donuts are warm for the best cinnamon sugar adhesion!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overfill the pan: Filling the cavities too much can cause the donuts to puff up and lose their shape.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly and improves texture.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Overbaked donuts can become dry, so check for doneness early.
• Customize the sugar coating: Add a pinch of nutmeg or swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
• Make ahead: The batter can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge overnight.

Honestly, the trick is to embrace the process and have fun with it. Even if your donuts aren’t perfectly shaped, they’ll still taste amazing!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free baking flour.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free butter.
• Chocolate-Cinnamon Twist: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolaty kick.
• Seasonal Flavor: Try adding pumpkin spice for fall or a touch of lemon zest for spring.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan to create bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.

One of my personal favorites is adding a drizzle of caramel sauce on top—it’s indulgent and so good!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these donuts warm, fresh out of the oven, with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For presentation, stack them on a serving plate and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over the top—simple but eye-catching!

To store, place the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Pro tip: The flavors of cinnamon and sugar deepen slightly overnight, making them even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each donut is approximately 130-150 calories, depending on the coating. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Calories: 130-150
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 10g

Cinnamon has its perks—it’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, baking instead of frying means less oil and fewer calories!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, comforting, and downright delicious, these baked cinnamon sugar donuts are the answer. They’re easy to customize, fun to make, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face—and the faces of everyone who tastes them.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how you make it your own! Drop a comment below, or share your creations on social media—I love seeing the amazing twists you bring to these donuts. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! You can use a muffin tin and shape the batter into donut holes instead.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Grease your donut pan generously with non-stick spray or butter before adding the batter.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Absolutely! Store them in a sealed bag or container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

What’s the best way to coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar?

Brush the donuts with melted butter while they’re still warm, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for the best adhesion.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the batter overnight. Just give it a quick stir before filling the donut pan.

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