Description

These Best Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a delightful treat featuring a soft, fluffy texture, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these donuts are baked, not fried, making them a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor or indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Donut Batter

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk (whole milk or almond milk)
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender.
Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops if needed to ensure even baking.
Bake: Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes, or until they spring back lightly when touched, indicating they are fully cooked. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter to help the coating stick.
Coat Donuts: Roll the butter-brushed donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use almond milk for a dairy-free version, or whole milk for richer flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to keep donuts light and fluffy.
Ensure the donut pan is well-greased to prevent sticking.
Serve donuts fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked cinnamon sugar donuts, baked donuts recipe, cinnamon sugar coating, easy baked donuts, homemade donuts