Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts – Soft, Sweet & Simply Irresistible
If you love the classic flavor of cinnamon and sugar but want a lighter twist on traditional fried donuts, these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts are a perfect choice.
They’re fluffy, tender, and coated in a warm layer of cinnamon-sugar goodness—without the extra oil or mess from deep-frying. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these donuts come together in just about 30 minutes.
Ingredients (Makes 12 Donuts)
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or ¾ cup milk mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (60 g)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fill the donut pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly: Let the donuts rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Brush each donut with melted butter and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Your warm, soft, cinnamon-scented baked donuts are ready to enjoy.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Total Time | 25–30 minutes |
| Servings | 12 donuts |
Tips & Variations
- No donut pan? Use a muffin tin instead and fill halfway. Adjust the baking time to around 9–10 minutes.
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a deeper, spiced taste.
- Glazed version: Skip the cinnamon-sugar coating and drizzle with vanilla or maple glaze instead.
- Make ahead: These donuts stay soft for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
- Texture tip: Do not overmix the batter; it helps keep the donuts light and airy.
Nutrition Info (Per Donut – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Low-Sugar: Replace sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sugar substitute like monk fruit.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar in place of buttermilk.
- Keto-Friendly: Substitute almond flour and erythritol; note the texture will be denser.
- Oil-Free: Replace melted butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts slightly warm for the best flavor. They pair beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk.
These donuts are a great option for breakfast gatherings, brunch buffets, or afternoon snacks. Once you make them at home, you’ll never crave store-bought donuts again—they’re soft inside, golden outside, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the batter right away for the best rise and texture, but you can refrigerate it for up to 1 hour if necessary.
2. How do I store baked donuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving for a fresh taste.
3. Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, these donuts freeze very well. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes.
4. Why are my donuts dense?
Overmixing the batter can make donuts heavy. Mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep them light and fluffy.
5. Can I make mini donuts?
Yes, you can use a mini donut pan and bake for 7–8 minutes instead of 12. Perfect for bite-sized treats or parties.
