There is something deeply comforting about the smell of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen, especially when it wraps around soft, freshly baked donuts. These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are light, tender, and coated in a warm, sweet spice blend that melts into every bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this, because it delivers all the joy of a classic donut without the heaviness of frying.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born on a quiet weekend morning when the craving for donuts hit, but the idea of dealing with hot oil did not. I wanted something cozy, simple, and bake friendly, something that felt like a hug with a cup of coffee. After a few test batches and a lot of cinnamon sugar fingers, this version became the keeper.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Donuts have been around for centuries, with versions appearing in Dutch and early American kitchens. Baked donuts are a more modern twist, created for home cooks who want the same nostalgic flavors with a simpler method. Cinnamon sugar donuts in particular became popular because they rely on pantry staples and timeless flavors that never go out of style.

Why You’ll Love Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

These donuts win hearts for more reasons than one, and now let’s dive into exactly why they deserve a spot in your regular baking rotation.

Versatile: They work for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even an afternoon snack with tea.

Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry ingredients keep costs low without sacrificing flavor.

Quick and Easy: From mixing bowl to oven, everything comes together smoothly and fast.

Customizable: You can adjust the spice level or sweetness to match your mood.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike reach for seconds, every single time.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake them earlier and coat before serving for fresh flavor.

Great for Leftovers: They stay soft and delicious even the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few insider tricks can take these donuts from good to unforgettable. Pay attention to the batter texture and the coating timing, and you are already ahead of the game.

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Do not overmix, which keeps the donuts light and tender.
Coat the donuts while they are still slightly warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks evenly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, gathering your tools makes the process relaxed and enjoyable.

Donut Pan: Essential for shaping and even baking.

Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet.

Whisk: Helps blend the batter smoothly without overworking it.

Cooling Rack: Allows donuts to cool evenly before coating.

Ingredients in Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

This recipe shines because each ingredient plays a simple but important role, and together they create something truly comforting.

All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, provides structure and softness to the donuts.

Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup, sweetens the batter gently.

Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons, gives the donuts their light rise.

Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, adds warmth and classic flavor.

Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, balances the sweetness.

Milk: 3/4 cup, keeps the crumb moist and tender.

Eggs: 2 large, bind everything together and add richness.

Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup, melted, adds flavor and softness.

Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, rounds out the sweetness.

Additional Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup, for coating.

Additional Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon, for the sugar coating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need flexibility, and this recipe happily allows it.

Milk: Almond milk or oat milk can be used.

Butter: Use melted dairy free butter if needed.

Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar works for a deeper flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

A closer look at what makes these donuts special brings us to the heart of the recipe.

Ground Cinnamon: This spice provides warmth, aroma, and that unmistakable donut shop feel.

Butter: Melted butter keeps the donuts moist while enhancing flavor.

Instructions for Making Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Now let’s get into the fun part, and I promise, this process is just as enjoyable as the result.

Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a donut pan.
Combine Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Assemble the Dish:
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Cook to Perfection:
Spoon the batter into the donut pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden.
Finishing Touches:
Let donuts cool slightly, then brush with a bit of melted butter.
Serve and Enjoy:
Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar until evenly coated and serve.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic here lies in the contrast. The inside stays soft and cake like, while the cinnamon sugar coating adds a delicate crunch. As the donuts cool, the sugar melts slightly into the surface, creating layers of flavor that deepen with every bite.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few helpful reminders can make baking day smoother.

Fill the donut pan evenly for uniform baking.
Let donuts cool just enough so the coating sticks without melting.
Use fresh cinnamon for the most aroma.

What to Avoid

Even simple recipes have small pitfalls, but they are easy to avoid.

Overbaking, which can dry out the donuts.
Skipping the cooling rack, which traps steam.
Coating donuts when they are too hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 donuts
Calories per serving: 210

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These donuts can be baked a day ahead and stored uncoated in an airtight container. When ready to serve, warm them slightly and coat with cinnamon sugar. They also freeze well for up to one month and reheat beautifully in the oven.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Serve them warm with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a simple yogurt bowl for brunch.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover donuts can be sliced and toasted for a sweet breakfast treat, or chopped and layered into a simple dessert parfait with cream and fruit.

Additional Tips

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. Always store coated donuts loosely covered to maintain their texture.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange the donuts on a cooling rack or cake stand and dust lightly with extra cinnamon sugar just before serving for a bakery style look.

Variations to Try

Try adding orange zest to the batter, swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice, drizzle with a light vanilla glaze, or roll in coconut sugar for a deeper sweetness.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make these without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin, though the shape will be different.

2. Are baked donuts healthier than fried ones?

They are generally lower in fat since they are not fried.

3. Can I freeze these donuts?

Absolutely, freeze them uncoated for best results.

4. How long do they stay fresh?

They stay soft for up to two days at room temperature.

5. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, slightly reducing sugar works well.

6. Do I need a mixer?

No, a whisk and bowl are enough.

7. Can I add fillings?

This batter works best without fillings.

8. Why are my donuts dry?

Overbaking is usually the cause.

9. Can kids help make this recipe?

Definitely, it is very beginner friendly.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just bake in batches.

Conclusion

These baked cinnamon sugar donuts bring comfort, warmth, and simple joy to any kitchen. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite, and once you try them, they might just become a new favorite tradition.