There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a freshly baked donut that’s been generously coated in warm cinnamon sugar. These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices that dance on your taste buds. Sweeten your day with these fluffy, baked cinnamon sugar donuts that are simple to make and impossible to resist! With every mouthful, you’ll get a tender crumb dotted with hints of nutmeg, vanilla, and that classic sweet crunch. They’re the perfect way to start your morning, elevate your afternoon snack, or finish off an easy weeknight dessert. And here’s the best part: you don’t need any fancy equipment—just simple pantry staples and a trusty donut pan.
As someone who loves a cozy weekend bake, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself racing to the kitchen to whip up a batch of these beauties. In under 15 minutes of prep time and just 12 minutes in the oven, you’ll have half a dozen golden rings that are begging to be dunked into your coffee mug. At only about 150 calories per donut, they’re a guilt-free indulgence for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. The combination of tangy buttermilk, a lightly spiced batter, and a buttery-sugar coating makes these treats utterly craveable. Once you’ve tried these, you might never look back at store-bought again!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BAKED CINNAMON SUGAR DONUTS
Before diving into the batter, it’s essential to understand what each ingredient contributes to these soft, pillowy donuts. Every component—from the flour that builds structure to the spices that add warmth—plays a starring role in creating that classic bakery-like flavor. Below is a breakdown of the main players and why they matter.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the essential structure and base for the donuts. Its moderate protein content delivers just the right amount of chew without weighing the treats down.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the dough and helps create a tender crumb. It also encourages a light browning during baking, giving your donuts that inviting golden color.
- Baking powder
The key leavening agent that puffs up the batter, resulting in soft, airy donuts that melt in your mouth.
- Ground nutmeg
Adds a subtle, aromatic warmth that complements the cinnamon coating. This classic bakery spice deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. A small pinch brings out the richness of every ingredient.
- Buttermilk
Contributes tangy moisture and reacts with baking powder for extra lift. It also helps keep the donuts wonderfully soft.
- Large egg
Binds the ingredients together and adds richness, contributing to a light yet sturdy texture.
- Unsalted butter
Infuses the batter with buttery flavor and tenderizes the crumb, while controlling the overall fat content.
- Vanilla extract
Lifts and rounds out the flavor, giving the donuts a fragrant, homey aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- Granulated sugar (for coating)
Creates that signature sweet crunch on the outside when mixed with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon
Infuses each bite with its distinctive, warming spice, transforming simple sugar into a dreamy coating.
- Unsalted butter (for coating)
Helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere perfectly, while adding extra richness to the exterior.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED CINNAMON SUGAR DONUTS
Let’s roll up our sleeves and walk through each step of this easy, beginner-friendly recipe. From whisking the dry ingredients to giving your finished donuts that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating, you’ll see how quickly these treats come together—and how little you need to transform simple staples into something sublime.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan. Ensuring the pan is well-greased will help the donuts slip out cleanly once they’re baked to a perfect golden hue.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices, so every bite has consistent flavor and lift.
3. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates a smooth, cohesive liquid base that hydrates the dry ingredients evenly.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, gently mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter—stir until you no longer see dry streaks, then stop. Overworking the batter can lead to dense donuts.
5. Fill the donut molds about 3/4 full using a piping bag or spoon. A piping bag helps you pipe neat, even rings without spilling batter on the edges.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the donuts are a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them—once they spring back lightly to the touch, they’re done.
7. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short rest helps them set so they don’t break apart when you move them.
8. For the coating, in a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Make sure the spice is evenly distributed so each donut gets consistent coverage.
9. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each donut with melted butter, then immediately dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring each donut is well coated. The warm butter makes the sugar cling and melt slightly into the surface for that signature crunch.
10. Serve immediately for best results, or store in an airtight container. Freshness is key—these taste like they just came from the bakery when enjoyed warm!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BAKED CINNAMON SUGAR DONUTS
These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are delightfully versatile and pair perfectly with beverages, toppings, and even gift packaging if you’re feeling generous. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy breakfast, a festive gathering, or an afternoon pick-me-up, here are some ways to make your presentation shine.
- Serve warm with a steaming mug of coffee or spiced chai. The gentle heat enhances the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, making each sip and bite feel extra comforting.
- Arrange on a tiered dessert stand alongside fresh berries and sprigs of mint. The contrast in colors and flavors creates an inviting display for brunch or a bridal shower.
- Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or warm chocolate sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts or festive sprinkles. This turns your cinnamon donuts into a decadent treat that’s perfect for celebrations.
- Pack in decorative boxes or cellophane bags as homemade gifts. Tie with twine and a handwritten tag for a thoughtful, personal touch that friends and family will love.
HOW TO STORE BAKED CINNAMON SUGAR DONUTS
Maintaining the softness and flavor of these donuts after baking is all about preventing them from drying out while preserving that crispy cinnamon-sugar shell. Whether you’re saving extras for later or planning ahead for a get-together, these storage methods will help your treats stay delicious.
- Room-temperature storage: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Store at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft inside with a crisp exterior.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a slightly firmer texture or want to extend their shelf life by an extra day, store donuts in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them come back to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Freezing: Individually wrap cooled donuts in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature or pop briefly into a 300°F oven to revive that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
- Reviving stored donuts: To regain the original crispiness, warm the donuts in a 350°F oven for 3–4 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. This helps the cinnamon sugar coating regain its light crunch.
CONCLUSION
There you have it—a complete, foolproof guide to creating the most delightful baked cinnamon sugar donuts in the comfort of your own kitchen. From the precise measurements and careful whisking of the batter to the satisfying dip in a perfectly spiced sugar coating, each step is designed to bring out the best in these classic treats. This beginner-friendly recipe requires just a handful of everyday ingredients, a donut pan, and roughly 27 minutes from start to finish—plus a quick 5-minute cool-down. Whether you’re enjoying them straight from the oven or reviving leftovers for an afternoon snack, these donuts promise a soft, tender bite and that irresistible cinnamon crunch every time. Feel free to print this article or save it as a PDF for easy access whenever you’re craving a cozy, baked dessert.
Don’t forget, you can find a FAQ section below if you need answers to common questions about ingredient swaps, troubleshooting tips, or variations. I’d love to hear how your batch turns out—drop a comment if you try this recipe, share your creative twists, or ask any questions if you need extra guidance. Happy baking, and here’s to many more delicious mornings (and afternoons) filled with the sweet, warm comfort of homemade cinnamon sugar donuts!
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Description
These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices. Coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend, they make for the perfect treat with your morning coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
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In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, gently mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
-
Fill the donut molds about 3/4 full using a piping bag or spoon.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
For the coating, in a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
-
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each donut with melted butter, then immediately dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring each donut is well coated.
-
Serve immediately for best results, or store in an airtight container.
Note
- The use of nutmeg adds a classic bakery-like flavor which is essential in donut recipes.
- You can substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of milk and a dash of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
- Using a piping bag helps in achieving even donuts without spilling the batter onto the edges of the pan.
- These donuts taste best fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Experiment with different toppings like chocolate glaze or sprinkles for variety.
