Fluffy Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Your New Favorite Easy Homemade Treat

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly light and fluffy **baked cinnamon sugar donuts**! Forget the deep fryer; these delightful cake donuts are baked to golden perfection, then generously coated in a shimmering layer of warm cinnamon sugar. They offer all the satisfying flavor and tender texture of your favorite bakery treat, but are much simpler to make right in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast to kickstart your weekend, an elegant addition to your brunch spread, or a comforting dessert after a long day, these homemade donuts fit the bill perfectly. They’re an absolute joy to bake and even more delightful to eat! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like these Nutella stuffed donuts or classic baked chocolate donuts.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

There are countless reasons to make these **homemade baked donuts** your go-to recipe for a sweet treat. They are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

• Healthier & Easier Than Fried: Say goodbye to messy oil and the guilt of deep-frying! These donuts are baked, meaning less fat, less fuss, and significantly easier cleanup. You get all the flavor without the heavy feeling.
• Quick Baking Time: From mixing bowl to your plate, these donuts bake in just 10 minutes. This makes them an ideal last-minute treat or a fast option when cravings strike.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You don’t need a stand mixer or any fancy gadgets. A simple bowl and a whisk are all you require to whip up the batter. This recipe is designed for accessibility and convenience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These **cinnamon sugar cake donuts** are versatile. Enjoy them warm with a cold glass of milk for a delightful snack, or pair them with your morning coffee for an elevated breakfast experience. They’re also fantastic as a light dessert.
• So Much Fun to Make: Baking these donuts is a joyful experience. From piping the batter to dipping them in the sweet cinnamon coating, it’s a project the whole family can enjoy, especially with little helpers in the kitchen.
• Economical & Delicious: Making donuts at home is significantly more budget-friendly than purchasing them from a bakery. Plus, nothing beats the taste and aroma of freshly baked, warm homemade donuts!

Essential Ingredients for Fluffy Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Creating these perfect **baked cinnamon sugar donuts** requires a few common pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that light, cake-like texture and irresistible flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cake donuts. Make sure to measure it correctly, preferably by weight if possible, or by using the “spoon and level” method to avoid dense donuts.
• Baking Powder & Salt: Baking powder is our leavening agent, giving the donuts their lovely rise and airy texture. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: This spice is obviously crucial for both the donut batter and the glorious cinnamon sugar coating. It provides that signature warm, comforting flavor.
• Buttermilk: Don’t skip the buttermilk! It’s key for creating incredibly moist and tender donuts with a subtle tangy flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute: simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the cup with regular milk until it reaches 3/4 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles before using.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: We use both types of sugar in the batter for a reason. Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps with texture, while brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that enhances the overall flavor. For the coating, granulated sugar creates that classic sparkling finish.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the donut batter and is essential for the coating to help the cinnamon sugar adhere. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content in the recipe.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together, add structure, and contribute to the donut’s rich flavor and tender crumb. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with other ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet flavors and adds a depth of aroma to your homemade donuts.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these **easy baked cinnamon sugar donuts** is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect, golden-brown donuts every time.

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pans: First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Lightly grease two standard donut pans. Even if your pans are non-stick, a little non-stick spray or butter helps prevent sticking and ensures easy release, preserving the donut’s shape.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: buttermilk, room temperature eggs, vanilla extract, brown sugar, 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. The goal is to fully dissolve the sugars and create a homogenous mixture.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This step ensures that the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture, leading to a consistent rise and flavor in your donuts.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet egg mixture. Mix gently until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough, dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Fill Donut Pans and Bake: Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag. If you don’t have one, a large zippered plastic bag with a corner snipped off will work just as well. Carefully pipe the batter into the prepared donut cavities, filling them about 1/4 inch from the top. Don’t overfill, as the donuts will rise. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when gently touched.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While your delicious donuts are baking, prepare the irresistible topping. In a small, shallow bowl, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. In another shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Mix these thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly distributed in the sugar.
7. Coat and Enjoy: Once the donuts come out of the oven, allow them to cool in the pan for just 1-2 minutes. They should still be warm but cool enough to handle without breaking. This warmth is crucial as it helps the melted butter and cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly. Carefully remove them from the pans. Dip each warm donut into the melted butter, ensuring both sides are coated, then immediately transfer it to the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating thoroughly. Serve these delightful **homemade cinnamon sugar donuts** warm for the best experience!

Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Achieving bakery-quality **baked donuts** at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most important tip for any baked good. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, chewy donuts. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
• Coat Donuts While Warm: The magic of the cinnamon sugar coating happens when the donuts are still warm from the oven. The warmth helps the melted butter adhere and then acts as a sticky base for the cinnamon sugar, ensuring a generous and even coating. If they cool too much, the coating won’t stick as well.
• Grease Your Donut Pans Thoroughly: Even if your donut pans are labeled as non-stick, a light coating of butter or non-stick spray is highly recommended. This prevents any sticking and ensures your beautiful donuts release cleanly and effortlessly.
• Piping Bag Alternative: No fancy piping bag? No problem! Simply scoop your donut batter into a large, sturdy zippered plastic bag. Snip off one corner with scissors, and you have an instant, disposable piping bag. This method makes filling the donut cavities much neater and easier.
• Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can absolutely adjust the cinnamon sugar coating. Try coating only one side of the donut, or reduce the amount of sugar in the coating mixture. This allows you to customize them to your personal preference.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For most baking recipes, including this one, having your cold ingredients like eggs and buttermilk at room temperature helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more uniform texture in the final product.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic **baked cinnamon sugar donut** is undeniably perfect, you can easily experiment with variations to add your own twist:

• Glazed Donuts: Instead of the cinnamon sugar coating, you could make a simple vanilla glaze. Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Dip warm donuts in the glaze.
• Nutmeg Spice: For an even warmer, more complex flavor, add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the dry ingredients along with the cinnamon.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan to create bite-sized treats. Adjust baking time accordingly (usually around 6-8 minutes). These are perfect for parties or for a quick snack.
• Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the wet ingredients for a bright, citrusy note that beautifully complements the cinnamon.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After coating with cinnamon sugar, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the donuts for a chocolatey indulgence.

Storing Your Homemade Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

While these **baked cinnamon sugar donuts** are truly best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, you can certainly store any leftovers to savor later.

• Room Temperature: Place any leftover donuts in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. The coating might become slightly less crisp over time, but the donuts will still be delicious.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze baked (uncoated) donuts. Once fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm slightly and coat as directed in the recipe.
• Reheating: To enjoy stored donuts, you can warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This will help restore some of their soft texture. If reheating plain donuts, you can then coat them in fresh melted butter and cinnamon sugar for a fresh-tasting treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions you might have about making these **baked cinnamon sugar donuts**:

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? While buttermilk is highly recommended for its unique tenderizing properties and subtle tang, you can substitute it with a DIY buttermilk solution (1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar + regular milk to make 3/4 cup, let sit 5-10 minutes). Regular milk can be used, but the texture may be slightly different, potentially less moist and tender.
• How do I know when the donuts are done baking? The donuts are done when they are lightly golden brown around the edges and spring back when gently pressed. You can also insert a toothpick into one; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
• Can I make the donut batter ahead of time? It’s generally best to bake the donuts immediately after mixing the batter. The leavening agents (baking powder) start to activate once wet, and waiting too long can result in less rise and a denser texture. You can, however, prepare the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients (excluding baking powder) in another, then combine them just before baking.
• Are baked donuts truly healthier than fried donuts? Yes, generally. Baked donuts use significantly less oil, which means they contain fewer calories and less fat compared to their deep-fried counterparts. This makes them a great option if you’re looking for a slightly lighter sweet treat.
• What if I don’t have a donut pan? Unfortunately, a donut pan is essential for achieving the classic donut shape for baked donuts. You cannot use a muffin tin as a direct substitute for the shape, though you could make “donut holes” in a mini muffin tin and adjust baking times.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you loved these **baked cinnamon sugar donuts**, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:

• Fresh Strawberry Donuts
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins
• Air Fryer Fruity Pebble Donuts
• Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

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