If you have a soft spot for cozy, sweet treats that feel like a warm hug, then you are going to adore this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe. These donuts are incredibly light and tender, with a perfect cinnamon sugar coating that crunches just right. Best of all, they bake up quickly in your oven, making them a fantastic homemade breakfast or snack without the mess of frying. Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that is simple, satisfying, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create these magical baked donuts. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s adding flavor, moisture, or that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft yet sturdy donuts.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses depth and sweetness.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give these donuts a light, airy rise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Egg: Binds ingredients while contributing moisture and richness.
- Plain non-fat yogurt: Adds tang and tenderness without heaviness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and soft.
- Whole milk: Supports a creamy texture and blends the batter smoothly.
- Vanilla extract: A little warmth and aromatic sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon to form the iconic crunchy coating.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines the flavor of these donuts.
- Butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives each bite a touch of richness.
- Donut pan: Essential for shaping these perfect rings without frying.
How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your batter is prepped. Grease your donut pan lightly with oil or butter to ensure your donuts pop out cleanly after baking—this little step saves a lot of frustration later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture forms the base flavor and structure for your donuts, so getting it evenly mixed is key for uniformity in texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the egg, plain yogurt, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, creamy mix. This combination brings moisture, tang, and richness, making sure every bite is soft and tender.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour your wet mix into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The batter will be a bit lumpy and thick—that’s perfect! Overmixing can make donuts tough, so stop as soon as the flour streaks disappear to keep them light.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter to a large resealable plastic bag—this clever trick acts like a piping bag. Snip about a half-inch hole at one corner, then carefully pipe the batter into each donut mold. Fill them only three-quarters full so there’s room for those beautiful donut rings to rise while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the donuts turn a soft golden color and a toothpick inserted in the dough comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes before taking them out gently.
Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts bake or cool, mix your granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl—that is going to be the irresistible coating. Melt your butter separately and use a pastry brush to coat each donut generously. Then dunk them in the cinnamon sugar; for extra crunch and sweetness, a second dip is highly encouraged. Serve right away to enjoy that perfect freshness!
How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm glaze adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. Fresh berries or mint leaves on the side bring a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast that’s just delightful.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a frothy cappuccino. For a more filling brunch, consider serving alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt. The flavors all mesh well without overwhelming the warm cinnamon notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends or family? Try stacking a few donuts on a pretty cake stand or placing them in colorful paper liners. You can also serve them skewered with fresh fruit or rolled gently in varied coatings like crushed nuts or cocoa powder for a fun twist. Presentation can make the experience feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your baked cinnamon sugar donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two days, keeping their tender texture and sweet crunch. Avoid the fridge if you can, as it can dry them out quickly.
Freezing
To keep these donuts for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They hold up well frozen for up to one month. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a quick treat.
Reheating
Warm your donuts gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This restores their soft, fresh-baked feel and revives the glorious cinnamon sugar coating with just the right hint of warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to keep the donuts light and tender. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flours might alter the texture, making them denser, but you can experiment with small substitutions if needed.
Why do I need both baking soda and baking powder?
The combination of both helps achieve the perfect rise and lightness. Baking soda reacts with the yogurt’s acidity, while baking powder gives an extra boost to make the donuts fluffy and soft.
Can I make these donuts vegan?
Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg, use a plant-based yogurt and milk, and replace butter with a vegan alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the donut pan well with oil or butter is key. You can also dust the pan lightly with flour after greasing for extra non-stick protection.
Is it necessary to use a piping bag to fill the molds?
A piping bag helps control the batter filling for neat donuts, but you can also use a spoon to carefully fill the molds. Just be sure not to overfill, or it might overflow during baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe at home—the warm aroma, the joy of that first bite, and the simple ingredients turning into a delicious treat. Whether for a weekend breakfast, a sweet snack, or a charming addition to a brunch spread, these donuts bring comfort and delight every time. I can’t wait for you to try them and make some sweet memories of your own!
Print
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are a delightful treat featuring a soft, tender crumb with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Made with simple ingredients like yogurt, brown sugar, and vanilla, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts but still bursting with flavor and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup plain, non-fat yogurt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard-sized donut pan with oil or butter to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and sugar.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, plain non-fat yogurt, vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy and thick—avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill the donut pan: Transfer the batter into a large resealable plastic bag and cut about a ½ inch hole at one corner. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut molds, filling each about three-quarters full to allow space for rising.
- Bake the donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the donuts turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating: While the donuts bake or cool, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt the butter separately in a small bowl.
- Coat the donuts: Using a small pastry brush, brush each donut generously with the melted butter. Then dip both sides of each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture. For an extra sweet coating, dip the donuts twice. Serve immediately for the best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use a light hand when mixing the batter to avoid tough donuts.
- Filling the donut molds about 3/4 full ensures the donuts rise nicely without overflowing.
- Allow the donuts to cool slightly before coating so the butter and cinnamon sugar adhere better.
- These donuts are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt and milk with plant-based alternatives.
