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
Scale
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.
