Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that’s just the right mix of cozy, sweet, and easy to make, I’ve got you covered with my Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe. These donuts are soft, tender, and perfectly coated in that classic cinnamon sugar that we all love. I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail the recipe the first time, plus ideas to make it your own. Trust me, once you try these, your kitchen will smell amazing and your family will be asking for seconds in no time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

When you look at the ingredients for this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe, you’ll notice they’re simple pantry staples that come together beautifully. Baking powder, baking soda, and spices blend perfectly with yogurt and brown sugar to give you donuts full of flavor and just the right rise.

• All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement; this keeps the donuts light and not dense.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These are essential for good rise and that soft texture that makes baked donuts so enjoyable.
• Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: The warm spices that give these donuts their signature cozy flavor.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses note, which pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
• Milk & yogurt: These add moisture and tenderness; I find plain yogurt works best for a nice tang and softness.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter enriches the batter and also makes the cinnamon sugar coating stick perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: A little splash brightens the flavor and complements the spices beautifully.
• Granulated sugar (for topping): Coates the donuts in sweetness and crunch after dipping in butter.

Variations

I love how flexible this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe is — you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs with ease. Feel free to get creative! Here are a few ways I’ve made these donuts my own over the years.

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend; I’ve done this successfully, just be sure to check the texture and adjust moisture as needed.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a warm twist that really makes these cinnamon donuts pop.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar: Mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder into your batter or cinnamon sugar topping for a chocolatey spin that my kids adore.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or oat milk and a dairy-free yogurt to keep things allergy-friendly without sacrificing softness.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Preheat the Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spritz your donut pan with non-stick spray. If you don’t have a donut pan, no worries — a muffin pan works, though the shape will be different. Getting this ready ahead saves you scrambling later, so I always do this first.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I love how the spices smell at this stage — it really sets the tone for the whole batch! Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures even spice distribution.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, milk, and yogurt until smooth. Then add the melted butter and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is combined. I like to have my egg at room temperature for a smoother batter; it really helps make the texture consistent.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – But Don’t Overmix!

Pour your wet ingredients into your dry mixture and gently mix just until combined. The batter will be thick — that’s exactly how it should be. Resist the urge to overmix because that can make your donuts tough instead of tender. I learned this the hard way on my first attempt!

Step 5: Fill Your Donut Pan

I highly recommend using a large zip-top bag to pipe the batter into your donut cavities. Just spoon the batter into the bag, snip the corner off, and squeeze about 2/3 to 3/4 full. This method helps keep everything neat and prevents spills — trust me, it saves time and cleanup.

Step 6: Bake & Cool

Bake for 9-10 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack set over parchment paper or a baking sheet. This step is crucial to avoid soggy bottoms and keeps the donuts perfectly textured. Bake any leftover batter similarly.

Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Topping Time!

Mix your granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Dip each warm donut into melted butter, then dunk into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat all sides. This buttery cinnamon sugar coating is my favorite part — it’s the kind of topping that sticks and adds just the right crunch.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it classic with cinnamon sugar, but I also love sprinkling a little powdered sugar for a delicate touch or drizzling some melted chocolate for extra indulgence. A light dusting of finely chopped nuts gives a lovely texture contrast—your choice based on what you and your family enjoy!

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for the perfect breakfast or snack combo. I’ve also served them alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of creamy yogurt, which balances the sweetness nicely and feels a bit more wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun brunch or party, try stacking these donuts into a tower on a pretty cake stand and garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of cinnamon dust. You can even use mini donut skewers threaded with fresh berries between each donut slice — it makes a stunning and tasty centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, and they usually stay fresh for about 2 days. They’re best enjoyed the same day, but if you have leftovers, keeping them sealed tightly helps retain their softness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these donuts, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe bag. I’ve frozen them this way and found they hold up well for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a donut in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm gently in a toaster oven. This brings back some of that fresh-baked softness and warms the cinnamon sugar coating perfectly. Just avoid overheating, or they can get tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These baked cinnamon sugar donuts have become a go-to treat in my house because they’re easy, comforting, and honestly so addictive. I love how quick they come together and how they capture that nostalgic cinnamon sugar goodness without the mess of frying. I really hope you give this recipe a try — whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, I’m confident these donuts will make you smile just like they do for me. Happy baking!

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