If you’re craving a treat that feels homemade but doesn’t take all day, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe. These donuts come out soft, perfectly sweet, and coated in that classic cinnamon sugar goodness. I absolutely love how this turns out – it’s a simple, baked version of a classic favorite that feels a little lighter but still totally indulgent. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my insider tips to help you nail these at home like a pro.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick: From start to finish in about 25 minutes – perfect for last-minute cravings or breakfast surprises.
- Lighter Version: Baked, not fried, so you get that donut flavor without the heavy grease.
- Classic Flavor: The cinnamon sugar coating is the perfect nostalgic touch that makes these irresistible.
- Family Favorite: My kids and friends always ask for seconds, and that says a lot!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are simple pantry staples that come together beautifully. The yogurt adds moisture and a little tang, which helps keep the donuts soft without any heaviness.
- All-purpose flour: Make sure to fluff it up and spoon it into your measuring cup for accuracy—too much flour can make these dense.
- Light brown sugar: This adds a mild molasses flavor that plays wonderfully with the cinnamon.
- Baking soda & baking powder: The perfect combo for a light, tender crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and flavors.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
- Plain non-fat yogurt: Don’t skip this! It keeps the donuts moist and soft without making them heavy.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor and keeps the batter tender.
- Whole milk: Brings a touch of creaminess, but you can swap with any milk you have on hand.
- Vanilla extract: For a subtle warm sweetness.
- Granulated sugar & ground cinnamon (for coating): The star of the show! Fresh cinnamon works best here.
- Butter (melted): Use real butter here; it helps the sugar stick perfectly on the warm donuts.
- Donut pan: A must-have for shaping your donuts right and getting even baking.
Variations
I love that this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe is a great base for all kinds of fun twists, so feel free to make it your own. I often mix up the coating or add a little zest to the batter for something special.
- Glazed Donuts: Skip the cinnamon sugar and drizzle with a simple lemon or vanilla glaze for a fresh change.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter or cinnamon sugar for an earthy twist that my family goes crazy for.
- Dairy-Free: Swap yogurt for coconut yogurt and use almond milk if you need a dairy-free option—still delicious!
- Chocolate: Stir in a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter for chocolate lovers.
How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter with Care
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your donut pan thoroughly. Getting this ready ahead of time makes the process smooth. In one bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg then add yogurt, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and give it a gentle mix—don’t overmix! It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy; that’s how you know your donuts will stay tender.
Step 2: Fill Your Donut Pan Like a Pro
Here’s a neat trick I discovered: scoop your batter into a large ziplock bag and cut a ½ inch hole in one corner to use as a piping bag. This makes it so much easier to fill each donut cavity without the mess. Fill each mold about three-quarters full—that way the donuts rise beautifully without spilling over. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back gently to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 3: The Magical Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donuts are cooling for about 5 minutes in the pan (don’t skip this or they’ll fall apart), mix your cinnamon and granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Grab a small brush and coat each donut generously with melted butter—this is the magic that makes the cinnamon sugar stick like a dream. Dip each side of the donut into the sugar mixture—double dipping is my favorite because it gives an extra sweet, crunchy coating that everyone loves.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the flour is incorporated to keep your donuts soft and light.
- Use a Piping Bag: This trick ensures even filling and a clean donut shape without mess.
- Butter Before Sugar: Brushing melted butter while the donuts are warm helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly for that classic crunch.
- Cool Slightly in Pan: Letting the donuts rest in the pan prevents breakage when removing and makes coating easier.
How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with just the cinnamon sugar, but sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. If I’m feeling fancy, a quick drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream on the side takes these donuts next level.
Side Dishes
Serve these with a warm mug of fresh coffee or spiced chai for the ultimate cozy combo. They also pair nicely with fresh berries or a small fruit salad if you want to add something fresh and bright to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties or gatherings, I like to stack the donuts on a pretty cake stand with a little decorative paper doily underneath. Adding some colorful sprinkles to the cinnamon sugar mixture adds a fun pop, especially when serving kids. I’ve also tied a few donuts in a little cellophane bag or box for edible gifts—it always gets compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After they cool completely, I keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They hold their softness well but don’t wait too long because that cinnamon sugar crust is best fresh!
Freezing
You can freeze these baked donuts by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, I pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back a little crispness to the cinnamon sugar coating and revives that fresh-baked aroma—far better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too. The texture might be a little different but still delicious.
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What if I don’t have a donut pan?
You can use a muffin pan instead, though the shape won’t be classic donut. Fill the cups about 2/3 full and bake for about 12 minutes. Once cooled, use a small round cutter to create a hole in the middle if you want that donut look.
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Can I make the cinnamon sugar coating without butter?
Butter helps the sugar adhere and adds flavor, but you can try using oil or even spray a little cooking oil spray. The coating might not stick quite as well or taste as rich, though, so I recommend sticking with butter if possible.
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How should I adjust baking if I live at high altitude?
At higher altitudes, you might want to reduce baking powder slightly and add a touch more liquid (like milk). Also, watch the baking time carefully—it tends to be shorter. Testing with a toothpick is key here!
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Can I add flavors like maple or pumpkin to this recipe?
Yes! Adding a teaspoon of maple extract instead of vanilla or mixing in pumpkin puree with some extra spices like nutmeg and cloves is a great seasonal twist I’ve enjoyed myself.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe has become my go-to for whenever I want a special treat without fuss. I love how approachable and forgiving it is, plus how it always brings a smile to my family’s faces. If you’re looking for a quick, cozy, and utterly delicious way to enjoy donuts at home, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try. Trust me—you’ll be so happy you did!
Print
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these easy homemade baked donuts coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar mix. Made with a simple batter incorporating yogurt and oil for moistness, then baked to perfection and finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating for a classic, comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast or snack time.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 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
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup plain, non-fat yogurt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Donut pan (equipment)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard-sized donut pan lightly with oil or butter to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg, plain non-fat yogurt, vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine batter: Carefully pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy and thick, so avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill donut molds: Transfer the batter into a large resealable plastic bag and cut a ½ inch hole at one corner to create a piping bag. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut molds, filling each about ¾ full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake the donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar coating: While the donuts are baking or cooling, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt the butter in a small bowl separately.
- Coat the donuts: Using a small pastry brush, brush each donut generously with melted butter, then dip each side into the cinnamon sugar mixture. For an extra sweet coating, dip the donuts twice. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter; lumps are fine and prevent tough donuts.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, you can spoon the batter directly into the pan, but it may be less precise.
- Make sure donuts are slightly cooled before coating to help cinnamon sugar stick better.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free butter for coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
