Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

My kitchen still smells like cinnamon and warm sugar from last Sunday morning. I'd promised the kids homemade donuts, and honestly, I was fully prepared for the usual fried disaster of oil spatters and uneven cooking. But these baked beauties came out of the oven with this perfect golden crumb, and something about rolling them in that cinnamon sugar while they were still warm felt almost magical.

Last winter my neighbor Sarah dropped by unexpectedly when I had a fresh batch cooling on the counter. She stood there looking almost guilty as she reached for her second one, telling me she'd been meaning to try baking donuts for years but kept putting it off. Now she texts me every time she makes them, usually with some photo of her kids' cinnamon-sugar-covered faces.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of that tender crumb you want in a baked donut
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and creates that signature crunch in the coating
• Baking powder: Essential for the lift that makes these fluffy instead of dense
• Ground cinnamon: Warm spice that pairs perfectly with the vanilla undertones
• Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps create that soft texture
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter in the batter adds tenderness
• Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with warmth
• Extra butter and cinnamon sugar: For rolling while warm for that perfect coating

Instructions

Preheat and prep your pan:

Get your oven to 375°F and give your donut pan a thorough coating of nonstick spray or butter

Whisk the dry ingredients:

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl

Mix the wet ingredients:

Whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth

Combine the batter:

Pour wet into dry and stir gently until just combined

Fill the donut cavities:

Spoon or pipe batter into each well, about three quarters full

Bake to golden perfection:

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean

Cool briefly:

Let donuts rest in the pan for 3 minutes before moving to a wire rack

Make the coating:

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl

Coat the donuts:

Brush each warm donut with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar

Serve immediately:

These are best enjoyed warm but still delicious at room temperature

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These donuts have become my go-to for bringing to morning meetings and brunch gatherings. There's something universally comforting about cinnamon and sugar that makes people pause and smile, like they're suddenly eight years old again.

Making Them Gluten Free

I've made these with a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for friends with dietary restrictions, and honestly, nobody could tell the difference. The texture stays remarkably close to the original version.

Storage Tips

These donuts are definitely best fresh, but I've learned they'll keep well in an airtight container for about two days. After that, the texture starts to suffer and the cinnamon sugar coating gets a bit soggy.

Serving Suggestions

A cup of coffee or hot chocolate alongside these makes for the perfect morning treat. I've also served them with vanilla ice cream for an unexpected dessert that people go crazy for.

• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the coating for extra warmth
• A zip bag makes the coating process less messy than a bowl
• Room temperature ingredients help everything incorporate better

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There's nothing quite like pulling a tray of these out of the oven and watching everyone's eyes light up. Pure comfort in a ring of cinnamon sugar.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these without a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin instead. Fill each cup about halfway and bake for 12–15 minutes. The shape will be different but the taste remains the same.

→ How do I store leftover donuts?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They're best fresh, but you can warm leftover donuts in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness.

→ Can I freeze the baked donuts?

Yes. Freeze unfried donuts in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then coat with butter and cinnamon sugar when ready to serve.

→ What's the best way to apply the cinnamon sugar coating?

Brush each donut generously with melted butter while still warm, then immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the coating adhere evenly for perfect coverage.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly denser but still delicious. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

→ Why did my donuts turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter can create dense, tough donuts. Stir just until combined—some small lumps are fine. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh for proper rise.