Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet treat that doesn’t require deep frying and still delivers that classic cinnamon sugar goodness, you’re in the right place. I absolutely love this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe because it’s quick, less messy, and perfect for any time of day — breakfast, snack, or dessert. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself baking them over and over.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe lies in balancing the spices just right and using yogurt for a tender crumb. I’ve found that using real vanilla and fresh cinnamon really makes a difference in taste—so pick good quality when you can.

• All-purpose flour: Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy so your donuts aren’t dense.
• Baking powder: The main leavening to help the donuts rise nicely.
• Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the fluffiest texture, especially with the yogurt.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and spices.
• Ground cinnamon: Fresh ground is best, for that warm, spicy aroma that defines these donuts.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds depth to the flavor.
• Large egg: Brings structure and richness; using room temperature gives better mixing results.
• Light brown sugar: Packed tightly for a hint of molasses flavor and natural moisture.
• Milk: I use whole, but any milk works; this makes the batter just the right consistency.
• Plain yogurt: Adds a tender crumb and slight tanginess—don’t skip this!
• Unsalted butter: Melted for both the batter and the coating, giving richness and that addictive buttery finish.
• Pure vanilla extract: For sweetness and aromatic depth, it’s a silent hero of the recipe.
• Granulated sugar: For the sugary coating that clings to the melted butter so well.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season or who I’m sharing with. You can easily tweak this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe to suit dietary needs or add your own spin—it’s super forgiving.

• Dairy-free version: Swap the milk with almond or oat milk and replace yogurt with coconut yogurt; I tried this and found the texture surprisingly close to the original.
• Spiced up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for an exotic twist my family adored during the holidays.
• Glazed instead of cinnamon sugar: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk for a glossy finish when you want something less crunchy.
• Mini donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats—perfect for parties or kid-friendly snacks.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Space and Ingredients

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease your donut pan well with non-stick spray. I learned the hard way that skipping the spray means the donuts stick and break when you try to get them out. Measure and set out all your ingredients—having everything ready makes the process way smoother.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of spices is what gives the donuts that cozy, warm flavor profile. Sifting here isn’t necessary, but a good whisk ensures everything’s evenly distributed.

Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk egg, brown sugar, milk, and yogurt until smooth and creamy. Then stir in melted butter and vanilla extract. The batter looks thick—that’s exactly what you want, so don’t worry if it’s not pourable. Overmixing once combined will make the donuts tough, so just stir until no dry flour streaks remain.

Step 4: Fill Your Donut Pan

Here’s a trick I picked up: use a large zip-top bag as a piping bag — fill it with the batter and snip off a corner. This gives you the control to fill each donut cavity about two-thirds to three-quarters full without any mess. Filling too full can cause the donuts to overflow, so patience is key.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Bake for 9-10 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. The smell wafting through your kitchen will tell you you’re on the right track! After baking, let them cool for a couple of minutes in the pan, then gently transfer to a wire rack placed over parchment or a baking sheet to avoid sticky counters. If you have extra batter, no worries—you can usually get 1-2 more donuts baked in a second round.

Step 6: Coat with Melted Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Once your donuts have cooled for about 10 minutes (this helps the coating stick without melting right off), dip each one into melted butter, then immediately into the cinnamon sugar mixture. I like to hold the donut with a couple of forks or tongs to coat every side evenly. They’re basically irresistible at this stage.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic with just cinnamon sugar, but sometimes I toss on a handful of chopped toasted nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar for some extra flair. Fresh berries alongside also add a nice contrast—plus a pop of color!

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning. I also enjoy serving them with a simple fruit salad or Greek yogurt on the side to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I arranged a donut tower by stacking them on a pretty cake stand interspersed with cinnamon sticks and mini pumpkins for a fall vibe. Wrapping a stack tied with twine makes a thoughtful gift, too. You could even drizzle with a quick glaze or chocolate for a festive twist—that always impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover donuts keep well at room temperature when stored airtight, ideally in a cake container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. I usually enjoy mine within a day because they’re just too good to last!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts successfully by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a resealable freezer bag. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they retain much of their softness, which surprised me the first time I tried it.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feel, pop your donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them up in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the buttery coating and soft crumb nicely without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it blends convenience with that nostalgic cinnamon-sugar crunch we all crave. It’s perfect for when you want a homemade treat without the fuss of frying, and trust me, your family will go crazy for them. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how easy and tasty baking donuts can be!

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