Okay, who doesn’t love a donut? Seriously! And while I adore a trip to my local donut shop, there’s just something extra special about making them at home. The smell alone is worth it! This recipe for cinnamon sugar donuts is seriously simple. And the best part? It uses my go-to baked donut base! I’ve tweaked it a million different ways for all sorts of flavors (more on that later!).
I first started making these when my kids were little. They’d beg for donuts every Saturday morning, and honestly, I felt a *little* guilty giving them all that fried goodness. So, baked donuts it was! And guess what? They loved them! And now, years later, they still request these. It’s a win-win! Trust me, you’re going to want to try these!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Okay, so why should you make *these* donuts? Let me tell you! They’re seriously the best, and I’m not just saying that. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Super quick to make! We’re talking 45 minutes from start to finish!
- Easy clean-up. Less mess is always a good thing, right?
- Baked, not fried. So, you can feel a *little* bit better about yourself, haha!
- That comforting cinnamon sugar flavor. It’s like a warm hug in donut form!
- Totally customizable! You can swap out spices, extracts… the possibilities are endless!
Quick and Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Seriously, from craving to eating in under an hour? Yes, please!
Baked, Not Fried
Okay, so they aren’t *health food*, but baking them definitely makes them a bit lighter than the fried kind. Plus, no hot oil splatters to worry about!
Simple Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already! No fancy stuff needed for these babies!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing cinnamon sugar donuts. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff!
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): Flour gives the donuts structure, obviously! Spooning and leveling ensures you don’t add too much, which can make them dry.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This is what helps our donuts rise and get nice and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: A little baking soda helps with browning and gives a little extra lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon & 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: These warm spices are what give these donuts that classic cinnamon sugar flavor!
- 1 large egg, at room temperature: Room temperature eggs incorporate better and help create a smoother batter.
- 1/3 cup (65g) packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk & 1/4 cup (60g) yogurt: This combo keeps the donuts super moist! You can use all milk if you don’t have yogurt, but I love the tang it adds.
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds richness and flavor.
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
- For the topping: 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted. This is the magic that makes these donuts irresistible!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get baking? Here’s how to make these amazing cinnamon sugar donuts, step by step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!
Preparing the Donut Batter for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Then, grab your donut pan and give it a good spray with non-stick spray. Trust me, you don’t want these sticking!
Now, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set that aside. In another bowl, whisk the egg, brown sugar, milk, and yogurt until smooth. Add the melted butter and vanilla, whisking until everything’s combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Seriously, it’s important. The batter will be very thick – that’s totally normal!
Baking Your Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Spoon the batter into the donut cavities. Here’s a little trick: I highly recommend using a large zipped-top bag for ease! Just cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup, filling them about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full.
Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Let them cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And I mean *completely*! This is important, or the topping won’t stick properly.
Topping the Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
While the donuts are cooling, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. In another bowl, melt the butter. Once the donuts are completely cool, dip each donut in the melted butter, then dunk it into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides.
And that’s it! Seriously, how easy was that?! Now, go enjoy your delicious, homemade cinnamon sugar donuts!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Want to make sure your cinnamon sugar donuts turn out perfectly every time? Here are a few of my top tips!
- Use room temperature ingredients. It really does make a difference!
- Don’t overmix the batter! I know I said it before, but it’s so important. Overmixing leads to tough donuts.
- Serve them immediately for the best taste. They’re seriously amazing when they’re still a little warm!
- That piping bag trick? Total game changer! If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag works just as well. Just make sure to snip a small corner off.
Trust me, follow these tips, and you’ll be a cinnamon sugar donut pro in no time!
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic cinnamon sugar donut. Now what? Let’s get crazy! The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Swap out the cinnamon for cardamom or pumpkin spice. Ooh, fancy!
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla. It adds such a lovely, subtle flavor.
- Skip the cinnamon sugar altogether and make a glaze. A simple powdered sugar glaze is always a winner!
Seriously, don’t be afraid to experiment! That’s how you find your *own* perfect donut!
How to Store Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
So, you’ve made a batch of these amazing cinnamon sugar donuts… and maybe you have some leftovers (if you haven’t eaten them all already!). No worries! Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two, but honestly, they probably won’t last that long!
Equipment You’ll Need to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Alright, let’s talk tools! You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to make these cinnamon sugar donuts, but here’s what I consider essential:
- A donut pan. This is a must! It’s what gives them that classic donut shape.
- Mixing bowls. You’ll need a couple for the wet and dry ingredients.
- A whisk. To get everything nice and smooth!
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy is key in baking!
- A piping bag or zip-top bag. Makes filling those donut cavities a breeze!
See? Nothing too crazy! Now you’re ready to bake!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Got questions about making these amazing cinnamon sugar donuts? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked:
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Donuts without a donut pan?
Okay, so a donut pan really is the best way to get that classic donut shape. But if you don’t have one, don’t despair! You *could* bake the batter in a muffin tin. They’ll be more like cinnamon sugar muffins, but they’ll still be delicious! Just adjust the baking time accordingly – they might need a few extra minutes.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?
Yep, you sure can! If you want to make these ahead of time, let the donuts cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them at room temperature and then give them a quick dunk in some melted butter and cinnamon sugar. Voila!
How do I prevent my Cinnamon Sugar Donuts from being dry?
Dry donuts are a bummer, right? The key is to avoid overbaking them! Keep a close eye on them in the oven and take them out as soon as the edges are lightly browned. Also, make sure you’re measuring your ingredients correctly! Too much flour is a common culprit for dry baked goods. Spoon and level that flour, friends!
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Nutritional Information
Okay, so let’s talk nutrition… but with a little disclaimer! Keep in mind that the nutritional information for these cinnamon sugar donuts is just an estimate. It can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (different brands, etc.) and your exact measurements. I’m providing this as a general guideline, but it’s not an exact science!
Make These Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Today!
Alright, what are you waiting for?! Seriously, go make these cinnamon sugar donuts! You won’t regret it. And when you do, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Oh, and don’t forget to snap a pic and share it on social media! Thanks for reading, and happy baking!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: 45-Minute Bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these baked cinnamon sugar donuts. This recipe uses a simple baked donut base for a quick treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup (65g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (60g) yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- Make the donuts: Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a medium bowl. Set aside. Whisk the egg, brown sugar, milk, and yogurt together until smooth. Add the melted butter and vanilla, whisking until fully combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter will be very thick.
- Spoon the batter into the donut cavities—I highly recommend using a large zipped-top bag for ease. Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup, filling 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow to cool for about two minutes and transfer to a wire rack set on a large piece of parchment paper or on a large baking sheet. Bake the remaining donut batter (there is usually enough batter for 1-2 more donuts) and once baked, transfer to the wire rack. Cool donuts for at least 10 minutes before topping.
- Top the donuts: Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Dip the donuts in the melted butter, then dunk into the cinnamon sugar mixture coating all sides.
- Donuts are best served immediately. Leftovers keep well covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Use a donut pan for best results.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Serve immediately for optimal taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
