Are you ready to treat yourself to a delicious snack? In this post, I'll share my easy recipe for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts that are simply irresistible. These baked delights are fluffy, warm, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, making them the perfect treat for any time of day. You won't need fancy tools or skills—just a few simple ingredients and your oven. Let’s get started on this tasty adventure!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet: These baked donuts are coated in a sugary cinnamon mixture that makes for a delightful treat with every bite.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for a weekend breakfast or a last-minute dessert.
- Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are a lighter option without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even glaze to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
To make these baked cinnamon sugar donuts, you need simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for donut batter)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for batter)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Each ingredient plays a key role in making these donuts soft and tasty. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps them rise. Cinnamon adds warmth and flavor. Buttermilk makes them moist and tender. Using melted butter gives richness, and vanilla adds a lovely aroma. The coating of sugar and cinnamon on warm donuts makes each bite irresistible.
Make sure to gather everything before you start. This will help you move smoothly through the recipe. Happy baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the donuts bake evenly. While that heats up, grease your donut pan with cooking spray or melted butter. This will keep the donuts from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Whisk these together until they mix well. This step is key for good texture.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat 1 large egg until mixed. Then add:
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk these until smooth. The wet mix adds moisture and flavor.
Combine Mixtures
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold them together. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps your donuts light and fluffy.
Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into each cavity of your donut pan. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full. This allows space for rising while baking.
Bake the Donuts
Place your donut pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they spring back lightly when touched and turn a light golden color.
Prepare the Coating
While the donuts are baking, mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Stir well to ensure an even coating.
Cool the Donuts
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for the right texture.
Coat the Donuts
While the donuts are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure they are fully coated. This adds a sweet and warm finish to each donut.
Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your freshly baked donuts warm. You can also let them cool completely before storing. They make great snacks for sharing or for a cozy treat at home!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Light and Fluffy Donuts
To make light and fluffy donuts, avoid overmixing the batter. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, use a spatula to gently fold them together. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. Overmixing makes the donuts dense. Trust me; a little lumpiness is okay. This method helps keep your donuts airy and soft.
Achieving the Perfect Golden Color
You want your donuts to look golden and inviting. Bake them for about 10 to 12 minutes. To check if they are done, gently touch the tops. They should spring back lightly. If your donuts look too pale, give them a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are great with drinks. I love pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm spices in the donuts complement the drinks perfectly. You can also serve them with milk for a classic treat. Arrange them nicely on a platter, and you’ll impress your friends and family.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking powder and spices for the best flavor and rise in your donuts.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together to keep your donuts light and airy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
- Check Doneness: Keep an eye on the donuts while baking; they should be golden and spring back when touched. A toothpick should come out clean.
- Cool Before Coating: Allow donuts to cool slightly before rolling them in cinnamon sugar to ensure the coating sticks well.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the taste of these donuts easily. Try adding nutmeg for warmth. A touch of vanilla bean enhances the sweetness. You might also mix in other spices like ginger or cardamom. Each spice brings its own unique flavor. Experiment to find your favorite combo!
Glaze Options
If you want more sweetness, think about glazes. A simple glaze can be made with powdered sugar and milk. You can also add maple syrup for a rich flavor. For a fun twist, use chocolate or lemon glaze. These options will take your donuts to the next level!
Healthier Substitutions
Want a healthier donut? You can swap regular flour for whole wheat flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. For sugar, try using honey or a sugar substitute. Applesauce can replace some butter, too. These changes can make your donuts a bit lighter without losing taste!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Donuts
To keep your baked cinnamon sugar donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can also line the container with paper towels. This absorbs any excess moisture and keeps donuts fluffy. If you have leftover donuts, try to eat them within two days for the best taste.
Freezing Donuts
If you want to save some donuts for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the donuts cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. When you want to eat one, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about five minutes. This will help regain some of that fresh-baked taste.
Shelf Life
Baked donuts can last about 2-3 days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they may last up to a week. However, freezing them is the best way to keep them fresh for a longer time. Proper storage is key to enjoying these treats at their best!
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk. Just add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to ¾ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This mix will give you a similar tangy taste to buttermilk.
How can I make these donuts vegan?
To make these donuts vegan, you can swap the egg for a flaxseed egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. Use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk. You can also use vegan butter.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
If you lack a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin. Fill each cup about halfway with batter. Bake them for about 15-18 minutes. These will be more like donut muffins, but still tasty!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure you have a big enough bowl to mix the batter. You may need to bake in batches if your pan can't hold all the donuts.
How do I know when my donuts are baked properly?
Your donuts are done when they spring back lightly when touched. They should also have a light golden color. You can also use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your donuts are ready!
These baked donuts are easy and fun to make. We covered the ingredients and steps for perfect donuts. Remember to not overmix for a light texture. You can enjoy them plain or with sweet coatings. For tasty variations, try different spices or glazes. Store extras properly to keep them fresh longer. Don’t hesitate to experiment with this recipe. You now have all you need to bake delicious donuts at home. Enjoy every bite!
