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Baked cinnamon sugar donuts on a plate with a sprinkle of cinnamon

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

A nostalgic and comforting recipe for light, tender donuts coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, perfect for sharing and customizing with various flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the donuts
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Use spooned-and-level measuring for consistent results.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar The base of the batter for sweetness and structure.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder The leavening agent that makes the donuts tender and light.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds classic warm spice; can increase slightly for a bolder flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt Balances flavor and brings out sweetness.
  • ¾ cup milk Whole milk gives richness; can swap with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature eggs help with rise and structure.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Adds tenderness and buttery flavor; cool slightly before mixing.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Rounds out flavor with sweet floral notes.
For the coating
  • ½ cup granulated sugar For coating the warm donuts.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Mixed with sugar for the classic cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted To help the cinnamon sugar stick and provide a glossy finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined.
  5. Spoon the batter into a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full.
Baking
  1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched.
  2. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Coating
  1. For the coating, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
  2. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Serving
  1. Allow coated donuts to cool slightly on a wire rack so the sugar sets and any excess butter drips away.
  2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

These donuts can be served with coffee, chai, or hot chocolate. Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.