Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a light, cake-like donut. These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier option without sacrificing taste. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these donuts are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts for their soft, fluffy texture and the delicious coating of cinnamon sugar. They are quick and easy to prepare, requiring no deep-frying, which means less mess and fewer calories. These donuts are a perfect homemade treat that tastes like they came from your favorite bakery.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use a donut pan: A non-stick donut pan helps achieve the perfect shape and ensures easy removal.
- Do not overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Grease the pan well: Ensure the donut pan is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- Coat while warm: Toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm to help the coating adhere better.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free.
- Different spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
- Vanilla glaze: Instead of cinnamon sugar, dip the donuts in a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Vegan option: Use a plant-based milk and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make these donuts vegan.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also pair well with a glass of cold milk. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack throughout the day.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the donuts in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm the donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
Recipe FAQs
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan? Ensure the donut pan is well-greased with non-stick spray or butter.
Can I use muffin tins instead of a donut pan? Yes, you can use a muffin tin and fill each cup halfway to make donut-shaped muffins.
Why are my donuts dense? Overmixing the batter can result in dense donuts. Mix until just combined.
Can I make the batter ahead of time? It’s best to bake the batter immediately, but you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Easy to make and impossible to resist, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or anytime cravings strike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, pinch of salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, egg, and pure vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon or pipe the donut batter into the greased donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
- Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
- While the donuts are still warm, carefully remove them from the pan and place them on a wire rack.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
- Dip each warm donut in the melted butter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Roll the butter-coated donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated.
- Optionally, sprinkle a little more ground cinnamon or powdered sugar over the donuts for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve the Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 78mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 2g
