If you’re craving a warm and sweet treat, you’ll love making Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. They’re easy to whip up and taste like a hug in a bite. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy these fluffy donuts right at home. No frying, no mess! Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get started on this delightful recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: These baked donuts are perfectly sweet with a warm cinnamon taste that makes them irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying means you can enjoy these treats with less guilt.
- Perfect for Sharing: These donuts are ideal for breakfast gatherings or brunch with friends and family.
Ingredients
To make baked cinnamon sugar donuts, you need these simple ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
These items are easy to find in most kitchens. The flour gives the donuts structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps them rise. The salt enhances the taste, and cinnamon gives that warm flavor we love.
Using an egg binds the mix and adds richness. Buttermilk keeps the donuts moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with lemon juice for a quick substitute. Melted butter brings a nice, buttery flavor, and vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. Finally, the extra sugar and cinnamon for coating make each bite irresistible.
Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create your delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven and grease the pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease your donut pan. This step helps the donuts pop out easily after baking.
2. Mixing dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients well ensures they blend properly for even flavor.
3. Combining wet ingredients
In another bowl, beat 1 large egg. Then add ¾ cup of buttermilk, ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients until you achieve a smooth mixture.
4. Folding wet and dry ingredients together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. This keeps your donuts light and fluffy.
Baking the Donuts
1. Filling the donut pan
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
2. Baking time and temperature
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The donuts are done when they spring back lightly when touched.
3. Testing for doneness
To be sure, you can insert a toothpick into a donut. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready!
Adding the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
1. Preparing the coating mixture
While the donuts bake, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will be your delicious coating.
2. Cooling the donuts
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Rolling in the cinnamon sugar
While the donuts are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly for that perfect sweet finish. Enjoy your tasty treats!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture for your donuts, avoid overmixing. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. You want to see some lumps in the batter. This keeps the donuts light and fluffy.
Measuring your ingredients accurately is key. Use measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. A kitchen scale can help for precision. Even a little too much flour can make your donuts dense.
Enhancements for Flavor
You can easily add more flavor to your donuts. Try mixing in nutmeg with the cinnamon. This adds a warm, spicy kick. Vanilla extract is another great choice. It makes your donuts smell and taste amazing!
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use yogurt. Just thin it with a bit of milk. This swap gives a nice tang and keeps the donuts moist.
Tools for Success
A good donut pan is essential. Look for a non-stick one to help release the donuts easily. Silicone pans are great too, as they make it simple to pop out the treats.
You will also need mixing bowls and a whisk. A pastry brush is handy for greasing the pan. These tools will help you create perfect donuts every time!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking powder and spices for the best flavor and rise in your donuts.
- Donut Pan Care: Ensure your donut pan is well-greased to prevent sticking and make for easy removal after baking.
- Mixing Technique: Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay for tender donuts.
- Coating Tip: Roll the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm for better adherence of the coating.
Variations
Alternative Flavors
You can spice things up with different flavors. Here are two great ideas:
- Chocolate Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: To make these, add 1/3 cup of cocoa powder to the dry mix. This gives a rich chocolate taste. You can still coat them in cinnamon sugar for a tasty twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Variation: For a fall treat, mix in 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice. This adds warmth and flavor that feels like autumn.
Gluten-Free Option
If you need a gluten-free choice, you can swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Make sure to choose a blend that works well for baking. This will keep the texture light and fluffy.
Toppings and Fillings
Donuts can be fun to customize. Here are some tasty options:
- Glazing Options: You can glaze your donuts after baking. Mix powdered sugar with milk for a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the warm donuts for a sweet touch.
- Adding Frosting or Fillings: Try filling your donuts with jam or cream. You can also frost them with chocolate or vanilla frosting. This adds delicious layers of flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect baked donut!
Storage Info
How to Store
To keep your baked cinnamon sugar donuts fresh, follow these tips:
- Allow the donuts to cool completely.
- Store them in an airtight container.
- Keep the container at room temperature.
- Do not stack the donuts; this can cause them to become squished.
Using a container made of glass or plastic works best. A cake dome also keeps them moist.
Freezing Donuts
Freezing your donuts is an easy way to save some for later. Here’s how:
- Wrap each donut in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped donuts in a freezer bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.
To reheat after freezing:
- Remove the donut from the freezer.
- Let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar again if needed.
This way, you can enjoy warm, tasty donuts whenever you want!
FAQs
How do I know when my donuts are done baking?
You can tell the donuts are ready when they spring back after a light touch. You can also insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your donuts are done. Baking usually takes 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Can I make these donuts without buttermilk?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor and texture.
How long do baked donuts last at room temperature?
Baked donuts can last up to three days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. If you want them longer, consider freezing them.
Can I use alternative sweeteners in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap granulated sugar with sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. Just check the package instructions for the right amount to use, as sweeteners vary in sweetness.
You’ve learned how to make delicious baked donuts from scratch. We covered ingredients, easy steps, and tips for the best texture. I shared ways to add flavor and offered fun variations. You also discovered storage methods to keep your donuts fresh.
Now, it’s your turn to try this recipe. Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy baking!
