Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are melt in your mouth tasty, light, fluffy, and less calories since they are baked, not fried!
Easy Baked Donuts
Have you tried baked donuts? The classic method for donuts has always been to fry the dough and enjoy a crisp donut, with a tender, fluffy inside. However, years ago, when I first tried a baked donut, I was hooked. Not only does the donut still have the classic flavor, but being baked, I didn’t feel guilty reaching for that second one. Would you rather have one donut or two? Hopefully you answered that like me and want that second one. Melt in your mouth goodness in every bite, now made anytime that craving hits.
Why you’ll love these baked donuts
- Bakes in just 10 minutes!
- No frying or oil required.
- You can make these with just a bowl and a whisk, no electric mixer necessary.
- Pairs perfectly with a glass of milk or cup of coffee.
- Great idea to make with the kids, they especially love piping the batter into the pan.
- Homemade donuts are easier to make and much more affordable.
Ingredients Needed for the Best Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
With just a few pantry staples needed, you’ll be able to prepare these donuts anytime you want. Full printable recipe card at bottom of post.
Donuts
- Flour- all-purpose
- Cornstarch
- Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon/Nutmeg
- Buttermilk– feel free to use the alternative option as described below
- Eggs
- Butter- use unsalted as you are adding salt to this recipe
- Vanilla Extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Melted Butter- unsalted
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
Step-By-Step Instructions
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Add wet mixture to dry mixture and stir until just combined.
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Grease a donut pan and divide the batter amongst 6 donut wells.
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Place pan in a preheated oven, 375 degrees, and bake for about 10-12 minutes.
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While donuts are baking, combine the sugar and cinnamon together for the topping.
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Pour melted butter into a shallow bowl.
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Once donuts are out of the oven, dip the top of the donut into the butter, followed by dipping into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Continue process until all donuts have been thoroughly coated. Serve and enjoy!
Buttermilk Substitute With Vinegar
Not everyone keeps buttermilk around the house, but it is easy to substitute if you cannot make a run to the store. I know how it is when that donut craving hits! So instead, you can use 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to measure 1 cup. Stir it and let stand for 5 minutes. Then you’re all set!
How to store baked donuts
These donuts are best enjoyed the same day, however, if you need to store them, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature. They will keep for 2-3 days.
You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To defrost, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up in the microwave.
Top Tips for the ULTIMATE Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- If you like your donuts extra sweet, coat both sides of the donut in cinnamon sugar. If you prefer not too sweet, only dip one side.
- Make sure to coat the donuts while they’re still warm. The coating sticks much easier when warm.
- If you don’t have a pastry bag, just use a zippered plastic bag and cut the tip off.
Are Baked Donuts Healthy?
I can’t exactly call them “healthy”, however, they are much healthier than fried donuts! Not using the oil reduces the amount of fat in these donuts significantly. Hence why I mentioned above to go ahead and grab that second donut.
More donut recipes:
Incredible Apple Cider Donuts– melt in your mouth, cinnamon sugar-coated apple donuts that everyone will love!
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Donuts– if you love pumpkin and coffee cake, you have to try these baked pumpkin donuts!
Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts– these are moist and tender, with tons of incredible chocolate flavor throughout.
Original Coffee Cake Donuts– these combine two favorites into one Heavenly treat that is sure to make any mouth water! Enjoy for breakfast or as a snack!
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- TOPPING
- 3 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add wet mixture to dry mixture and stir until just combined.
- Grease a donut pan and divide the batter amongst 6 donut wells.
- Place pan in a preheated oven, 375 degrees, and bake for about 10-12 minutes.
- While donuts are baking, combine the sugar and cinnamon together for the topping.
- Pour melted butter into a shallow bowl.
- Once donuts are out of the oven, dip the top of the donut into the butter, followed by dipping into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Continue process until all donuts have been thoroughly coated.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe updated 10/26/2022
