There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, warm, cinnamon-dusted doughnut, especially when it’s fresh out of the oven. The combination of sugar and cinnamon with the tender, buttery dough creates an irresistibly delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.
If you’ve always wanted to make homemade doughnuts but didn’t want the hassle of frying, these Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts are exactly what you need. Not only are they healthier than their fried counterparts, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. You can have a batch of these flavorful doughnuts ready in under 30 minutes, with minimal fuss and no splattering oil.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through the process of making baked doughnuts from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who’s just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and sure to become a favorite. We’ll also cover helpful tips, storage instructions, variations, and answer common questions so that your doughnuts turn out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts
- Healthier than fried doughnuts: Because these doughnuts are baked rather than fried, they’re lower in fat and calories while still maintaining that delicious doughnut flavor and texture.
- Easy and quick to make: From start to finish, these doughnuts take just 20-30 minutes. Perfect for when you want a quick homemade treat.
- Perfectly fluffy and soft: The doughnuts are light, fluffy, and incredibly tender, thanks to the combination of simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Once you master the basic recipe, you can try out different toppings, glazes, and flavorings to make them your own.
- Kid-friendly: Kids love doughnuts, and they’ll have even more fun helping you bake and decorate these cinnamon-coated treats!
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is for anyone who loves doughnuts and is looking for a healthier, easier alternative to frying. If you’re someone who enjoys baking but wants something quick and satisfying, these Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts are a perfect choice. You don’t need any special skills or fancy equipment (aside from a doughnut pan), and the ingredients are simple, so you likely already have most of them in your pantry.
These doughnuts are also a great choice for families—kids love them, and they can even help with the process! Whether you’re making them for breakfast, as a weekend treat, or for a holiday brunch, these doughnuts are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these fluffy Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The foundation of the doughnut batter.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the doughnuts rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – Works with the baking powder to ensure the doughnuts bake evenly.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon – Adds a warm, comforting spice to the doughnut batter.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the doughnuts without making them overly sugary.
- 1/4 cup milk – Adds moisture to the doughnut batter.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream) – Keeps the doughnuts soft and tender.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth and richness to the flavor.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – For a touch of richness and moisture.
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Coats the doughnuts for that signature sweet crunch.
- 1 tsp cinnamon – Mixed with the sugar for a perfect cinnamon-sugar topping.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the doughnuts.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to make substitutions or add variety:
- Dairy-free version: You can replace the milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk. For the yogurt, use a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt.
- Whole wheat flour: For a healthier option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a bit more texture and a nutty flavor to the doughnuts.
- Gluten-free option: Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Make sure to use one that includes xanthan gum for structure.
- Spice it up: Want more spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the batter for a spicier flavor profile.
- Glazed doughnuts: Instead of a cinnamon-sugar coating, you can dip the doughnuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a classic doughnut experience.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two bowls—one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To combine the wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking, so be sure to measure your ingredients accurately.
- Doughnut pan: A 6-cavity doughnut pan is ideal for this recipe. You can find these at most kitchen stores or online.
- Spatula: For folding the ingredients together and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Pastry brush: To apply the melted butter before coating the doughnuts in cinnamon sugar.
- Wire cooling rack: To cool the doughnuts evenly after baking.
Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s a detailed guide to making Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts from scratch:
1. Prepare the Batter
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your doughnut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2️⃣ In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, granulated sugar, milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
4️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense doughnuts.
2. Fill the Doughnut Pan
1️⃣ Spoon the batter into a large resealable plastic bag or a piping bag with the tip cut off. Pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
2️⃣ Alternatively, you can spoon the batter directly into the pan, but piping the batter helps create evenly shaped doughnuts.
3. Bake the Doughnuts
1️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the doughnuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2️⃣ Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
1️⃣ While the doughnuts are cooling, prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
2️⃣ Melt the butter in a separate bowl.
5. Coat the Doughnuts
1️⃣ Once the doughnuts are cool enough to handle but still slightly warm, brush the tops of each doughnut with the melted butter.
2️⃣ Dip each buttered doughnut into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly.
3️⃣ Place the coated doughnuts back on the cooling rack to set for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts are best enjoyed warm, right after they’ve been coated in cinnamon sugar. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. For an extra indulgent treat, you can serve them with a side of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even some fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries.
If you’re serving these doughnuts for a special occasion like a holiday brunch, consider setting up a DIY doughnut bar where guests can add their own toppings, such as chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or even a scoop of ice cream for a fun twist.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the doughnuts to become dense rather than light and fluffy. Fold the ingredients together gently until just combined.
- Use a piping bag for precision: Piping the batter into the doughnut pan ensures that each doughnut is evenly shaped and bakes uniformly.
- Bake until golden: Keep an eye on the doughnuts in the oven. They should be golden brown and spring back slightly when pressed. If you’re unsure, use a toothpick to check for doneness—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
- Let them cool slightly before coating: The doughnuts should be warm but not hot when you coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. If they’re too hot, the sugar will melt and become sticky rather than powdery.
How to Store Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts
These doughnuts are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- At room temperature: Store the doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, they may start to lose their softness.
- In the refrigerator: You can store the doughnuts in the fridge for up to 5 days, but keep in mind that refrigeration can cause the doughnuts to dry out. If you refrigerate them, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving to restore their softness.
- Freezing the doughnuts: To freeze, place the doughnuts in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for about 20-30 seconds to warm them up.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, there are plenty of ways to switch things up and get creative with your baked doughnuts:
- Glazed doughnuts: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating, dip the doughnuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Chocolate-covered doughnuts: For a chocolate twist, melt semisweet chocolate chips and dip the tops of the doughnuts in the melted chocolate. Let them set on a wire rack until the chocolate hardens.
- Pumpkin spice doughnuts: To make these doughnuts fall-ready, replace the cinnamon with 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice and add 1/4 cup of pumpkin purée to the batter. You can also top them with a cinnamon glaze for extra autumn flavor.
- Cinnamon apple doughnuts: Stir in 1/2 cup of finely chopped apples into the batter and sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the top before baking. This gives the doughnuts an apple-cinnamon flavor perfect for fall.
- Filled doughnuts: If you have a piping bag and a little extra time, you can fill the doughnuts with jam, Nutella, or pastry cream after baking. Simply poke a small hole in the bottom and pipe the filling inside.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dense doughnuts: If your doughnuts turn out dense rather than fluffy, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Doughnuts sticking to the pan: Make sure to grease your doughnut pan well with non-stick spray or butter before adding the batter. This will help the doughnuts release easily after baking.
- Uneven baking: If your doughnuts aren’t baking evenly, it might be because the batter isn’t distributed evenly in the pan. Use a piping bag to fill each cavity uniformly.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information per doughnut (based on a batch of 6 doughnuts):
- Calories: 230
- Total fat: 11g
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 3g
FAQ Section
1. Can I make baked doughnuts without a doughnut pan?
Yes! If you don’t have a doughnut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead. The doughnuts won’t have the traditional hole in the middle, but they’ll still taste great. Alternatively, you can use a homemade doughnut pan by creating molds with aluminum foil.
2. Can I freeze the doughnuts?
Yes, you can freeze these baked doughnuts for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! To make the recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), use a dairy-free milk alternative (like almond or soy milk), and replace the butter with a plant-based butter.
4. How can I make gluten-free doughnuts?
You can make these doughnuts gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the flour blend you choose includes xanthan gum to ensure the doughnuts hold together properly.
5. Why are my doughnuts dry?
If your doughnuts are dry, it’s likely because they were overbaked. Keep an eye on them in the oven and check for doneness with a toothpick at the 10-minute mark. If the toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready to come out of the oven.
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Enjoy your Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts! 🍩🎉