If you crave sweet treats, you’ll love these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts. They are soft, fluffy, and coated in a dreamy cinnamon-sugar mix. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these donuts are easy to make and fun to eat! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll whip up a batch in no time. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will soon become a favorite in your home!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet: These donuts are coated in a heavenly cinnamon sugar mixture that elevates their sweetness, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these donuts provide a lighter option while still delivering that comforting donut flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, to personalize these donuts to your taste.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 large egg
– ½ cup milk
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cinnamon Sugar Coating Ingredients
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
When making these cinnamon sugar baked donuts, it’s key to gather all your ingredients first. This helps you work smoothly. Start with all-purpose flour. It forms the base of the donuts. Granulated sugar adds the right sweetness. Baking powder gives them a nice rise. Salt enhances all the flavors. Ground cinnamon, the star spice, brings warmth.
Next, you’ll need a large egg for richness. Milk adds moisture and softness. Unsalted butter, melted, adds flavor and helps with texture. Finally, for the cinnamon sugar coating, you’ll mix more granulated sugar with ground cinnamon and melted butter. This coating makes every bite a sweet treat.
Having everything ready will make your baking fun and easy! Remember, the right ingredients lead to soft and fluffy donuts. Enjoy the process!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Donut Pan
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease the donut pan with a little butter or non-stick spray.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
– In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
– Whisk these ingredients until they blend well.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
– In another bowl, beat 1 large egg.
– Add ½ cup milk, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the egg.
– Mix everything until smooth and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
– Pour the wet mix into the dry mix.
– Stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay; do not over mix.
– Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to fill each donut cavity about ¾ full.
Baking the Donuts
– Place the filled donut pan in the oven.
– Bake for 10-12 minutes. They are ready when golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Coating the Donuts
– While the donuts cool, prepare the cinnamon sugar.
– In a bowl, mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
– Brush each warm donut with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
– Roll or dip the donuts in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
To make your donuts soft and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, stop as soon as they come together. A few lumps are okay. This keeps the donuts light. Also, ensure your oven is at the right temperature. An oven thermometer helps to confirm this.
Best Practices for Baking
Using a piping bag makes filling the donut pan easier. If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag works too. Just snip off a corner to pipe the batter. Monitor your baking time closely. Donuts bake quickly, so check them at 10 minutes. They should be golden and firm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your warm donuts with coffee or tea. They make a great pair! For a pretty touch, add a sprig of mint to your plate. This adds color and flavor. Enjoy your treats fresh for the best taste!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your egg and milk to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and contributes to a fluffier donut.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so keep it gentle!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to the batter for a unique flavor twist.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can last for a day or two.
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can make these donuts even more fun by adding extra flavors. Consider adding chocolate chips to the batter. This adds a sweet and rich taste. You can also incorporate nuts for crunch. Walnuts or pecans work great here. Want something seasonal? Try adding pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon. This gives a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall.
Glaze Options
If you want a different finish, consider a glaze. A simple vanilla glaze adds sweetness. Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla. For chocolate lovers, a chocolate glaze is great. Melt chocolate and mix it with cream. You can also use toppings like sprinkles for color. This makes the donuts look festive and fun.
Healthier Alternatives
You can make these donuts a bit healthier too. Try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. If you want to cut sugar, use substitutes like honey or maple syrup. For those who prefer vegan options, swap the egg for flaxseed meal. Use plant milk instead of regular milk too. These swaps keep the taste yummy while making them lighter.
Storage Info
Room Temperature Storage
Keep your baked donuts in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Store them at room temperature, away from sunlight. They stay good for about 2 days. After that, they may lose some of their softness.
Refrigeration Tips
To keep your donuts fresh for longer, use the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They can last up to one week this way. When you want to eat one, take it out and warm it. You can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. This will help bring back some of the soft texture.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great way to store baked donuts. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap tightly. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw. You can leave them at room temperature. Or, if you want, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them soft and delicious!
FAQs
How do I make baked donuts without a donut pan?
You can use a muffin tin instead. Just fill each muffin cup about halfway with batter. Bake as you would donuts. This makes round treats but not the classic donut shape. Use a knife to cut a hole in the center if you want.
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that almond flour is denser. You may need to adjust liquids. Start with a bit less almond flour to see how it works. This change can make a moister donut with a nice flavor.
What is the difference between baked and fried donuts?
Baked donuts are lighter and fluffier. They use less oil and are often healthier. Fried donuts are richer, denser, and have a crispy outer layer. Both are tasty, but baked donuts are easier to make at home.
How can I make these donuts more nutritious?
Swap some flour for whole wheat flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce sugar or add applesauce for moisture. Adding nuts or fruits can boost the health factor too.
How long do baked donuts stay fresh?
Baked donuts stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months, then thaw when ready to eat.
These baked donuts are easy and fun to make. We covered the best ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can change the flavor or make them healthier. Remember to store them right for the best taste. Enjoy serving these donuts warm with coffee. They will impress family and friends. Try out your favorite variations and have fun in the kitche
