Delicious Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

The smell of cinnamon sugar warming in the oven hits me differently than almost anything else. I started making these baked donuts on a Sunday morning when I wanted something special without the hassle of deep frying. Now they've become the kind of treat friends text me about days later.

Last winter my neighbor came over shoveling snow and I pulled a fresh batch of these from the oven. She stood in my kitchen with snow still melting on her boots, coating a warm donut in cinnamon sugar and telling me it tasted like childhood. That's when I knew this recipe was something special.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these donuts their tender crumb
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough to balance the coating
• 2 tsp baking powder: Essential for that fluffy rise that makes them so light
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: A subtle warmth that deepens the overall flavor
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors so nothing tastes flat
• 3/4 cup milk: Room temperature helps everything blend smoothly
• 2 large eggs: Structure and richness that keeps donuts moist
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds flavor and tenderness to the crumb
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes all the difference here
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For the coating that creates that perfect crunch
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: Generous coating is what makes these irresistible
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 375°F and generously grease your donut pan with nonstick spray or butter

Whisk the dry ingredients:

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl

Mix the wet ingredients:

Whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until completely smooth

Combine the batter:

Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined, some small lumps are okay

Fill the pan:

Spoon or pipe batter into each cavity, filling about three quarters full

Bake until golden:

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean

Cool briefly:

Let donuts rest in the pan for 3 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack

Make the coating:

Whisk together sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl

Coat the donuts:

Brush each warm donut with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar until fully coated

Serve and enjoy:

Best served warm but still delicious at room temperature

Save

My daughter helped me make these for her class party and the teacher asked for the recipe before the last crumb disappeared. There's something so satisfying about watching someone bite into a donut you made from scratch and see their eyes light up.

Making Them Gluten Free

I've made these with a one to one glutenfree flour blend and honestly, no one could tell the difference. The texture stays just as tender and the cinnamon sugar coating hides any slight changes in color.

Coating Tricks

The butter brushing step matters more than you'd think. I use a pastry brush for even coverage and immediately roll them in the sugar while the butter is still melted. That's how you get that perfect crunch that gives way to soft donut underneath.

Storage And Freshness

These donuts are definitely best the first day, but I've found a trick for extending their life. Store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, then give them a quick warm in the oven before serving.

• Pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh the texture
• Extra coating mixture keeps in a jar for quick weekday treats
• The batter comes together so fast you can bake fresh whenever possible

Save

There's something about pulling a tray of warm cinnamon sugar donuts from the oven that makes any morning feel special. Hope these bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture remains light and fluffy, and the cinnamon sugar coating works perfectly with gluten-free versions.

→ Do I need a donut pan?

A donut pan creates the classic shape, but you can use a muffin tin instead. Just adjust the baking time slightly—muffin tins may need a few extra minutes. The coating works just as well on muffin-shaped treats.

→ How should I store leftover donuts?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted donuts for up to a month, then reheat and coat with cinnamon sugar when ready to serve.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

The batter is best used immediately since baking powder activates when mixed with wet ingredients. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before, then combine and bake fresh in the morning.

→ What's the best way to coat the donuts evenly?

Work while donuts are still warm—about 3 minutes after cooling. Brush melted butter gently over the entire surface, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the coating adhere perfectly for maximum flavor.

→ Can I add other spices to the coating?

Absolutely. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar blend. These warm spices complement the classic cinnamon flavor beautifully and add depth to the coating.