There is something truly heartwarming about whipping up a batch of homemade cinnamon treats, and this Baked Cinnamon Donuts Recipe hits that cozy sweet spot perfectly. These donuts combine the tender crumb of a baked cake with the irresistible spice of cinnamon in every bite, making them a perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up. Lightly sweet, fluffy, and topped with a luscious cinnamon glaze, these donuts showcase how easy it is to enjoy a bakery-worthy treat right out of your oven without all the frying fuss. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your go-to for a quick homemade indulgence that feels both classic and refreshingly simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering this delicious Baked Cinnamon Donuts Recipe. These simple staples each play a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and cinnamon aroma that make these donuts special.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: The base of our batter, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps lighten the donuts for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: The leavening agent that gives our donuts a gentle rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that is bright and clean tasting.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice infusing the batter with warm, fragrant flavor.
- 1/3 cup buttermilk: Keeps the donuts tender and adds a subtle tanginess.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to a moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon butter (melted): Adds richness and helps keep the donuts moist.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for topping): Provides a slight crust when mixed with cinnamon sugar on top.
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar: Brings depth and caramel notes to the cinnamon topping.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping): A double dose to make cinnamon flavor shine.
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for topping): Helps the topping stick and adds buttery richness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet, smooth glaze to finish the donuts.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for glaze): Adds a gentle cinnamon hint to the glaze.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds warmth and balances the spice.
How to Make Baked Cinnamon Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients — the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon — in a large bowl. This ensures the cinnamon is evenly dispersed for that signature warm flavor in every bite. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring just until everything is blended but not overmixed. This will keep your donuts light and fluffy rather than dense.
Step 2: Fill Your Donut Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan so the donuts come out easily after baking. Fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full with the batter — you can use a piping bag or simply spoon the batter in carefully to avoid overflow. This step is key to getting those perfect donut shapes with the classic donut “hole” on the inside.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 8 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the donut comes out clean. Baking instead of frying makes these treats lighter and reduces the overall prep mess, making them a fantastic quick indulgence all around.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the donuts bake, combine your topping ingredients: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. As soon as the donuts come out of the oven, brush each one with the melted butter and then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over them. This lovely, lightly crunchy topping creates a beautiful contrast to the soft muffin-like interior and seals in that fabulous cinnamon flavor.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Finally, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the warm donuts for an irresistible finishing touch. The glaze not only adds sweetness but also a glossy, professional look that makes these donuts just as tempting as anything you’d find at a bakery.
How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra fun, sprinkle some crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets, offering a delightful crunch and nuttiness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon. You can also dust a light pinch of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar for a pretty presentation that feels thoughtful and inviting.
Side Dishes
These baked donuts are heavenly on their own, but if you want to turn this into a full brunch delight, consider serving them with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples. A cup of rich hot chocolate or a bold black coffee complements the sweet-spiced flavors beautifully and rounds out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by arranging your donuts in a layered donut tower or stacking them on a pretty plate with cinnamon sticks and edible flowers for an eye-catching centerpiece. For casual occasions, pack them in individual boxes or paper bags tied with twine — perfect for gifting and sharing the love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover donuts (though it’s hard not to eat them all right away), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They maintain their tenderness and flavor nicely without drying out quickly, so you can enjoy them fresh the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these baked cinnamon donuts to enjoy later by placing them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They freeze well for up to one month, giving you a quick indulgence ready whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen or leftover donuts warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back the soft texture and makes the cinnamon glaze delightfully melty again, almost like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts without buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/3 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This keeps the tangy flavor and tender texture that buttermilk provides in the recipe.
Will these donuts be gluten-free if I swap the flour?
Traditional all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Keep in mind that texture may be a bit different, and using a blend specially made for baking will give you the best results.
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in the topping?
Yes, regular granulated sugar works just fine, though brown sugar adds a richer, caramel-like flavor that really complements the cinnamon. If you decide to skip brown sugar, consider adding a tiny splash of molasses to get some of that depth back.
Are these donuts good for breakfast or dessert?
They’re perfect for both! The balance of sweetness and spice makes these donuts a fantastic start to the day alongside coffee, or a cozy, comforting dessert after dinner. They’re flexible and feel just right anytime.
Do I have to use the glaze or are the cinnamon sugar topping and baked donuts enough?
The cinnamon sugar topping alone makes these donuts delicious, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and that lovely soft shine that makes each bite irresistible. It’s worth making if you want to impress or just enjoy a sweeter treat.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a warm, welcoming, and utterly delicious Baked Cinnamon Donuts Recipe that you can make in no time and enjoy with loved ones. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the comforting cinnamon flavor creates donuts that feel special, yet are easy enough to make on any day. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and fall in love with how effortlessly delightful cinnamon donuts can be without a frying pan in sight. Happy baking!
Print
Baked Cinnamon Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These baked cinnamon donuts offer a delightful twist on classic fried donuts, delivering a tender crumb with a perfect cinnamon sugar coating and a smooth cinnamon glaze. Ideal for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack, they’re easy to make and require no deep-frying, making them a lighter treat with all the cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Cinnamon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Donut Batter: In a bowl, whisk together ¾ cup all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with buttermilk and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until combined and smooth.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan. Pour the batter evenly into the donut molds, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 8 minutes or until the donuts are springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush the warm donuts lightly with melted butter, then dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Prepare the Glazes and Serve: For the cinnamon glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. For the vanilla glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Dip the donuts partially or fully into either glaze according to preference. Let glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Use a non-stick donut pan or grease well to avoid sticking.
- Donuts are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can choose between cinnamon glaze or vanilla glaze or use both for variety.
- If buttermilk is not available, substitute with milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
