Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts (Printable)

Soft, fluffy baked donuts coated in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mix, perfect for a quick treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 tsp baking powder
04 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Coating

11 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
13 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

# Directions:

01 - Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a standard donut pan.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Spoon or pipe batter evenly into the donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.
06 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until donuts spring back lightly when touched.
07 - Let donuts cool in the pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
08 - Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then immediately dip in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to evenly coat.
09 - Serve donuts warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They bake in just 12 minutes, so you can have fresh donuts faster than a coffee run.
  • No deep frying means less mess and a lighter texture that still feels indulgent.
  • The cinnamon-sugar coating clings to every curve and tastes like childhood mornings.
  • You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now.
02 -
  • Do not overmix the batter or your donuts will turn out dense and rubbery instead of light and fluffy.
  • Coat the donuts while they are still warm, the butter and sugar bond better and create that bakery-style finish.
  • If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar and let it sit for five minutes.
03 -
  • Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off to fill the donut pan neatly and avoid spills.
  • Don't skip greasing the pan, even if it's nonstick, because the butter in the batter can cause sticking.
  • Let the donuts cool just enough to handle but coat them while still warm for the best cinnamon-sugar coverage.
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