If there’s one thing that can instantly elevate a morning, it’s the aroma of freshly baked donuts wafting through the kitchen. I can still recall the joy of biting into a warm, fluffy donut coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, and now, I’m excited to share with you a simple yet delightful recipe that will have you whipping up these treats in just 30 minutes! Perfectly baked, not fried, these soft donuts are not only a healthier option but also a canvas for your creativity.
Imagine cozy weekends filled with the warm flavors of cinnamon, or even experimenting with variations like pumpkin spice or chocolate dip. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a homemade treat with your morning coffee, this donut recipe is your answer. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the world of easy homemade donuts made with love!
Why love this Donut Recipe?
Simplicity at its finest: This recipe allows anyone, regardless of baking experience, to create soft and fluffy donuts in just 30 minutes.
Endless Variations: Experiment with flavors like pumpkin spice or chocolate dip to keep things exciting for any occasion.
Healthier Choice: Baked not fried, these donuts are a lighter treat, making them perfect for guilt-free indulgence.
Crowd-Pleasing: Serve them warm at brunch or as a midnight snack and watch your family and friends come back for seconds.
Quick and Easy: With simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up these delicious donuts anytime—no need for complicated methods.
Arresting Aroma: The enticing scent of cinnamon sugar fills your kitchen, creating a warm atmosphere that enhances every bite. Enjoy these delights fresh from your oven or with a cup of coffee as a perfect pair!
Donut Recipe – Soft, Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Ingredients
For the Donuts
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; gluten-free flour can be used for a lighter option.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps form a delightful crust; swap for coconut sugar to reduce glycemic impact.
Baking Powder – The essential leavening agent that helps the donuts rise perfectly.
Salt – Amplifies the flavors, making every bite more delicious.
Ground Cinnamon – Infuses the donuts with warm spice; feel free to add cardamom for an extra aromatic twist.
Nutmeg – Adds a touch of warm, nutty flavor to complement the cinnamon.
Milk – Keeps the batter moist; substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free treat.
Eggs – Binds the ingredients together, providing richness.
Melted Butter – Contributes moisture and flavor; coconut oil is an excellent dairy-free alternative.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and overall flavor profile of the donuts.
For the Coating
Granulated Sugar – The base for rolling the donuts gives them a lovely sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon – Combined with sugar for the classic cinnamon-sugar coating that everyone loves.
Enjoy making this Donut Recipe – Soft, Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar as a delightful treat any day of the week!
How to Make Donut Recipe – Soft, Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Generously spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your donuts slide out easily after baking.
Whisk together the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended to create a uniform mixture.
Mix the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your donuts tender and fluffy.
Fill the donut pan. Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner cut off, then pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. Place the donut pan in the preheated oven, then bake until the donuts spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and coat. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for that classic coating.
Optional: For an extra treat, add a drizzle of chocolate glaze on top after rolling in cinnamon sugar.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Donut Recipe – Soft, Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar
Room Temperature: Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Fridge: Placing them in the fridge is not recommended, as this can dry them out. It’s best to consume them at room temperature.
Freezer: Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months. After thawing, coat them with cinnamon sugar for a delightful finish.
Reheating: Warm leftover donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their fluffy texture before serving. Enjoy your homemade donut recipe!
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to save time on busy mornings. Additionally, you can prepare the wet mixture and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply combine the wet and dry ingredients, fill the donut pan, and bake as directed. To maintain the donuts’ fluffy texture, ensure they cool completely before coating them in cinnamon sugar. This way, you can enjoy fresh, soft donuts with minimal effort, making mornings a little sweeter!
What to Serve with Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?
Nothing pairs better than warm flavors and delightful textures that make any meal special.
Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich, bold taste of coffee beautifully complements the sweetness of the donuts, making every bite a joy.
Scrambled Eggs: Creamy and fluffy scrambled eggs add a savory element, creating a charming balance for a weekend brunch.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle elevates flavor, offering a sweet contrast that enhances the cinnamon sugar coating.
Hot Chocolate: Creamy and indulgent, hot chocolate brings a cozy warmth that pairs harmoniously with these delightful treats.
Greek Yogurt: A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt serves as a refreshing contrast, perfect for those looking to indulge while keeping it light.
Fresh Berries: The bright, juicy burst of berries adds a fresh dimension, making each bite of donut even more satisfying.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For a delightful dessert, serve warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a perfect sweet ending.
Each of these pairings enhances the simple pleasure of your donut recipe, turning any occasion into a memorable feast!
Variations & Substitutions for Donut Recipe
Looking to add a personal touch to your delightful donuts? Let your creativity soar with these exciting variations that will keep your taste buds dancing!
Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a deliciously creamy, dairy-free option that maintains the soft texture.
Pumpkin Spice: Incorporate pumpkin puree and a blend of pumpkin pie spices to create seasonal, fall-inspired donuts that warm the soul.
Chocolatey Delight: Swap out some flour for cocoa powder to transform your donuts into a rich chocolate version, perfect for any chocolate lover.
Apple Cider Twist: Replace the milk with fresh apple cider for a hint of fruity sweetness, evoking the essence of autumn in every bite.
Nutty Flavor: Add finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the batter for a delightful crunch that complements the soft donut texture.
Glazed Options: After rolling in cinnamon sugar, drizzle a simple vanilla or chocolate glaze on top for an extra touch of sweetness and decadence.
Mini Versions: Use a mini donut pan to create bite-sized treats, adjusting the baking time to 7-8 minutes for quick, adorable donuts.
Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a surprising twist.
Expert Tips
Don’t Overmix: Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts rather than the soft and fluffy texture desired in this donut recipe.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy; incorrect temperatures can cause your donuts to bake unevenly or become too dry.
Piping Precision: Filling the donut cavities about two-thirds full helps them rise perfectly without overflowing. A piping bag makes this step a breeze!
Warm Coating: Rolling donuts in cinnamon sugar while they’re warm helps the sugar adhere better for a delightful, sweet crust.
Experiment Wisely: While variations are fun, try adding just one new flavor at a time, such as pumpkin spice, to avoid overwhelming the classic cinnamon sugar taste.
Storage Smarts: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Revive them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel again!
Donut Recipe – Soft, Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best flour for this donut recipe?
For the best results, I recommend using all-purpose flour, which provides the ideal structure and texture for these donuts. If you need a gluten-free option, feel free to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that you enjoy.
How long can I store these donuts?
You can store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just make sure they’re well-covered to keep them from drying out. If they last this long, you can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their softness!
Can I freeze these cinnamon sugar donuts?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncoated donuts for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, then coat them in cinnamon sugar after thawing and reheating for a fresh taste. To thaw, just leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before warming.
What should I do if my donuts come out dense?
If your donuts turn out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Another tip is to check your baking powder’s freshness, as an expired ingredient won’t help your donuts rise properly.
Are there any allergies I should consider with this recipe?
If you’re accommodating allergies, this donut recipe can easily be made dairy-free by using almond or oat milk and replacing melted butter with coconut oil. Always check for any specific allergens, especially if you’re serving them to guests.
Can I make flavored variations of these donuts?
Yes, you can! This donut recipe is versatile. You can add spices like cardamom or switch out the ground cinnamon for cocoa powder to make chocolate donuts. For a seasonal twist, try adding pumpkin puree and spice for delightful pumpkin donuts! Experimenting with flavors will keep things exciting!
Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Soft & Fluffy in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag and fill the donut pan cavities about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until they spring back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack.
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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