There is something special about homemade cinnamon sugar donuts. With their soft, tender centers, lightly golden edges, and delicious coating of cinnamon and sugar, these baked donuts are a comforting treat that brings the warmth of a bakery right into your kitchen.
Unlike traditional fried donuts, these easy baked cinnamon sugar donuts are made in the oven, making them simple to prepare without the mess of hot oil. They use everyday pantry ingredients and come together quickly, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat alongside your favorite cup of coffee.
Whether you are making them for your family on a quiet morning or serving them at a weekend gathering, these cinnamon sugar donuts are sure to become a favorite.
Why You Will Love These Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Easy to make: You do not need yeast, complicated techniques, or a deep fryer. Simply mix the batter, fill a donut pan, and bake.
Soft and fluffy texture: A simple combination of flour, milk, butter, and baking powder creates tender donuts with a light, cake-like texture.
Classic cinnamon sugar coating: Each donut is coated in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, fragrant finish.
Less messy than fried donuts: Baking makes preparation easier and eliminates the need to handle hot frying oil.
Perfect for any occasion: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Family-friendly: Their familiar cinnamon flavor and sweet coating make them a hit with both children and adults.
Ingredients for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These donuts require basic baking ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
For the Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Donut Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard donut pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
If you have multiple donut pans, prepare them before mixing the batter so you can work quickly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and salt.
Mixing these ingredients first helps distribute the baking powder and spices evenly throughout the batter, giving the donuts a consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before adding it to the eggs to avoid accidentally cooking them.
Step 4: Make the Donut Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk just until everything is combined.
The batter should be thick but easy to spoon or pipe into the donut pan. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the donuts dense instead of soft and tender.
A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut cavities, filling each about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
You can also carefully spoon the batter into the pan if you prefer.
Avoid overfilling the cavities because the donuts need room to rise while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the donuts have risen, look lightly golden, and spring back when gently touched.
You can also insert a toothpick into one donut. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the donuts are ready.
Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Transfer the donuts to a wire rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts cool slightly, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.
Place the melted butter in a separate bowl.
Step 8: Coat the Donuts
While the donuts are still slightly warm, brush each one lightly with melted butter or dip it quickly into the butter.
Roll the donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until all sides are evenly coated.
For a lighter coating, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the donuts instead. For a more generous, bakery-style finish, roll them in the mixture a second time.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Place the coated donuts on a serving plate and enjoy them while they are fresh and tender.
They are delicious on their own or served with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk.
Tips for the Best Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Do not overmix the batter. Stir only until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can develop too much gluten and create tough donuts.
Use a piping bag for easy filling. Piping the batter into the donut pan helps create evenly shaped donuts with less mess.
Measure the flour correctly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off instead of packing it down. Too much flour can make the donuts dry.
Grease the pan well. Even nonstick donut pans benefit from a light coating of cooking spray or butter.
Coat the donuts while warm. The melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere evenly to the surface.
Avoid overbaking. Cake-style donuts can become dry if left in the oven too long. Begin checking them around the 10-minute mark.
Use fresh baking powder. Fresh baking powder helps the donuts rise properly and gives them a lighter texture.
Variations to Try
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Donuts
Replace a portion of the granulated sugar in the batter with light brown sugar. This adds a subtle caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Vanilla Cinnamon Donuts
Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for a stronger vanilla flavor.
Apple Cinnamon Donuts
Fold 1/2 cup of finely diced, peeled apple into the batter. Keep the pieces small so they distribute evenly and the donuts bake properly.
Nutmeg-Spiced Donuts
Increase the nutmeg slightly or add a small pinch of ground cloves for a warm, bakery-inspired flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
If you have a mini muffin pan, use the batter to make small donut-hole-style bites. Grease the pan well and begin checking for doneness after about 8–10 minutes. Adjust the baking time according to the size of the cavities.
Chocolate Drizzle Donuts
Allow the coated donuts to cool, then drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra-special dessert.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These donuts are versatile enough to enjoy at breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Coffee or espresso: The slightly bitter flavor of coffee balances the sweet cinnamon coating.
- Hot chocolate: A cozy pairing for cold mornings and winter afternoons.
- Fresh fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or apple slices add a refreshing contrast.
- Yogurt: Serve with plain or vanilla yogurt for an easy breakfast.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle a little over the donuts when serving them as a dessert.
- Ice cream: Pair a slightly warmed donut with vanilla ice cream for a simple but delicious treat.
How to Store Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
At Room Temperature
Allow the donuts to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For the best cinnamon sugar coating, keep them in a single layer if possible. Stacking them may cause the sugar to become damp or rub off.
In the Refrigerator
Refrigeration is generally unnecessary for plain baked donuts. It can also make them dry more quickly. If your kitchen is particularly warm, store them in an airtight container in a cool place and enjoy them promptly.
In the Freezer
For longer storage, freeze the uncoated donuts after they have cooled completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Thaw at room temperature, then warm gently and brush with melted butter before rolling in freshly prepared cinnamon sugar.
How to Reheat
Warm a donut in the microwave for about 8–12 seconds, checking carefully to avoid overheating.
Alternatively, place the donuts in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through. If the coating has become damp or the sugar has disappeared, add a fresh layer of cinnamon sugar before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are baked cinnamon sugar donuts the same as fried donuts?
No. These donuts are cake-style donuts made with baking powder and cooked in the oven. Fried donuts often use yeast or a different dough and develop a distinct texture from frying. Baked donuts are easy to prepare and do not require hot oil.
Do I need a special donut pan?
A donut pan is the easiest way to achieve the traditional ring shape. If you do not have one, you can bake the batter in a greased mini muffin pan, although the result will be more like small cinnamon sugar donut bites.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
For the best rise and texture, bake the batter soon after mixing. Baking powder begins reacting when combined with liquid, so letting the batter sit for too long may result in less fluffy donuts.
Why did my donuts turn out dry?
Dry donuts are usually caused by too much flour, overmixing, or overbaking. Measure the flour carefully, stir only until combined, and remove the donuts from the oven as soon as they are cooked through.
How do I make the cinnamon sugar stick?
Brush or dip the donuts in melted butter while they are still slightly warm, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure the donuts are not completely cold, as the coating may not adhere as well.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes. Whole milk, 2% milk, or unsweetened dairy-free milk can work. Different milk varieties may slightly affect the flavor and texture, but the recipe should still produce tender donuts.
Can I make these donuts without nutmeg?
Absolutely. Nutmeg is optional and adds a warm, subtle spice. The donuts will still taste delicious with cinnamon alone.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar in the batter, but it may affect the flavor and texture. For the classic cinnamon sugar donut experience, keep the coating as written and adjust the sweetness of the batter to your preference.
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–14 minutes
Cooling and Coating Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35–40 minutes
Yield: 12 standard donuts
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cooking Method: Baking
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard donut pan.
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Pipe or spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
- Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the donuts in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.
- Serve warm or allow to cool completely before storing.
Final Thoughts
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a simple homemade treat that delivers everything you love about classic cinnamon sugar pastries: a soft interior, a delicate golden crust, and a sweet, spiced coating.
Because they are baked instead of fried, they are easy to prepare with everyday ingredients and minimal cleanup. Enjoy them fresh from the oven for breakfast, share them with family and friends, or save a few for a comforting afternoon snack.
Once you try these homemade donuts, you may find yourself making them whenever you want a quick, cozy treat with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon and sugar.