Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts Recipe: Easy & Delicious Homemade Treat

If you love doughnuts but want something a little lighter and easier to make at home, baked cinnamon doughnuts are the perfect solution. Unlike their fried counterparts, baked doughnuts are healthier, but they don’t skimp on flavor or texture. These doughnuts are delightfully fluffy, coated in a heavenly cinnamon-sugar blend, and ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack. In this recipe, we will walk you through the simple steps of making these delicious cinnamon baked doughnuts at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making doughnuts at home might seem like a challenge, but baked doughnuts make it incredibly simple. Without the need for deep-frying, these doughnuts come together in under an hour, making them perfect for a quick weekend treat. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe will help you make fluffy, perfectly spiced doughnuts every time.

Health Benefits of Baked Doughnuts

Baked doughnuts are a healthier alternative to fried ones, as they don’t require frying in oil, which significantly reduces their fat content and calorie count. For those who are conscious of their diet but still want to indulge in something sweet, these baked treats offer a guilt-free option. Plus, they’re less messy to make, require fewer ingredients, and can be easily customized to suit your tastes.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts

When it comes to making these doughnuts, the ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry. The key to achieving the perfect fluffy doughnut is to use quality ingredients and measure them accurately.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these homemade cinnamon baked doughnuts:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the doughnuts.

1 tsp baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the doughnuts rise.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds the signature warm spice flavor.
½ cup sugar: Sweetens the doughnut base.

¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
2 large eggs: Bind the dough and add richness.
½ cup whole milk: Adds moisture. You can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

4 tbsp melted butter: Adds flavor and helps create a soft texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

½ cup sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp melted butter (for brushing the doughnuts before coating)

Equipment Needed for Making Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts

Before you start, make sure you have the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process:

Doughnut Pan: Essential for achieving the classic doughnut shape. A non-stick pan works best.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
Whisk or Electric Mixer: For mixing your ingredients together.
Spatula: To help pour the batter into the doughnut pan.
Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is important for allowing the doughnuts to cool properly without becoming soggy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts

Now, let’s get to the fun part! Follow these steps to make a batch of warm, fluffy cinnamon-sugar doughnuts.

Step 1: Prepare the Doughnut Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your doughnut pan with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be smooth but still thick.

Step 2: Bake the Doughnuts

Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased doughnut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full to allow room for the doughnuts to rise.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the doughnuts spring back when lightly touched. You can also check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
Remove the doughnuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 3: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the doughnuts are cooling, melt the butter for the coating.
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
Once the doughnuts are slightly cooled, brush each one with melted butter and dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Variations of Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts

While these cinnamon-sugar doughnuts are perfect as-is, you can easily switch up the recipe for a variety of flavors and textures. Here are a few creative variations:

Glazed Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts

For a sweeter and more indulgent twist, try adding a glaze to your cinnamon doughnuts.

Ingredients for Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk (or milk substitute)
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Once the doughnuts have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Set them on a cooling rack to let the glaze harden before serving.

Filled Cinnamon Doughnuts

While baked doughnuts are typically not filled, you can easily add a filling after baking using a piping bag.

How to Add Filling:

After the doughnuts are completely cooled, fill a piping bag with your choice of filling—popular options include vanilla cream, chocolate ganache, or fruit preserves.
Insert the piping tip into the side of the doughnut and squeeze gently until the doughnut puffs up with the filling.

Baked Cinnamon Doughnut Holes

Want something bite-sized? You can transform this recipe into doughnut holes by using a mini muffin pan or simply dropping small spoonfuls of batter onto a lined baking sheet.

Bake the doughnut holes for 8–10 minutes, then coat them in cinnamon sugar just like the full-sized doughnuts.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Fill the pan properly: Only fill the doughnut molds about ¾ of the way full to prevent overflow.
Let the doughnuts cool: Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to prevent breaking.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding nutmeg or swapping the cinnamon-sugar coating for a vanilla glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or use almond flour for a grain-free version.

How do I store baked doughnuts?

Store baked doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat them in the oven when ready to eat.

Can I make these doughnuts without a doughnut pan?

If you don’t have a doughnut pan, you can use a mini muffin pan to make doughnut holes or pipe the batter onto a baking sheet to form rings.

Can I substitute the butter in the recipe?

Yes! You can substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free option.

By following this easy and delicious cinnamon baked doughnut recipe, you’ll have a batch of warm, fluffy, and perfectly spiced doughnuts in no time. Whether you stick with the classic version or get creative with variations, these homemade doughnuts are sure to impress!