Dessert

Best Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe Ever Recipe

ByElla Hart February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

Introduction

Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon filling your kitchen with these delightful baked cinnamon sugar donuts. They are light, fluffy, and coated in a sweet, cinnamon-sugar mixture—perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

A close-up image of a group of sugar-coated doughnuts arranged in two rows on a wooden board. Each doughnut has a golden-brown, slightly crispy outer layer covered evenly with granulated sugar, giving them a rough texture. The doughnuts have a classic round shape with a hole in the center and appear soft and fluffy inside. The wooden board has natural wood grain patterns, and the background shows a blurred white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk (whole milk or almond milk)
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Spoon the batter into a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops if necessary.
Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: For the coating, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Tips & Variations

Use almond milk or your preferred plant-based milk to make these donuts dairy-free.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter.
Try dipping the donuts in cream cheese glaze for a rich twist.
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and lightly reduce baking time.

Storage

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days, then reheat briefly in the microwave to soften. These donuts are best enjoyed the same day for optimum freshness and texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several round, golden-brown sugared donuts with slightly crispy edges sitting on a wooden board. Each donut is covered in a layer of white granulated sugar, giving them a textured, sparkly look. The donuts have a soft and fluffy appearance with small air pockets visible, and they are placed closely together with one slightly in front, showing its rounded shape and hole in the middle. The background has a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright contrast to the warm colors of the donuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Can I freeze baked donuts?

Absolutely. Once cooled completely, wrap each donut individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.