Are you ready to whip up a treat that’s simple and delicious? Cinnamon sugar baked donuts are easy to make and perfect for any time of the day. With just a few ingredients like flour, sugar, and cinnamon, you can create soft, sweet donuts right in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe that will have your family asking for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The warm blend of cinnamon and sugar creates a comforting and delightful taste that is perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be whipped up quickly, making it a great choice for beginners.
- Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are baked, not fried, allowing you to indulge without the guilt of excess oil.
- Customizable: You can easily personalize these donuts by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite spices to the batter.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 large egg
– ½ cup whole milk
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating Ingredients
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
To make cinnamon sugar baked donuts, you need fresh ingredients. Each item plays a key role in flavor and texture. Let’s break it down.
First, we have the main ingredients. Start with 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. This forms the base of your donuts. Next, add ½ cup of granulated sugar for sweetness. The sugar helps the donuts rise nicely and gives them a soft crumb.
Next is 2 teaspoons of baking powder, which acts as a leavening agent. It helps the donuts puff up. Then, add ½ teaspoon of salt. Salt enhances all the flavors. You can’t skip it!
Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to bring warmth and spice. The scent of cinnamon makes these donuts special. Now, crack in 1 large egg. It binds everything together. Then, pour in ½ cup of whole milk for moisture. Whole milk gives a rich taste.
Next, add ¼ cup of unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled. Butter adds flavor and keeps the donuts tender. Lastly, include 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma.
Now for the cinnamon sugar coating. First, you need ½ cup of granulated sugar again. Mix it with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon for that sweet topping. Finally, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to coat the donuts before rolling them in the mixture.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to create tasty donuts that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pan
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease the donut pan with cooking spray or melted butter.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
– In a bowl, whisk together:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Ensure this mix is well combined and free of lumps.
Combining Wet Ingredients
– In another bowl, beat 1 large egg until frothy.
– Add in:
– ½ cup whole milk
– ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Mix until the texture is smooth.
Preparing the Batter
– Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry mix.
– Use a spatula and gently fold until just mixed.
– It’s okay if the batter has some lumps—don’t over-mix!
Baking the Donuts
– Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full with batter.
– Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
– Check doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
– In a small bowl, mix together:
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Brush each warm donut with melted butter.
– Roll or dip the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mix.
– Place on a wire rack to cool before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Texture
To get the best texture in your donuts, avoid over-mixing the batter. When you mix, do it just enough to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Some lumps are okay! They help keep the donuts light and fluffy. Also, use a piping bag for even filling. This makes sure each donut has the same amount of batter, leading to a uniform shape.
Baking Suggestions
Checking for doneness is key. Use a toothpick and insert it into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. Let them cool for a few minutes before coating them. This waiting time helps the flavors settle and keeps the coating from melting away.
Presentation Tips
For a beautiful display, arrange your donuts on a decorative platter. This makes them look appealing and inviting. You can garnish with seasonal fruits or mint. Adding a pop of color brightens up the plate and makes your treat even more tempting!
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Measure Flour: To ensure accurate measurements, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Donut Pan Preparation: For best results, use a non-stick spray or butter generously on the donut pan to prevent sticking and to allow for easy release after baking.
- Cooling Time: Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before coating them in cinnamon sugar. This helps the butter stick better and ensures a more flavorful coating.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for an extra twist on these delicious donuts!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can make your donuts even better! Try adding chocolate chips or nuts. Chocolate chips will give a sweet surprise in every bite. Nuts will add crunch and flavor. You can also play with flavored extracts. Almond or maple extracts can change the whole taste. Just a drop or two can make a big difference!
Glazing Options
If you want to mix things up, skip the cinnamon sugar. Instead, try a simple glaze. To make a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk until smooth. You can even drizzle your donuts with chocolate or caramel sauce. This adds a rich layer of sweetness and makes them extra special.
Healthy Alternatives
If you want a healthier donut, swap whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Whole wheat flour gives more fiber and nutrients. You can also use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index, which can be better for your health. These swaps make your treats a bit more wholesome while still being delicious!
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will stay good for 2-3 days at room temperature. Make sure to place them in a cool, dry spot. This way, every bite remains soft and tasty.
Long-term Storage
If you want to save them for later, freeze the donuts. They can stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating Tips
To bring back that fresh-baked taste, warm the donuts before serving. You can use an oven or a microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes. If using a microwave, heat them for about 10-15 seconds. This will make them soft and delicious again!
FAQs
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. This blend works well in most recipes. Just make sure it can replace all-purpose flour without a hitch.
How long do baked donuts last?
Baked donuts last up to 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just adjust the amounts of each ingredient. This way, you can enjoy more donuts with the same great taste.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture. Both work well as egg substitutes. This makes the recipe friendly for those with egg allergies or dietary needs.
You’ve now learned how to make tasty baked donuts from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and tips for perfect results. You can easily add your own twist with flavors or glazes. Remember, these donuts store well and freeze nicely too. Enjoy the fun of baking, and share your delicious creations with family and friends. Happy bakin
