Cinnamon Sugar Donuts : Classic Treat You Can Bake

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of Cinnamon Sugar Donuts fresh out of the oven. Sweet, warm, and perfectly spiced, these soft-baked rings of joy are the definition of comfort food. Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast treat, a fun weekend baking project, or a nostalgic nod to your favorite childhood donut shop, this recipe has you covered.

Even better, these donuts are baked—not fried—making them lighter and easier to prepare right in your kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this is a doughnut recipe easy enough for anyone to master. And once you try them? You might never go back to store-bought again.

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Why Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Are the Ultimate Comfort Food

Few desserts evoke the cozy feelings of home like a warm sugar donut rolled in fragrant cinnamon. It’s the kind of treat that instantly takes you back—whether it’s to weekend bakery runs, carnival memories, or mornings at Grandma’s house.

Cinnamon sugar adds a perfect crunch and warmth, while the donut itself is fluffy, moist, and just sweet enough. These donuts are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with your morning coffee or tea. It’s a timeless flavor combination that never gets old.

And while these baked homemade doughnuts might seem like a weekend indulgence, they’re actually made with simple ingredients and come together fast—making them one of the best treats for easy baking projects at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Doughnuts

Creating perfect homemade doughnuts doesn’t require fancy equipment or exotic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup buttermilk (or milk + vinegar substitute)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

These ingredients yield fluffy, golden donuts with a sweet, crunchy coating—straight from your oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Let’s walk through the process of making these cinnamon sugar donuts step-by-step.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-cavity donut pan well with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add in the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe evenly into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While donuts are still warm, brush each with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.

Your donuts at home are now ready to enjoy—fluffy, flavorful, and wonderfully spiced.

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Tips for Perfectly Baked Donuts At Home

Getting that perfect bakery-style finish at home is easier than you think. Here’s how to ensure your donuts turn out light and fluffy every time:

• Use room-temperature ingredients for best mixing and texture
• Don’t overfill the pan—¾ full is just right
• Use a piping bag to neatly fill each donut cavity
• Let them rest before coating—just enough so they don’t fall apart, but still warm for sugar to stick
• Use high-quality cinnamon for the most fragrant finish

These tips turn this doughnut recipe easy into a donut shop-worthy experience.

Why This Is a Doughnut Recipe Easy Enough for Any Skill Level

If you’re intimidated by the idea of making donuts from scratch, this recipe is here to change that. Unlike traditional fried donuts, there’s:

• No hot oil
• No rising time
• No kneading dough

All you need is a bowl, a whisk, and a donut pan. It’s perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone craving a treat without all the fuss. This one absolutely deserves a spot in your homemade cookbook of go-to recipes.

Homemade Cookbook Worthy: Classic Flavors and Family-Friendly Fun

Whether you’re building your own homemade cookbook or just curating your favorite comfort foods, this cinnamon sugar donut recipe deserves a permanent place. It’s classic enough to please everyone, yet customizable enough to adapt to the seasons or your cravings.

Kids love helping with this recipe too—from mixing the batter to dipping donuts in cinnamon sugar. It’s one of those baking projects that brings people together, whether it’s a weekend morning or a rainy afternoon.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating – The Secret to That Bakery-Fresh Finish

The star of this show is, of course, the cinnamon sugar coating. Here’s how to make it next-level:

• Use fine white sugar for a smoother texture
• Brush donuts with butter to help the coating stick without soaking the dough
• Roll each donut while it’s still slightly warm so the sugar adheres perfectly
• For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar

This coating adds crunch, sweetness, and that familiar flavor we all know and love from classic sugar donuts.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips for Busy Mornings

Want fresh-baked donuts without the morning hassle? No problem.

To Make Ahead:
Prepare and bake donuts the night before. Store uncoated donuts in an airtight container. Reheat slightly, then coat in cinnamon sugar before serving.

To Freeze:
Freeze baked (uncoated) donuts in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp, then brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar when ready.

They’re one of the best baked dessert recipes to keep stocked for sweet cravings.

Fun Baking Projects to Do with Kids or Friends

This recipe makes an excellent choice for group baking. Here’s how to turn it into a fun baking project:

• Let kids decorate the donuts with different sugars or add mini chocolate chips
• Host a “donut bar” with toppings like glaze, sprinkles, or fruit
• Bake a double batch and create gift boxes for friends or neighbors
• Turn this recipe into mini donuts using a mini pan or muffin tin

Baking is more fun when it’s shared—and this recipe is perfect for making memories.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Your Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Donuts are a treat on their own, but they pair wonderfully with other goodies:

• Hot coffee or espresso for a classic combo
• Chai tea or hot cocoa for cozy vibes
• Fresh fruit salad for balance
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style presentation
• Caramel or chocolate dipping sauces for an indulgent twist

These donuts can be served for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a pick-me-up.

Creative Variations: Filled, Frosted, or Glazed Sugar Donut Ideas

Want to mix it up? Try one of these fun twists:

• Apple cinnamon sugar donuts – add apple pie spice or apple chunks
• Maple-glazed version – skip the sugar and add a maple glaze
• Stuffed donuts – inject with jam or cream after baking
• Chocolate cinnamon donuts – add cocoa powder to the batter
• Pumpkin spice version – replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice in the batter and coating

With just a few tweaks, you can turn this base into endless homemade doughnuts for every season.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Homemade Donuts

• Overmixing the batter – leads to tough donuts
• Underbaking – results in gummy centers
• Skipping the butter coating – sugar won’t stick
• Using too much flour – makes donuts dry
• Overfilling the pan – causes misshapen or over-risen donuts

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures light, fluffy, bakery-style results every time.

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FAQs About Baking, Storage, and Flavoring Donuts

Can I fry this recipe instead of baking?
This specific batter is made for baking. Frying requires a different dough with yeast.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?
Use a mini muffin tin for “donut holes” or roll small dough balls and bake in a regular pan.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Texture may vary slightly but it still works well.

How long do they stay fresh?
Best eaten within 1–2 days but can last 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, though you’ll lose some sweetness in the donut itself. Try reducing by 2–3 tablespoons if desired.

Conclusion: Add These Cinnamon Sugar Donuts to Your Weekend Baking Projects

These Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are everything a home-baked treat should be: warm, fluffy, comforting, and coated in a sweet, spiced crust. Whether you’re looking for a simple doughnut recipe easy enough for beginners or something to satisfy that bakery craving without leaving home, this recipe delivers.

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