Dessert

Best Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe Ever Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

Introduction

These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are a delightful treat that combines a soft, tender crumb with a sweet, spiced coating. Perfect for breakfast or an anytime snack, they’re easy to make and healthier than fried versions. Let’s bake up a batch that will quickly become your favorite!

The image shows a close-up of several sugar-coated donuts arranged on a wooden board. Each donut has a golden-brown crispy outside, unevenly covered with white sugar crystals that catch the light. The donuts are round with a hole in the center, and their texture looks soft and fluffy inside. The wooden board beneath them has natural wood grain, and the background is a white marbled texture. 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 a piping bag to fill the donut pan neatly and avoid mess.
Swap milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth.
Try dipping the donuts in melted chocolate instead of cinnamon sugar for a decadent twist.

Storage

Store the baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days and warm them slightly before serving. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15 seconds or in a warm oven to maintain softness.

How to Serve

The image shows a group of golden brown donuts with a sugar coating, sitting closely together on a round wooden board. Each donut has a soft, fluffy texture with a slightly crispy outer layer covered in fine white sugar crystals. The donuts have a round shape with a hole in the middle, and the warm light highlights their slightly uneven surface and sugar sparkle. The wooden board adds a natural contrast against the white marbled surface underneath. 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 flour blend. Make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.

Do I have to use a donut pan?

While a donut pan shapes the batter perfectly, you can also use a muffin tin and create a hole in the center with a small round cutter after baking if necessary.