Name: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut: 15 Min Bliss
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk (any kind); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Baked cinnamon sugar donut holes have become my absolute go-to for a quick sweet fix, and I’m so excited to share this recipe! I remember one busy afternoon when a craving hit HARD, and I needed something comforting and delicious, like, NOW. This recipe came to the rescue, delivering warm, fluffy donut holes coated in buttery cinnamon sugar in under 15 minutes. The aroma alone is pure bliss, filling my kitchen with that cozy, sweet scent. If you’re looking for truly easy baked cinnamon sugar donuts that taste like they came from a bakery but are made right in your own oven, you’ve found them! Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love Our Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut

Get ready to fall in love with these incredible treats! They’re perfect for any occasion.

Incredibly fast: You can whip up a batch of these quick cinnamon sugar donuts in just 15 minutes, from start to finish!
No frying mess: Enjoy that classic donut flavor without the hassle of hot oil. Baking makes them a breeze.
Pure comfort: The warm, fluffy texture and buttery cinnamon sugar coating are pure bliss.
Homemade goodness: These homemade cinnamon sugar donuts taste so much better than store-bought.
Versatile treat: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert.
Kid-friendly: Even little hands can help make these delicious donut holes.
Incredibly satisfying: The sweet, spiced aroma will fill your home and delight your senses.

Ingredients for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut

Gathering these simple cinnamon sugar baked donut ingredients is the first step to pure joy. You likely have most of them in your pantry already! The combination of pantry staples and a few fresh items makes these donuts incredibly accessible.

1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for our fluffy donut holes
1/3 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness in the batter
1 teaspoon baking powder – this is what makes them rise and become light
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – for that essential warm spice
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
1/2 cup milk (any kind) – adds moisture to our batter
1 large egg – helps bind everything together
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that classic comforting flavor
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – adds richness to the dough
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – for dipping the warm donuts
1/2 cup granulated sugar – for the sweet coating
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – mixed with sugar for that irresistible topping

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut

Ready to create some magic? Making these delights is so straightforward, it feels like a dream. This is truly a simple cinnamon sugar donut recipe that anyone can master. Let’s get started on creating your own batch of warm, comforting treats!

Step 1: First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your mini muffin tin and give it a good grease with butter or a nonstick spray. This step is crucial for ensuring your donut holes pop right out later.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Give it a good mix so everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Now for the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter that has been melted and slightly cooled.
Step 4: Time to combine! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until *just* combined. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps; resist the urge to overmix, as this is key to tender donut holes. This is a critical step in how to make baked cinnamon sugar donuts that are perfectly fluffy.
Step 5: Carefully spoon the batter into your prepared mini muffin cups. Fill each one about ¾ full. This allows them room to puff up beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Pop the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops spring back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be absolutely heavenly!
Step 7: As soon as they’re done, prepare your topping. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. While the donut holes are still warm, dip each one into the butter, then immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are generously and evenly coated. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut: 15 Min Bliss - Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut

Want to elevate your donut game? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that guarantee the most delicious results every time. These small adjustments make a big difference in achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

Don’t overmix the batter! This is crucial for light and fluffy donut holes. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
Use slightly cooled melted butter for dipping. If it’s too hot, it can make the donut holes fall apart.
For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar mixture.
Let the donut holes cool slightly before dipping. This helps the cinnamon sugar coating adhere better without melting off.

What’s the secret to perfect baked cinnamon sugar donut?

The real secret to the best baked cinnamon sugar donuts lies in not overmixing the batter and the double butter dip. Coating them while still warm ensures that glorious buttery cinnamon sugar coating sticks perfectly. For more baking tips, check out this guide to baking.

Can I make baked cinnamon sugar donut ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and refrigerate it, but for the freshest taste and texture, I recommend baking them just before you plan to serve them. The coating is best when freshly applied.

How do I avoid common mistakes with baked cinnamon sugar donut?

The most common pitfall is overmixing the batter, which leads to tough donuts. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise. Finally, don’t skip the double dip in butter and cinnamon sugar!

Best Ways to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut

These delightful little donut holes are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic addition to any occasion. They’re a perfect cinnamon sugar baked treat that brings smiles all around. Imagine serving them warm, fresh from the oven, alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk – pure comfort!

For a fun breakfast spread, pair them with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. They also make a wonderful addition to a brunch buffet, offering a sweet bite that everyone will adore. Don’t hesitate to serve them as a quick dessert after dinner, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch. You can find more ideas for sweet treats here.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut

When you’re enjoying these delightful little treats, it’s helpful to have an idea of what you’re consuming. These numbers are based on a single mini donut hole, making them a perfect portion for a sweet indulgence.

Calories: 85
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0.2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 50mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut

Keeping your delicious baked cinnamon sugar donut creations fresh is super simple, and I’ve found the best ways to ensure they taste just as amazing later. Once they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep these delightful treats around for longer, freezing is a fantastic option! Learn more about food preservation techniques.

To freeze, wrap each cooled donut hole individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, you can reheat them gently. I love to pop a few baked donuts with cinnamon sugar topping in a toaster oven or conventional oven at about 300°F (150°C) for just a few minutes until warmed through. This brings back that lovely fresh-baked warmth and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut

What are baked cinnamon sugar donuts?

Baked cinnamon sugar donuts are a delightful twist on the classic fried treat. Instead of being deep-fried, they are baked in an oven, often in donut pans or muffin tins for donut holes. They’re typically coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm, offering a cozy, comforting flavor without the grease.

Why bake cinnamon sugar donuts instead of frying?

The primary reason to bake cinnamon sugar donuts instead of frying is for health and convenience. Baking is a much healthier and easier method. It eliminates the need for large amounts of hot oil, making them safer and less messy to prepare. This method also results in a lighter, cake-like texture that many people prefer when looking for a slightly less indulgent treat.

Can I use different spices in the cinnamon sugar coating?

Absolutely! While cinnamon is the star, feel free to experiment. A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a tiny bit of ground ginger can add wonderful complexity to your coating. You could also add a touch of zest from an orange or lemon for a brighter flavor profile on your homemade baked cinnamon sugar donuts.

What’s the best way to get an even cinnamon sugar coating?

The trick is to dip the warm donuts into melted butter first, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, immediately roll them in your cinnamon sugar mixture. Doing this while they are still warm helps the butter and sugar adhere beautifully, creating that irresistible sweet crust on your easy baked cinnamon sugar donuts.

Variations of Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut You Can Try

While the classic version is divine, don’t be afraid to get creative with your baked treats! These variations offer exciting new ways to enjoy the simple joy of a cinnamon sugar donut.

Glazed Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: For an extra touch of sweetness and a different texture, try a simple glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk or lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle it over your cooled baked donuts. This creates beautiful glazed baked cinnamon sugar donuts that are a bit more decadent.
Healthy Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Looking for a lighter option? You can make healthy baked cinnamon sugar donuts by swapping some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat or almond flour, reducing the sugar slightly in the batter, and using a lighter coating. Consider a sprinkle of cinnamon and a tiny bit of maple syrup instead of the full butter and sugar dip.
Chocolate Baked Donuts: Add a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist. These chocolate baked donuts are a delicious departure from the traditional flavor.
Baked Donut Holes with Fruit: Fold in a few fresh berries or finely diced apples into the batter before baking for bursts of fruity flavor within your donut holes.