Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts - Easy Homemade Recipe
Tender baked donuts with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that deliver all the satisfaction of traditional fried donuts without the mess. These fluffy rings feature a subtle vanilla flavor and soft crumb that pairs perfectly with coffee or milk. The simple batter comes together in minutes using pantry staples, while baking keeps them lighter than their fried counterparts. Perfect for weekend breakfasts, school lunchboxes, or afternoon treats when you want something sweet but not overly indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, for coating
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, for coating
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare 2 donut baking pans with non stick spray
- 2
Whisk together egg and oil in medium bowl
- 3
Mix in buttermilk and vanilla
- 4
Add flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and mix just until combined
- 5
Spoon or pipe batter into donut wells, filling about 3/4 full
- 6
Bake for 10-12 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
- 7
Mix sugar and cinnamon in small bowl for coating and pour into Ziploc bag
- 8
Remove each donut from pan and shake in bag with cinnamon sugar until coated
- 9
Place on cooling rack
Tips
The batter will be thin - this is normal and creates tender donuts
Don't wait for donuts to turn golden as they won't brown much in the oven
Coat donuts while still warm for best sugar adhesion
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days
Can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered
Best served slightly warm or at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix batter to avoid tough donuts
Don't overbake as they dry out quickly
Coat while warm to avoid sugar not sticking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without a donut pan?
You can bake in muffin tins for donut holes or muffins, though the shape won't be traditional donut rings.
What if I don't have buttermilk?
Regular milk works fine, or make buttermilk substitute with 1/2 cup milk plus 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
How long do these keep fresh?
Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, though they're best within the first day or two.