Cinnamon Sugar Covered Baked Donuts are not just your typical bakery treat. They boast a light and airy texture, perfectly contrasted by a sugary cinnamon coating that brings warmth and sweetness to every bite. The best part? These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as an indulgent afternoon snack, these delightful treats will have your taste buds dancing.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Covered Baked Donuts
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cinnamon Sugar Covered Baked Donuts

I first stumbled upon this recipe on a lazy weekend morning when a craving for donuts hit me hard. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, I was able to bring the magic of homemade donuts to life in my own kitchen. These baked beauties are infinitely more flavorful than those store-bought ones, and they fill your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar as they bake. Trust me, once you make these Cinnamon Sugar Covered Baked Donuts, you’ll find it hard to resist making them time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With minimal prep time and basic ingredients, you can whip these up in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon sugar and soft, fluffy donuts is absolutely mouthwatering.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Perfectly round and coated in a sugary crust, these donuts look just as good as they taste.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack any time of the day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to experiment with gluten-free flours for a delicious alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ⅓ cups (320 g) whole milk: Warm this to 95°F to 105°F for the yeast to activate properly. You can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
2 teaspoons instant yeast: This helps the donuts rise and gives them a soft texture. Active dry yeast works, but you’ll need to activate it first.
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter: Melted, this adds richness to the donuts. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil is a good substitute.
⅔ cup (135 g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough. Brown sugar can be used for deeper flavor.
2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a uniform dough.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the donuts.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: This spice adds warmth and complexity; try freshly grated for the best flavor.
4 ½ cups (560 g) all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the donuts. For gluten-free options, use a 1-to-1 baking flour blend.
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter: For brushing the donuts before coating; feel free to replace with a neutral oil if desired.
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar: For the cinnamon sugar coating. You can use coconut sugar for a less refined alternative.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: This is the star of the topping, adding a warm and inviting flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Covered Baked Donuts

Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Let this sit for about 3 to 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This indicates that your yeast is alive and well.
Mix the Dough: Add ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter, ⅔ cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. Mix everything together until well combined.
Incorporate the Flour: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the 4 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms. If your dough is too sticky, you can add additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough in the mixer for 5 to 6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and slightly tacky but not stick heavily to your fingers.
First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial, as it develops the texture of your donuts.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Prepare these ahead of time to make the next steps seamless.
Shape the Donuts: Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to a ½-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch cutter to cut out the donuts, and a 1-inch cutter for the center holes.
Second Rise: Gently transfer the cut donuts and holes to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Cover lightly and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes, until puffy.
Preheat the Oven: While the donuts are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures your donuts start baking as soon as they’re ready.
Bake the Donuts: Bake the donuts for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops remain pale. They should spring back when lightly pressed.
Cool and Coat: Allow the donuts to cool for 2 to 3 minutes before coating. Meanwhile, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a bowl.
Brush and Roll: Brush each warm donut lightly with the remaining melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Repeat this with the donut holes as well.
Enjoy: These donuts are best enjoyed the same day they’re made, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For the best texture, rewarm briefly before serving.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Covered Baked Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. For freezing, place them in a sturdy freezer bag or container, ensuring they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, refreshing their texture, although they might lose a bit of the initial fluffiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your milk is warm—not too hot—when activating the yeast; this allows the yeast to thrive without killing it.
Keep an eye on the dough during the first rise; a warm place helps! You can place it in an oven that’s turned off but with the light on to create a cozy environment.
When rolling out the dough, flour your surface and the rolling pin to prevent sticking.
Be gentle when transferring the donuts to the baking sheets to retain their shape.
Experiment with flavoring the cinnamon sugar by adding a pinch of cocoa powder or a splash of vanilla.

These Cinnamon Sugar Covered Baked Donuts are a fantastic treat that balances sweet and spice beautifully. They’re simple to whip up and the perfect addition to your breakfast table or snack time. Don’t hesitate to make them your own by experimenting with toppings or flavors. Enjoy the cozy aromas filling your home and the smiles that come with each delicious bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Absolutely! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. However, the texture may be denser.

What if I don’t have a donut cutter?

No worries! You can use two round cutters of different sizes, or even a glass to cut the donuts and the hole. Just ensure they’re the right size to keep the donut shape.

How do I know when my donuts are done baking?

Your donuts are ready when they have a lightly golden bottom and feel springy to the touch. Testing with a toothpick is also a good idea; it should come out clean.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Let it rise, punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come back to room temperature before rolling out and cutting the donuts.

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Cinnamon Sugar Covered Baked Donuts

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Donuts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Cinnamon Sugar Covered Baked Donuts are incredibly delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. With whole milk, eggs, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, each bite offers a delightful flavor that will please everyone!

Ingredients

Scale

1 ⅓ cups (320 g) whole milk, warmed to 95°F to 105°F
2 teaspoons instant yeast
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
⅔ cup (135 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
4 ½ cups (560 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra if needed
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Combine warm milk and yeast in a stand mixer bowl and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes until foamy.
Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, salt, and nutmeg, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add 4 ½ cups of flour while mixer is on low speed. Mix until a soft dough forms, adding more flour if necessary until dough pulls away from the sides.
Knead dough in the mixer for 5 to 6 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not heavily sticky.
Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warmed properly to activate the yeast effectively.
Knead the dough until it reaches a smooth texture for the best donut results.
If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the ground cinnamon amount.