Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts offer a delightful twist on the traditional fried donut, providing a lighter version that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. These donuts are soft, fluffy, and infused with a warm cinnamon essence, making them perfect for a cozy breakfast or a comforting snack. Instead of being fried, these donuts are baked, which not only simplifies the cooking process but also makes them a bit healthier. Once baked, they’re dipped in melted butter and rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture to give them a sweet, crisp coating that complements the tender crumb of the donuts beautifully. Enjoy these with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a truly indulgent experience that feels like a hug in a bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Donut Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-cavity donut pan with non-stick spray or brush lightly with butter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, sugar, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make the Donut Batter:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough.
- Fill the Donut Pan:
- Spoon the batter into the donut cavities, filling each one about three-quarters full. Alternatively, you can use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the batter into the pan for neater donuts.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched. A toothpick inserted into a donut should come out clean.
- Coat the Donuts:
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Once the donuts are done, let them cool in the pan for about 2 minutes, then remove and immediately dip each donut first in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Serve:
- Serve the donuts warm for the best flavor and texture.
These Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a treat to make and eat. They fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of cinnamon and are sure to delight anyone who tries them. Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or as a sweet snack during the week, these donuts bring the bakery experience into your home with a touch of wholesome goodness.
