Dessert

Best Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe Ever Recipe

ByVictor Layne February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

Introduction

These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are light, fluffy, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. Perfectly coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, they’re a delightful treat for breakfast or anytime you crave a cozy, homemade snack.

A close-up image of a group of sugar-coated doughnuts arranged in two rows on a wooden board. Each doughnut has a golden-brown, slightly crispy outer layer covered evenly with granulated sugar, giving them a rough texture. The doughnuts have a classic round shape with a hole in the center and appear soft and fluffy inside. The wooden board has natural wood grain patterns, and the background shows a blurred white marbled surface. 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 a 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 almond milk or another dairy-free milk for a vegan-friendly option — just substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter for extra warm spice flavor.
If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin tin and reduce the baking time slightly.
For a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar coating, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after baking.

Storage

Store the baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore softness before serving. They are best enjoyed the day they are made but can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw and warm before coating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several round, golden-brown sugared donuts with slightly crispy edges sitting on a wooden board. Each donut is covered in a layer of white granulated sugar, giving them a textured, sparkly look. The donuts have a soft and fluffy appearance with small air pockets visible, and they are placed closely together with one slightly in front, showing its rounded shape and hole in the middle. The background has a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright contrast to the warm colors of the donuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin instead. Fill each cup about 3/4 full and keep an eye on baking time, as it might require a few minutes less.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

You can mix the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature and stir gently before filling your pan.