Oven Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

If you’re anything like me and always on the lookout for a sweet treat that doesn’t require deep frying, you’re going to absolutely love this Oven Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe. These donuts hit that perfect balance of soft, fluffy, and coated with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar—without the hassle or mess of frying. When I first tried baking donuts, I was skeptical, but this recipe quickly became my go-to for satisfying that donut craving any day of the week.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Oven Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe is straightforward and uses pantry staples you probably already have. Each one plays its part in creating the perfect donut texture and that irresistibly sweet & spicy coating.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure but keeps the donuts tender; no need for anything fancy here.
• Light brown sugar: Adds subtle molasses flavor which deepens the sweetness wonderfully.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Both give these donuts a nice rise, keeping them airy but not cakey.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness perfectly.
• Egg: Binds the batter and adds richness for a soft crumb.
• Plain, non-fat yogurt: This is my secret to moist, tender donuts – it adds a slight tang and keeps them from drying out.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist without weighing them down.
• Whole milk: For richness and smooth batter consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Granulated sugar: For the classic, crispy cinnamon sugar coating.
• Ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature spiced donut flavor.
• Butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly while adding richness.
• Donut pan: The unsung hero that shapes your batter into delightful rings without frying.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Oven Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe — it’s so easy to customize that you can make it your own. Whether you want to give it a little extra zest or make it gluten-free, the possibilities are endless.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend once, and surprisingly, the donuts held their shape perfectly – just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix gives these donuts a lovely warm complexity, which my family adored during the holidays.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar: Swirling in a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the sugar mixture is a fun twist if you’re a chocolate lover like me.
• Frosted Finish: Instead of cinnamon sugar, try glazing with a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for a change of pace.

How to Make Oven Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Donut Pan

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grease your donut pan really well. I like to use a non-stick spray or brush on some melted butter to make sure the donuts don’t stick—you want them to come out smoothly without breaking. Set the pan aside so it’s ready when your batter is mixed.

Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

Grab two bowls. In one, whisk together your flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In the other, beat the egg, then add the yogurt, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mixing the wet ingredients separately helps keep things smooth and makes it easier to combine everything evenly.

Step 3: Gently Mix Batter Without Overworking

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until everything comes together. The batter will be thick and a little lumpy — and that’s exactly what you want to keep the donuts tender. Be careful not to overmix, or the donuts might turn out dense.

Step 4: Pipe Batter Into Donut Pan and Bake

This tip changed the game for me: spoon the batter into a large ziplock bag, cut about a ½ inch hole in one corner, and pipe the dough into your pan’s donut molds. Fill each one about ¾ full to give them enough room to rise. Pop them in the oven for 10 minutes. When the timer’s up, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving on.

Step 5: Coat Donuts in Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts cool, stir your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Brush each donut lightly with melted butter, then dip each side into the cinnamon sugar — I like to dip twice for a thicker coating that my family goes crazy for. These babies are now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Oven Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic with just the cinnamon sugar coating, but if you want to get fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey adds a lovely touch. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to bring some texture and highlight the sweetness.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea — my absolute favorite combo. If you want to add some protein, a side of Greek yogurt with fresh berries fits the bill perfectly for a balanced breakfast or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these donuts on a pretty tiered stand threaded with fairy lights, making a gorgeous centerpiece. You can also serve them with small jars of different toppings like chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or fruit compotes—your guests get to customize their own donut experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually keep mine for up to 2 days before they start to lose their softness. To keep the cinnamon sugar coating intact, lay them in a single layer to avoid rubbing off.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts successfully by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. When I want a sweet treat later, I just thaw at room temperature for an hour—if you skip the cinnamon sugar coating before freezing, you can add it fresh after reheating for best results.

Reheating

To refresh these donuts, I pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out. If you’re reheating frozen ones, let them thaw first for more even heating. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy cinnamon sugar coating intact—it tends to get soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it transforms what used to be a bit intimidating—making donuts—into something so simple and approachable. You don’t have to mess with hot oil or fancy equipment, just basic ingredients and your oven. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a last-minute dessert, these donuts bring a little magic and a lot of joy. I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as my family does, so go ahead and give it a try—you might just find a new favorite!

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