Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Name: Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 large egg; 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for coating; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted for dipping

These baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a warm, comforting treat with a tender crumb and a crisp, cinnamon-sugar coating. Each bite yields a soft, cake-like interior that is lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, then finished with a buttery dip and a sweet, crunchy exterior. The aroma while baking is cozy and nostalgic, filling the kitchen with warming spice notes ideal for cool mornings, brunch gatherings, or an afternoon coffee break. If you love spiced sweets, these donuts pair beautifully with a mug of coffee or tea, and they are forgiving enough for a weeknight bake. For more cinnamon-sweet inspiration that pairs well with these donuts, check out this take on buttery brown sugar cinnamon cookies for another cozy treat.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour, measured and leveled for consistent texture in the batter.
1 teaspoon baking powder, to give the donuts a light lift.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda, helps a bit of extra rise and tenderness.
1/2 teaspoon salt, balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for warm spiced flavor in the batter.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, adds a subtle aromatic note to complement cinnamon.
1 large egg, for structure and richness.
1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar, gives moisture and a caramel-like depth.
1/4 cup milk, to thin the batter slightly and add moisture.
1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt, keeps the donuts tender and soft.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, folded into the batter for richness.
1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, for warm, rounded sweetness.
1 cup granulated sugar, used in the cinnamon-sugar coating for crunch and sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for coating, mixed with the granulated sugar for classic flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted for dipping the donuts before coating, so the sugar adheres.

For another cinnamon-sweet cookie idea that complements these donuts, consider this collection of cinnamon sugar cookies for every occasion.

Step-by-step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease donut pan(s) with nonstick spray. This helps the donuts release cleanly.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg together until evenly combined. Dry ingredients should look uniform.
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, brown sugar, milk, and sour cream until smooth. Then whisk in the melted butter and vanilla until fully incorporated. Using room temperature egg and dairy helps the batter come together smoothly.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine and keep the donuts tender.
Spoon the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about halfway. Filling halfway prevents overflow while still producing a well-shaped donut. A piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped makes this neater.
Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Test for doneness by pressing the top of a donut gently; it should spring back. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
Cool donuts in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling slightly before coating. Two minutes prevents them from breaking when removed.
Combine the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl and mix until even. This is the coating bowl.
Dip each warm donut in the 1/2 cup melted butter, then dunk it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat all sides. Use tongs or a fork to rotate and ensure even coverage.
Serve shortly after coating while the donuts are still warm for the best texture and flavor.

If you enjoy quick spice bakes, these steps are similar in approach to other treats like quick chewy cinnamon sugar cookies where gentle handling keeps baked goods tender.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: about 10 donuts
Calories: approximately 270 per donut

For another cinnamon-forward recipe that uses similar pantry flavors, try this version of buttery brown sugar cinnamon cookies.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tip: Use room temperature eggs and dairy for a smoother batter and even rise.
Tip: Fill donut cavities about halfway to avoid domes that crack or spill over.
Storage: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Rewarm briefly in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Freezing: Freeze uncoated donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before coating with butter and cinnamon sugar.
Variation ideas using only existing ingredients: use dark brown sugar instead of light for a deeper caramel note, or substitute plain yogurt for the sour cream for a slightly tangier bite. Increase the 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in the batter for more spice, or add a touch more nutmeg for a warmer profile. For a richer coating, dip twice in the melted butter and cinnamon-sugar for extra crunchy sweetness. For inspiration that blends cinnamon and spice in a different format, see these sweet spicy cinnamon sugar blondies.

FAQ

Q: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
A: You can use a muffin tin for a similar baked treat, though shape and bake time may vary slightly.

Q: Can I substitute the sour cream with yogurt?
A: Yes, plain yogurt works as a direct substitute and will keep the donuts tender.

Q: Will the donuts stay crisp after coating?
A: The cinnamon-sugar coating is crispest shortly after coating; it softens over time but remains flavorful.

Q: Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
A: You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before baking for best texture.

Q: Is it necessary to dip in butter before coating?
A: The melted butter helps the sugar adhere and adds richness, so it is recommended for the best coating.

Conclusion

These baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are simple to make and deliver warm spice, tender crumb, and a sweet, buttery coating that is perfect for mornings, brunch, or a cozy dessert. If you would like a fluffier take on this idea, check out Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts (Super Fluffy) – Cloudy Kitchen for inspiration. For another baked cinnamon-sugar donut approach and helpful baking tips, see Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – Sally’s Baking Addiction. I hope you try this recipe soon and share how your batch turns out for a warm, cinnamon-sweet moment.