Name: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1 egg; 1/3 cup plain, non-fat yogurt; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup butter, melted

If you’re anything like me and love a cozy, sweet treat without the guilt of deep frying, this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe is going to become one of your favorites. They come out perfectly soft, light, and covered in that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating that feels like an instant hug for your taste buds. Trust me, these donuts are the kind of recipe you want to keep in your back pocket for breakfast, brunch, or any day you’re craving something special but easy.

I first tried making baked donuts because I wanted to enjoy that classic cinnamon sugar flavor without the mess of frying, and honestly, they’ve never disappointed. What I love most about this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe is how straightforward it is—you just mix, bake, and toss these beauties in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm, which makes them extra magical. Plus, it’s a perfect recipe to share when friends drop by or for a relaxed weekend morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these donuts come together beautifully to create a tender crumb with just the right sweetness. Each one brings something important to the table, and I always keep my pantry stocked with these basics, so dessert (or breakfast!) is never far away.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our donuts, giving them structure and just enough chew.
Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the sweetness.
Baking soda: This helps the donuts rise without making them too dense.
Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Plain, non-fat yogurt: Keeps the donuts moist and tender without adding fat.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps them soft.
Whole milk: Adds a touch of creaminess for better texture.
Vanilla extract: A little aroma magic that enhances the cinnamon sugar topping.
Granulated sugar: For the cinnamon sugar coating that gives every bite a sweet crunch.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice here—it pairs perfectly with sugar for that classic flavor.
Butter: Melted and used to help the cinnamon sugar stick and add buttery richness.
Donut pan: Essential equipment to get that iconic donut shape without frying.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or who I’m baking for, and you can definitely have fun customizing your donuts!

Variation: Swap out the yogurt for sour cream — I’ve done that when I’m out of yogurt, and it results in equally moist donuts with a slightly tangier flavor.
Variation: For a dairy-free version, try using almond milk and a plant-based yogurt; I’ve had great success with this when friends visit who avoid dairy.
Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to your cinnamon sugar mix for a warm seasonal twist that I adore in the fall.
Variation: Toss in mini chocolate chips into the batter for a fun surprise inside the donuts, a hit with kids during my cooking parties.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Gather and prep your dry ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. This helps distribute the leaveners evenly so your donuts rise perfectly. It’s a small but important step—I always take the time here to avoid lumpy spots in the batter.

Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then whisk in the yogurt, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. This mixture brings moisture and tenderness to your baked donuts. Make sure everything is well combined but don’t overmix — a few lumps are totally fine.

Step 3: Mix wet and dry to create donut batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and gently stir until just combined. Here’s my tip: don’t over-stir or you’ll have tougher donuts. Stop mixing as soon as you see no more dry flour—your batter should be thick and a little lumpy.

Step 4: Fill the donut pan and bake

Lightly grease your donut pan or use a non-stick spray. Then spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity, filling about 3/4 full. Pop the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts bounce back when touched lightly. Keep an eye close near the end to avoid overbaking—they should be golden but soft.

Step 5: Coat your warm donuts with cinnamon sugar

While the donuts bake, melt your butter and mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. When the donuts come out of the oven, immediately brush them with melted butter, then toss or gently roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Doing this while warm gives you that irresistible sweet, buttery coating — the moment you’re waiting for!

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Several small white bowls and one white plate are arranged on a white marbled surface. The plate holds a mound of white flour with a soft texture. Surrounding it are white bowls containing various ingredients: an egg standing upright with a smooth, brown shell; a bowl of light brown ingredients with a rough texture; a bowl with dark brown powder with a fine texture; a bowl of white salt crystals; a bowl of clear golden yellow oil; a bowl filled with white milk; a bowl with finely ground brown spice; and a square white dish holding a thick, pale yellow butter block. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like keeping it simple with freshly ground cinnamon sprinkled on top, but sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of warm caramel or a dusting of crushed nuts gives that extra wow factor—my guests always appreciate it!

Side Dishes

These baked donuts are delightful on their own, but I love pairing them with a cup of rich, hot coffee or chai tea. If it’s a brunch setting, fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait balances the sweetness perfectly and adds freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the donuts on a tiered stand or around a cake platter for a cozy gathering vibe. Sometimes, I’ll use mini donut skewers, threading a few donuts onto sticks for an adorable, shareable treat that doubles as festive décor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I suggest storing the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Trust me, they stay soft and delicious—just avoid the fridge, because that tends to dry them out quickly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these baked cinnamon sugar donuts by wrapping each donut individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to a month. When I want to enjoy one, I just thaw it at room temp or use a quick microwave zap.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the donuts in a microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. Both ways help bring back that fresh-baked softness—just be careful not to overheat or they’ll get tough.

FAQs

Can I make this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or add a small amount separately to help with texture. I’ve done this with great success, and the donuts still come out soft and flavorful.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and make donut holes by filling the cups halfway, then shaping the tops to mimic a donut hole. While it won’t have the classic shape, the flavor and texture remain just as wonderful.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the donut pan well with butter or non-stick spray is key. Some people also lightly flour the pan after greasing. I’ve found just a good coating of non-stick spray works perfectly if you let the donuts cool for a few minutes before removing them gently.
Can I make the cinnamon sugar coating in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture ahead and store it in an airtight container. For best results, toss the donuts with the cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm so it sticks properly.
Is there a way to make these donuts vegan?

Definitely. You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based yogurt and milk. Use vegetable oil as stated, and these changes work well to keep the donuts moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe has been a wonderful addition to my baking repertoire, especially for those mornings when I want something quick, nostalgic, and utterly comforting without the fuss of frying. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing these donuts as much as I do—their warmth and cinnamon goodness are a little reminder that simple things can bring so much joy. So next time you’re craving a cozy treat, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a go—you’ll be rewarded with soft, sweet bites that feel like a hug from the oven.