Name: Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – The Perfect Homemade Sweet Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 large egg; ⅓ cup light brown sugar; ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); ¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing

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Nothing says comfort quite like warm, soft Cinnamon Sugar Donuts fresh out of the oven. Light, fluffy, and rolled in that irresistible blend of cinnamon and sugar, these homemade doughnuts are the ultimate treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at donuts at home for the first time, this recipe is foolproof, satisfying, and just as delightful as anything you’d find in a bakery.

Perfect for weekend brunches, cozy mornings, or even as an afternoon pick-me-up, this doughnut recipe easy approach requires no deep fryer and minimal prep. Inspired by nostalgic flavors and old-fashioned donut shop charm, these sugar-dusted delights are sure to become a staple in your homemade cookbook.

So, let’s dive into the sweet, cinnamon-swirled world of donuts and get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Donuts at Home from Scratch

These Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are more than just a dessert—they’re a full-on baking project you’ll look forward to. Made in a simple donut pan and baked instead of fried, this recipe is:

Simple to make with basic pantry staples
Healthier than fried donuts, but just as satisfying
Kid-friendly and fun for baking together
Perfectly spiced with a warm cinnamon-sugar coating
A great entry-level bake for those inspired by the 100 Cookies recipe trend or exploring home baking

Plus, there’s something magical about pulling a fresh batch of golden donuts from your oven and rolling them in sparkling cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (Simple and Sweet)

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for the donuts and coating:

For the Donuts:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 large egg
⅓ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing

These ingredients work together to create donuts that are tender inside, with a perfectly crisp cinnamon sugar shell.

Essential Kitchen Tools for This Doughnut Recipe

One of the best parts of this doughnut recipe easy method is that you don’t need any fancy equipment. Here’s what to gather:

Mixing bowls
Whisk and rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Donut pan (nonstick or silicone)
Pastry brush (for butter)
Wire cooling rack
Small bowl for cinnamon sugar

These tools make the process smooth and enjoyable—ideal for casual bakers and donut lovers alike.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Here’s how to make delicious homemade doughnuts that are baked, not fried, and come together in under 30 minutes:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or butter.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and brown sugar until smooth. Add milk, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla, whisking to combine.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until no dry streaks remain. Don’t overmix.
Fill the donut pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the tip snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Cool and coat: Let donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Brush each donut with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still slightly warm.

Enjoy immediately—or store for later, if you can resist!

Tips for the Best Homemade Doughnuts Every Time

Even though these donuts are easy to make, a few simple tips can elevate them from good to bakery-worthy:

Don’t overfill the pan: This helps maintain that classic donut shape.
Use room-temperature ingredients for better texture and even baking.
Pipe the batter into the donut wells—it’s cleaner and more precise than spooning.
Brush with butter while warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks beautifully.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for an old-fashioned donut shop flavor.

Following these tips ensures every batch of cinnamon sugar donuts comes out perfect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Sugar Donuts

To keep your sugar donuts light, fluffy, and flavorful, avoid these common missteps:

Overmixing the batter: This can make donuts dense or chewy.
Skipping the butter brush: The cinnamon sugar won’t adhere well without it.
Using too much flour: Measure carefully using the spoon-and-level method.
Not greasing the donut pan: Even nonstick pans benefit from a light coating.
Letting the donuts cool too much before coating: Warm donuts grip sugar better.

Avoid these, and you’ll have golden, fluffy donuts with every batch.

Serving Ideas and Dessert Pairings

While these cinnamon sugar donuts are irresistible on their own, here are a few ways to serve or pair them for added indulgence:

With hot coffee or spiced chai for a cozy café-style breakfast
As a dessert served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Drizzled with caramel or chocolate sauce for a sweet twist
With fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant brunch platter
As a DIY donut bar with assorted toppings like glaze, sprinkles, or fruit

They’re just as fitting for breakfast as they are for a post-dinner desert dessert moment.

Fun Baking Projects: Make It a Family or Weekend Activity

These donuts are a great choice for baking projects with kids or loved ones. They’re simple enough for little hands to help mix and decorate, and they bake quickly so no one has to wait too long to enjoy the results.

Try making a donut decorating station with:

Cinnamon sugar
Colored glazes
Sprinkles
Mini chocolate chips
Shredded coconut

It’s a wonderful weekend activity that brings joy, creativity, and—of course—plenty of treats.

Variations from the 100 Cookies Recipe Book Style

Fans of the 100 Cookies recipe book love the creativity and quality in each bake—and these donuts are no exception. Try these creative spins:

Brown butter donut base for a richer, deeper flavor
Stuffed with jam or chocolate chips before baking
Add cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a unique spice blend
Mini donut version for parties and easy portioning
Dip in glaze before rolling in cinnamon sugar for extra indulgence

These variations keep things fresh and fun every time you bake.

Storing and Reheating Your Donuts for Maximum Freshness

Freshly baked donuts are best enjoyed the day of, but you can still store and reheat them with great results:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days (reheat before serving)
Freezer: Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw, then butter and coat before serving.
To reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a low oven

Make sure to recoat in cinnamon sugar if needed for best taste and texture.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Homemade Donuts

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, use a mini muffin pan to make “donut holes” instead.

Are these donuts fried or baked?
They are baked—making them healthier and easier to prepare.

Can I make them dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free yogurt or sour cream.

Do they taste like fried donuts?
They’re a bit cakier, but the cinnamon sugar coating gives them that nostalgic flavor.

Can I double the batch?
Yes! This recipe scales up easily for parties or larger families.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are the kind of treat that turns a regular morning into something special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker, a fan of the homemade cookbook lifestyle, or just exploring fun weekend baking projects, this recipe is easy, delicious, and endlessly rewarding.

So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of making donuts at home. And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with fellow bakers and subscribe to the blog for more sweet treats, easy doughnut recipes, and inspiring home-baked creations.

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