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’ve ever longed for that perfect, cozy treat that pairs just right with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, then this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. I love these donuts because they have that classic cinnamon sugar coating we all crave, but they’re baked instead of fried—meaning less mess, less oil, and still that fluffy, tender texture you want from a donut. It’s a win-win for anyone who’s after something sweet, quick, and comforting.

Whenever I’m craving a little sweet pick-me-up or need a festive touch to breakfast, these donuts deliver perfectly. The lightness from the yogurt and the hint of vanilla in the batter complement the generous cinnamon sugar coating like a warm hug. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll start having all sorts of reasons to bake a batch. Plus, because they’re baked, cleanup is a breeze—just one pan to wash!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need for this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe. They’re simple pantry staples that come together to create a soft, flavorful donut without fuss. Also, using plain non-fat yogurt instead of buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang, balancing out the sweetness perfectly.

All-purpose flour: The base for the donuts, providing just the right structure.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor for depth.
Baking soda & baking powder: Both work together here to give a nice rise and light crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without being noticeable.
Egg: Helps everything bind and adds richness.
Plain, non-fat yogurt: Gives moisture and tenderness while keeping the donuts light.
Vegetable oil: Keeps donuts moist – I’ve found neutral oil works best to let other flavors shine.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and balances the batter consistency.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aroma to the batter.
Granulated sugar: For coating the donuts after baking.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the cinnamon sugar coating – make sure it’s fresh for maximum flavor.
Butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick evenly to each donut and adds richness.
Donut pan: Essential for shaping the donuts and baking them evenly.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your mood or dietary needs. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

Gluten-free option: I swapped the flour for a gluten-free baking blend once, and the results were deliciously tender—just make sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum or add a bit yourself.
Spiced up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter gives these donuts a cozy, holiday vibe that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
Maple cinnamon sugar: Mixing a splash of maple syrup into the melted butter before tossing the donuts amplifies sweetness and adds extra richness.
Vegan adaptation: Using a flax egg and plant-based yogurt works well — just watch the baking time as it might shift slightly.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

First up, combine your all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. I like to whisk them together to ensure the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed, so every bite rises beautifully without any weird pockets of powder. It’s a small step but makes a difference.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the egg lightly, then add the yogurt, vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients until smooth helps marry the flavors before adding them to the dry mix. When I do this, I usually do a quick taste of the yogurt and vanilla combo to remind myself how nice this batter is going to be!

Step 3: Combine and Fill Your Donut Pan

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir just until combined. The batter will be a bit lumpy—and that’s perfect. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Once mixed, spoon or pipe the batter into your donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. I find using an ice cream scoop or a piping bag makes this neat and easy, and cuts down on spills.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for light golden edges and a springy top when you press lightly with your fingertip. Since oven temps vary, it helps to start checking at 10 minutes. Remember: you want fluffiness, not dryness!

Step 5: Coat With Cinnamon Sugar

As soon as the donuts come out of the oven, brush each one generously with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture you prepared. This step locks in the warmth and adds that classic crispy, sugary texture I find irresistible. It’s best while they’re warm—not too hot to handle, but still fresh out of the oven.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

The image shows several small white bowls and a white plate arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. In the center, a white plate is full of white flour with a slightly uneven, powdery texture. Surrounding it are small white bowls filled with various ingredients: one contains light brown small pieces of brown sugar, another holds a single brown egg, while one bowl has a dark brown powder, likely cinnamon or a similar spice, and another has a lighter brown powder, possibly a different spice. There is a bowl with a light greenish-yellow liquid, another contains a yellowish clear liquid which looks like oil, one bowl holds white salt, and a square white dish holds a stick of pale yellow butter. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here and stick with the cinnamon sugar coating because it’s so perfect on its own. But sometimes I’ll sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top for an extra snowy effect or add a drizzle of vanilla glaze for a touch more indulgence. I’ve even popped a few mini chocolate chips on top after coating, which my kids adore.

Side Dishes

These donuts are fantastic served alongside a big cup of coffee or creamy chai latte. If you want to turn it into brunch, I love pairing them with fresh fruit like berries or a simple yogurt parfait for a little contrast to that sweet cinnamon goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the donuts on a tiered serving tray and added small bowls of dipping sauces like melted chocolate or caramel. Another fun idea is to use colorful edible flowers as a light garnish—it makes the whole presentation look festive and inviting without too much fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I find they stay soft and fresh if you don’t refrigerate, as the fridge tends to dry them out quickly. If the cinnamon sugar coating looks a little dull after a day, a quick rebrush of melted butter and a light toss in the mix revives them nicely.

Freezing

These donuts freeze well if you want to stash some away. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. When I’ve done this, I recommend freezing them without the cinnamon sugar coating, then melting butter and rolling them in sugar right after reheating for the freshest flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or until warm through. Microwaving for 15–20 seconds works too, but the oven method helps keep the outside lightly crisp. After reheating, reapply your cinnamon sugar coating for that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour in this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe?

Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free blend if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just keep in mind that substitutions might affect the texture slightly, so you may need to adjust the liquid amount or baking time.
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

You can, but roasting in a donut pan gives the best shape and even baking. Without one, you could try using a mini muffin tin or shape the batter in a ring mold on a baking sheet, though these methods might alter the texture or baking time. Alternatively, you might look for silicone donut molds which are flexible and easy to clean.
Are these donuts healthy?

While these baked donuts are certainly lighter than traditional fried donuts since they use less oil, they’re still a sweet treat. Using yogurt adds a bit of protein and moisture without extra fat, but they’re best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a health food. You can tweak the recipe to reduce sugar or use whole wheat flour for a bit more fiber.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?

Yes! You can mix the batter and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a gentle stir before filling your donut pan. This is perfect if you want to prep the night before and bake fresh donuts in the morning.
How do I get the cinnamon sugar coating to stick properly?

The key is brushing the donuts with melted butter while they’re still warm. The butter creates a sticky surface so the cinnamon sugar sticks evenly and creates that delicious crunchy exterior we all love. Don’t skip this step—it makes a huge difference!

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the kind of comforting, simple treat that never fails to lift spirits. Whether you’re sharing them with family, surprising friends, or just indulging yourself on a quiet morning, these donuts always bring a touch of joy. I can’t recommend making them enough—you’ll find plenty of reasons to bake a batch soon, and your kitchen will smell amazing while you do it!