Best Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are soft, fluffy, and finished with a crisp cinnamon coating that melts slightly into the warm surface. They have a light sponge texture rather than a dense fried crumb, with a gentle sweetness and comforting spice in every bite. This is an easy, beginner friendly bake that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. From start to finish, they are ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the donut batter

• 240g plain flour
• 150g caster sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp fine salt
• 2 large eggs
• 180ml whole milk
• 60ml vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar coating

• 75g unsalted butter, melted
• 120g caster sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

How to Make Best Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Lightly grease a 12 hole donut tin and set it aside.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
• Combine the wet ingredients: In a jug, beat the eggs with the milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Make the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. The batter should be smooth and pourable, not overworked.
• Fill the tin: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut tin, filling each ring about three quarters full.
• Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden and springy to the touch.
• Cool slightly: Leave the donuts in the tin for 2 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack.
• Coat with cinnamon sugar: While still warm, brush each donut with melted butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Tips for Perfect Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Why are my donuts dry?

Dry donuts usually come from overbaking or too much flour. Measure carefully and remove them as soon as they spring back when touched.

How do I get an even cinnamon coating?

Brush the donuts with butter while they are still warm, then roll them straight into the sugar so it sticks evenly.

Can I make these without a donut tin?

A donut tin gives the best shape, but you can pipe rings onto a lined tray. They will spread slightly and look more rustic.

How do I keep them soft?

Store them in an airtight container once completely cool. Avoid refrigerating unless necessary.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a cup of tea or coffee
• Add a light drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra sweetness
• Pair with fresh fruit for a simple dessert

Storage

Room temperature

Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They are best eaten fresh.

Refrigerator

Store for up to 4 days, though the texture will be slightly firmer. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months. Defrost fully, warm gently, then coat with butter and cinnamon sugar.

Nutrition

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated fat: 4g
• Sodium: 220mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs