There's something about a warm, freshly made donut rolled in cinnamon sugar that just makes everything better. This Donut Recipe is incredibly easy and creates the softest, fluffiest donuts you've ever tasted. I started making these homemade donuts years ago when my kids begged me for "bakery donuts" every weekend, and now this is our Sunday morning tradition.
These baked donuts are way easier than you'd think, and they taste just as good as any fancy donut shop. My daughter says they're even better because they're still warm when we eat them.
Why You'll Love This Donut Recipe
This homemade donuts recipe is baked, not fried, which makes them lighter and less messy to make. The dough comes together quickly, and you don't need any special skills or equipment beyond a donut pan. These cinnamon sugar donuts have a tender cake-like texture with a perfectly crisp sugary coating.
They're so much better than store-bought, and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing. My husband requests these classic sugar donuts recipe every single weekend without fail.
Jump to:
What You'll Need
This easy donut recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The measurements are in the recipe card, but trust me, this is one of those baked donut recipes that's nearly impossible to mess up.
Main Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Optional Extras
You can add a pinch of cardamom to the batter for extra warmth, or swap the cinnamon sugar for powdered sugar.
Some people love adding a vanilla glaze or chocolate dip instead.
How to Make Donut Recipe
Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Generously spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray, making sure to get into all the grooves. This is crucial for easy donut release.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don't overmix or your donuts will be tough. The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to cake batter.
Q: How do I make donuts at home without a deep fryer?
Use a donut pan and bake them! These baked donuts are just as delicious as fried ones but way easier and less messy. This is the best way to make homemade donuts without any fancy equipment or hot oil.
Fill the Pan
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with the corner cut off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about ⅔ full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.
Bake Until Golden
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Don't overbake or they'll be dry.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack. While they're still warm, brush each donut with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle them generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Serve Warm
These are best enjoyed while they're still warm and the sugar coating is fresh. Serve with coffee or a cold glass of milk.
Aliana's Top Tip
Don't skip brushing the donuts with melted butter before coating them in cinnamon sugar.
The butter helps the sugar stick and adds an extra layer of richness that makes these taste like they came from a bakery.
Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate.
If it's too hot, the donuts will brown too fast on the outside while staying raw in the middle.
An oven thermometer is your friend here.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
You can use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra tang, or swap in almond milk for dairy-free donuts. For fall donut recipes, try my pumpkin spice donuts recipe by adding ½ cup pumpkin puree and reducing the milk slightly. You can also make apple cider donuts baked by replacing the milk with apple cider. For mini donuts ideas, use a mini donut pan and reduce baking time to 7 to 8 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover homemade donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They're best eaten fresh, but you can warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that just-baked taste. You can also freeze un-coated donuts for up to two months and coat them with cinnamon sugar after reheating.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →What to Serve With Donut Recipe
These cinnamon sugar donuts are perfect for breakfast alongside scrambled eggs and bacon, or as a sweet treat with afternoon coffee. They're also amazing for brunch parties, baby showers, or any time you want to impress people without a ton of effort. My family loves them with hot chocolate on cold mornings.
FAQs About Donut Recipe
How do I make baked donuts at home?
Mix your batter, pipe it into a greased donut pan, bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, then coat in your favorite topping. That's how to make baked donuts at home without any frying or complicated techniques.
Can I make this doughnut recipe easy without a donut pan?
You can bake them in a muffin tin instead, but they won't have the classic donut shape. They'll taste just as good though. This homemade donuts recipe easy method works with whatever you have.
What's the difference between cake donuts and yeast donuts?
Cake donuts like this recipe are denser and more muffin-like. They use baking powder and come together quickly. Yeast donuts are lighter and fluffier but require rising time.
Can I make sugar donuts with different flavors?
Absolutely! This perfect sugar donuts base works with so many variations. Try chocolate donuts by adding cocoa powder, or make pumpkin doughnuts baked by adding pumpkin spice and puree.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're into easy baked donut recipes like this one, you'll love my Apple Cider Donuts Recipe that tastes like fall in every bite. My Cinnamon Roll Muffins have a similar cinnamon sugar vibe and are just as addictive. For more delicious donuts, try my Chocolate Glazed Donuts or my Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe. And if you want more party finger foods and sweet treats, check out my Mini Desserts collection. All of these fall under my DESSERT and BREAKFAST collections where I share the recipes that make mornings and celebrations special.
Put your own flair on this dish? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes and show off your delicious version!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Donut Recipe:
Leave a Reply