Sweet Baked Cinnamon Donuts

There's something undeniably delightful about the experience of enjoying a freshly baked donut. The moment you take a bite, you're greeted with a soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth, combined with a sweet and aromatic flavor that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. Among the myriad of donut varieties, cinnamon sugar donuts stand out as a classic favorite. Their inviting combination of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar makes them an ideal treat for any occasion, whether it's a cozy breakfast at home, a snack during the day, or a delightful dessert to share with friends and family.

Discover the joy of homemade cinnamon sugar donuts with this easy recipe that combines fluffy texture and warm flavors. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, these delightful treats evoke nostalgia and warmth with every bite. Learn how to create the ideal donut from scratch, including essential tips for mixing, baking, and coating in sweet cinnamon sugar. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking and sharing these irresistible donuts with family and friends.

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for coating)

1 large egg

½ cup milk (whole milk works best)

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take a donut pan and grease it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray or softened butter to ensure your donuts release easily after baking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed and free of any lumps.

Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, crack the large egg and whisk it until it is well-beaten. Add in the milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients together until fully combined and smooth.

Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Carefully pour the mixture of wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or whisk, gently fold the two mixtures together. Be cautious not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps remaining.

Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. Fill each cavity of the donut pan approximately ¾ full to allow room for rising during baking.

Bake the Donuts: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The donuts are ready when they are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the donuts are baking, prepare the coating by combining ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the cinnamon.

Cool and Coat the Donuts: Once the donuts are baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool for another few minutes. While they are still warm, roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure to coat them entirely for that delightful sweet crust.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the donuts warm for the best taste. If you're feeling indulgent, consider drizzling with a simple glaze or icing for an extra touch of sweetness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Makes 12 Delicious Donuts