Baked Mini Donuts – Easy Recipe You’ll Love

Warm, fluffy, and perfectly sweet — these Baked Mini Donuts are a delightful treat that come together in under 30 minutes. Dipped in melted butter and tossed in cinnamon sugar, they capture the comforting flavor of classic donuts without the need for frying. With a touch of nutmeg and a soft, cake-like texture, they make the perfect bite-sized indulgence for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Mini Donuts

These baked mini donuts deliver everything you love about traditional donuts — the sweetness, the aroma, and the nostalgic flavor — but in a lighter, oven-baked form. Because they’re not fried, they’re less greasy and easier to prepare. You’ll only need simple pantry ingredients, a mixing bowl, and a mini donut pan to create a batch of golden, sugar-dusted perfection. Whether you’re baking for kids, guests, or yourself, these mini donuts are fun, quick, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients for Baked Mini Donuts

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the batter, providing structure and a soft crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the donuts brown evenly.
• Light Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with a subtle molasses note.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the donuts rise into fluffy rings.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the batter and coating.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds a hint of old-fashioned donut flavor; a little goes a long way.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and a tender crumb. Melted butter is also used for coating.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds lightness.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds aroma and enhances the sweet, spiced flavors.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Unsalted Butter: Helps the sugar mixture adhere and adds a buttery sheen.
• Granulated Sugar: Creates the signature crisp sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Infuse warmth and that nostalgic donut shop aroma.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use oat, soy, or almond milk instead of dairy milk. Substitute melted coconut oil or vegan butter for regular butter.
• Flavor Twists: Add a touch of cardamom or pumpkin spice for a seasonal spin.
• Alternative Coating: Toss the baked donuts in powdered sugar or cocoa powder instead of cinnamon sugar for a different finish.

How to Make Baked Mini Donuts

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a nonstick mini donut pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy release.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Bring the Batter Together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, stir until just combined. The batter should be smooth with no dry streaks.
5. Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip (or use a zip-top bag with one corner snipped). Pipe the batter into the donut molds, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the donut comes out clean.
7. Cool and Unmold: Let the donuts rest in the pan for 2 minutes, then gently invert the pan onto a wire rack. Avoid letting them sit too long, as this can make them soggy.
8. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are still warm, dip each in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
9. Serve: Enjoy warm for the softest texture, or let cool to room temperature for a firmer bite.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Mini Donuts

• Do Not Overfill: Filling the molds more than two-thirds will cause the donuts to lose their shape.
• Grease the Pan Well: Even nonstick pans can stick; a quick coat of butter or spray ensures a smooth release.
• Use Fresh Nutmeg: Freshly ground nutmeg provides a richer, more authentic donut flavor.
• Timing Is Key: Remove donuts from the pan while still warm — waiting too long can make them heavy.
• For Even Shapes: Pipe the batter evenly around each mold rather than spooning it in to maintain perfect rings.

Creative Variations and Serving Ideas

Turn your Baked Mini Donuts into something extra special with these fun ideas:

• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip the cooled donuts halfway into melted dark or milk chocolate, then top with sprinkles or crushed nuts.
• Glazed Donuts: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk for a smooth, shiny finish.
• Cocoa Sugar Dusting: For a rich twist, mix cocoa powder into the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Seasonal Touch: Add apple pie spice in autumn or a dash of peppermint extract during the holidays.

Perfect Pairings

• Morning Treat: Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate.
• Brunch Party: Serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a complete spread.
• Dessert Option: Layer the mini donuts on skewers with strawberries for a fun dessert kabob.

Storing and Making Ahead

• Storage: Keep cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness.
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat in cinnamon sugar before serving.

Why Baked Mini Donuts Are the Perfect Treat

These Baked Mini Donuts capture the comforting nostalgia of bakery-style donuts while being effortless and mess-free. They’re light yet flavorful, ideal for breakfast, snacks, or entertaining. With endless flavor variations and quick prep, they’re proof that homemade donuts can be easy, delicious, and fun to make — no fryer required.

Conclusion

Baked Mini Donuts prove that delicious homemade treats don’t need to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples, you can create light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced donuts that taste just like those from your favorite bakery — only healthier and faster. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead snack, these mini delights bring a little sweetness to any moment. Easy to customize and loved by all ages, they’re the perfect balance of comfort and convenience in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Mini Donuts

More Relevant Recipes

• Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Rolls: These cinnamon rolls are fluffy, rich, and packed with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl. Their warm spice and soft texture make them the perfect complement to baked mini donuts for a cozy breakfast or dessert spread.
• Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots: A delicious dairy-free twist on classic baked treats, these soft knots are coated in cinnamon sugar for the same sweet flavor profile as baked mini donuts — perfect for those following a vegan diet.
• Mexican Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar: Crispy, golden, and dusted with cinnamon sugar, these traditional Mexican pastries share the same warm spice and sweetness that make baked mini donuts so irresistible.

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