Cinnamon Baked Donuts – Easy Recipe

Craving something sweet, cozy, and utterly irresistible? These Cinnamon Baked Donuts are the perfect treat. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, these donuts are healthier than traditional fried versions — and even more fun to make. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just treating yourself, this easy donut recipe will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this comfort-filled snack at home.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Baked Donuts

Baked instead of fried, these cinnamon donuts deliver all the sweet satisfaction with less guilt. The recipe uses pantry staples and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy mornings, holiday treats, or spontaneous dessert cravings. These cinnamon baked donuts are:

• Healthier: No frying means less oil and fewer calories.
• Kid-friendly: Fun to decorate and perfect for little hands.
• Customizable: Decorate with chocolate, sprinkles, or keep them simple.
• Comforting: That cinnamon aroma? Pure bliss.

Plus, they’re oven-baked, which means less mess and more flavor packed into every bite.

What You’ll Need to Make Cinnamon Donuts

Each ingredient brings something special to these cinnamon-spiced treats. Here’s what makes these donuts shine:

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the donuts their soft yet chewy structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise and keeps them fluffy.
• Cinnamon Powder: The star ingredient — warm, spicy, and comforting.
• Caster Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to a tender crumb.
• Large Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Fresh Milk: Provides moisture and softness.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donuts tender and moist without butter.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and aroma.
• White Chocolate (for decoration): Sweet and creamy — perfect for coating.
• Sugar Hearts & Yellow Sprinkles: Fun and festive touches for topping.
• Melted Dark Chocolate: Great for facial features or patterns if decorating.
• Sliced Almonds: Adds crunch or doubles as cute ears if decorating.

Ingredient Swaps and Smart Substitutions

Ran out of something or want to make it fit your dietary needs? Try these alternatives while keeping the cinnamon baked donuts delicious:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of fresh milk.
• Egg-Free Alternative: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).
• Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar slightly or use coconut sugar for a more caramelized flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate: Opt for dairy-free white or dark chocolate for decorating.

These tweaks still maintain the integrity of the recipe while adding flexibility for your pantry or preferences.

How to Make Cinnamon Baked Donuts from Scratch

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to get perfect results every time:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease your donut pan with butter or oil.
2. In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, sugar, and salt until slightly foamy. Add in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, stirring well.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth batter forms. Don’t overmix.
5. Spoon the batter into the greased donut molds, filling each about ¾ full.
6. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, depending on the size of your donut pan. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick — it should come out clean.
7. Let donuts cool slightly before removing them from the pan.

Optional Decoration Steps

8. Melt white chocolate and let it cool slightly for easier dipping.
9. Add sliced almonds at the top for ears (if styling like Hello Kitty).
10. Dip donuts face-down into the melted white chocolate and let excess drip off.
11. Decorate with sugar hearts, sprinkles, or drizzle with melted dark chocolate for faces or patterns.
12. Chill in fridge briefly to help the chocolate set before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Donuts

Want to take your cinnamon baked donuts to the next level? These tried-and-true tips will help:

• Don’t overmix the batter — this keeps donuts soft and airy.
• Use a piping bag or ziplock with the corner snipped to neatly fill the donut pan.
• Let them cool fully before decorating to avoid melted messes.
• Add a cinnamon sugar topping for extra spice and crunch — just brush donuts lightly with butter and roll in a cinnamon-sugar mix.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Cinnamon Baked Donuts

While these cinnamon donuts are already dreamy, here are some ideas to keep things exciting:

• Serve with coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Stuff with cream cheese frosting for a surprise filling.
• Make it festive: Add red and green sprinkles during the holidays or pastel tones for spring.
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Baked Donuts: Use certified gluten-free flour and ensure all decorations are safe.

These donuts also make fantastic party treats or lunchbox surprises — kids and adults alike love them.

Cinnamon and Spice: A Perfect Anytime Treat

Cinnamon is more than just delicious — it’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making these cinnamon baked donuts a slightly smarter indulgence. They’re a feel-good dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without deep-frying or overly processed ingredients. Whether you’re baking for fun or feeding a crowd, this recipe is your go-to for baked donut perfection.

A Sweet Conclusion to a Cozy Favorite

There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen — and with these Cinnamon Baked Donuts, you get that warm, nostalgic feeling with every bite. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and lighter than their fried counterparts, these baked treats are the perfect solution for your sweet cravings. Whether you keep it simple or go all-out with decorations, this is a recipe that brings joy to every table.

Bake a batch today and savor the comfort, flavor, and fun of homemade cinnamon baked donuts — the cozy classic reimagined for modern kitchens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Baked Donuts

More Relevant Recipes

• Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots: These soft, twisted pastries are packed with warm cinnamon flavor and coated in a sweet sugar crust, offering a plant-based alternative to classic donuts while keeping all the cozy, spiced appeal.
• Soft and Gooey Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: For fans of cinnamon treats, these classic rolls bring pillowy texture and rich cinnamon-sugar swirls, making them a close relative in taste and feel to baked donuts.
• Mexican Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar: These crispy fried discs dusted in cinnamon sugar offer a festive twist on the cinnamon flavor profile, creating a crunchy contrast to the softness of baked donuts while staying within the same flavor family.

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