Name: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1/3 cup (65g) packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup (60ml) milk; 1/4 cup (60g) yogurt; 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted

If you’re on the hunt for a warm, comforting treat that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious, you’ve come to the right place! This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites because it satisfies that donut craving without the hassle of frying—plus, they come out perfectly soft and tender every single time. Believe me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself baking them over and over as a weekend ritual or an anytime indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: No frying needed—just mix, bake, and top for quick and less messy donuts.
Tender Texture: Thanks to yogurt and brown sugar, these donuts come out soft with just the right amount of chew.
Flavorful Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Dipped in butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, these bites are a flavor explosion.
Kid and Adult Approved: My whole family goes crazy for these morning treats or afternoon snacks.

The image shows several round doughnuts with a light brown, crispy outside covered in a layer of sugar. One doughnut is broken in half, showing a soft, light yellow inside with a slightly crumbly texture. The doughnuts are placed directly on a white marbled surface without any plate or bowl. The sugar coating looks grainy and gives a sparkling effect under the light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Easy baked donuts, Soft cinnamon donuts, Homemade baked donuts recipe, No-fry donut recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe plays a part in delivering soft, spiced, and perfectly sweet donuts. When you shop, look for fresh spices to really boost that cinnamon flavor, and plain yogurt that’s thick but not tangy to add moisture without overpowering sweetness.

Flat lay of warm brown cinnamon sticks with textured ridges, golden light brown packed brown sugar crystals, smooth creamy white yogurt dollops, fresh light yellow whole egg, rich golden melted butter pools, tiny piles of warm reddish-brown ground cinnamon and nutmeg powders, creamy off-white all-purpose flour scattered gently, and a small splash of fresh white milk, all beautifully arranged in natural loose clusters and soft mounds with varied textures, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Easy baked donuts, Soft cinnamon donuts, Homemade baked donuts recipe, No-fry donut recipe

All-purpose flour: I like to spoon and level my flour for the perfect donut structure—too much flour makes them dry.
Baking powder and baking soda: Both create lift so your donuts stay light and fluffy, not dense.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices give the donuts their signature flavor—freshly ground is always best if you can.
Egg: Using one large egg at room temperature keeps the batter smooth and helps bind everything together.
Light brown sugar: Packed for richness, this sugar adds a subtle molasses note I just adore.
Milk and yogurt: I use regular milk and plain yogurt for a tender crumb; the yogurt adds a slight tang and moisture without heaviness.
Unsalted butter: Melted into the batter for richness, and more for coating—this butter makes all the difference.
Pure vanilla extract: Just a touch boosts flavor depth and rounds out the spices nicely.
Granulated sugar (for the topping): Coats the donuts to give a slight crunch and sweetness that balances with the butter.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is super flexible, and I love mixing it up depending on the season or what I have in my pantry. You’ll enjoy making it your own—as long as you keep that luscious cinnamon sugar finish, you can’t go wrong!

Add a glaze: I once drizzled a maple glaze on top instead of cinnamon sugar, and it was a hit with my maple-loving family.
Use dairy-free substitutes: Swap yogurt and milk for coconut yogurt and almond milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly without losing the moist texture.
Swap spices: Try pumpkin pie spice or cardamom in place of cinnamon and nutmeg for a fun twist during the holidays.
Mix in extras: Adding a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter adds surprise texture that my kids adore.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Batter Just Right

Start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg—in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, milk, and yogurt until smooth, then stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract. When you combine them, mix just until everything’s blended—you don’t want to overmix here, or your donuts can get tough.

Step 2: Pipe the Batter Into the Donut Pan

I use a large zip-top bag as a piping bag to get the batter into the donut pan without the mess. Just spoon your batter into the bag, snip off a corner, and pipe evenly into each donut cavity, filling about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This helps your donuts bake evenly and get that classic donut shape.

Step 3: Bake Till Just Golden

Bake your donuts at 350°F (177°C) for 9 to 10 minutes, until you see the edges turn a light golden brown. Don’t overbake because they’ll keep cooking slightly after coming out of the oven, and you want them soft and tender, not dry. After baking, let them cool for a couple minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This prevents sticking and keeps them fresh.

Step 4: The Magic Topping

While the donuts cool, combine the granulated sugar with cinnamon for that classic coating. Dip the warm donuts first in melted butter—this step is key for the sugar to stick and adds decadent flavor—then dunk generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating every side. This is the part my family looks forward to the most because these cinnamon sugar layers give the donuts that irresistible texture and sweetness.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your egg and dairy to room temp helps the batter blend smoothly and rise better.
Don’t Overfill Your Donut Pan: Filling too much can cause donuts to overflow and lose their shape—stick to 2/3 full for perfect rings.
Use a Piping Bag for Clean Filling: This trick minimizes mess and keeps your donut pan neat, especially if you’re making these regularly.
Cool Slightly Before Dipping: Wait about 10 minutes before dunking in melted butter to keep donuts from falling apart but still absorb the coating beautifully.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I often finish these donuts with a light dusting of powdered sugar if I’m serving them for guests or sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans for extra crunch. Sometimes, my kids insist on adding rainbow sprinkles on half the batch just for fun—it’s a simple way to jazz them up without changing the flavor.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these donuts with a fresh fruit salad or a warm cup of coffee or chai tea. For an indulgent brunch, serving with scrambled eggs and fresh berries balances sweetness with a bit of savory freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try stacking the donuts into a mini tower and tying with a ribbon for a cute gift or party centerpiece. You can also serve them alongside small bowls of flavored butters or cream cheese spreads to dip, turning them into a fun customizable treat your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe!), I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They last well for up to two days and stay soft if you give them a quick refresh in the oven before eating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts successfully by tossing them in the cinnamon sugar coating first, then wrapping individually in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temp or gently warm to regain that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the donuts in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to soften and bring back that freshly baked warmth. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them slightly denser, so I prefer the oven method whenever I can.

FAQs

Can I make this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed to substitute 1:1 in recipes. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture will still be soft and delicious, though sometimes slightly more delicate, so handle gently.
Is it necessary to use yogurt in this donut recipe?

Yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that keeps the donuts tender and helps balance the sweetness. If you don’t have yogurt, you can substitute sour cream or even buttermilk with great results.
How long do these baked donuts stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these donuts stay soft and fresh for about two days. After that, they might start to dry out, but a quick reheat in the oven can help revive them.
Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just be sure you have enough donut pans or plan to bake in batches. The batter can be mixed ahead and kept in the fridge for a day, but for best results, bake fresh whenever possible.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how these baked cinnamon sugar donuts bring a touch of homemade comfort without stressing me out in the kitchen. They’re my go-to when I want something sweet but lighter than fried dough, and something everyone in my family looks forward to. You’ll find that once you try this recipe, it quickly becomes your secret weapon for breakfast, snacks, or even a cozy dessert. Trust me, go ahead and give it a whirl—you won’t regret baking these little cinnamon-sugar gems in your own oven!