25-Minute Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Donuts You’ll Crave

There’s nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon sugar donuts baking in the oven – that warm, sweet spice that fills the whole house and brings everyone running to the kitchen. I’ve been making this recipe for years, ever since my niece begged me to recreate the donuts from her favorite bakery. Let me tell you, homemade beats store-bought every time! The moment you bite into one of these fluffy, cinnamon-kissed rings, you’ll understand why they’ve become our family’s go-to treat for lazy Sunday mornings and special occasions alike. Check out my other favorite dessert recipes if you’ve got a sweet tooth like mine!

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These little rings of joy have stolen my heart (and my family’s) for so many reasons:

• You’re just 25 minutes away from warm, homemade goodness – perfect for those “I need something sweet NOW” moments
• The texture is absolute magic – fluffy like a cloud with just the right amount of springiness
• That heavenly balance where the sugar kisses your tongue first, then the cinnamon comes waltzing in
• Kids go absolutely wild for them (though let’s be honest, so do the grown-ups at my house!)

Trust me, once you’ve made a batch, you’ll understand why I always double the recipe. They disappear faster than you can say “just one more!”

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! I’ve broken this down into two parts – the donuts themselves and that magical cinnamon sugar coating that makes these irresistible. Trust me, you’ll want to measure everything out before you start – it makes the whole process so much smoother when you’re in the baking zone.

For the Donuts

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, please! We want light, fluffy donuts, not dense hockey pucks
• 1 cup granulated sugar – this gives our donuts that perfect sweetness without being overwhelming
• 2 tsp baking powder – our little rising agent that makes them beautifully puffy
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – because we can’t have cinnamon sugar donuts without the cinnamon!
• 1 cup milk – I use whole milk for richness, but any kind works
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – and slightly cooled so it doesn’t cook the eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – the secret ingredient that makes everything taste homemade

For the Coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – this will be our sweet, sparkly outer layer
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon – bumped up for that signature flavor punch
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – our edible glue for the cinnamon sugar

Ingredient Substitutions

Now, I know sometimes you need to swap things out – no judgment here! Almond milk works great if you’re dairy-free, though your donuts might be slightly less rich. Coconut sugar can replace granulated sugar, but expect a darker color and deeper flavor. And if you’re going gluten-free, use your favorite 1:1 GF flour blend – just know the texture might be a tad denser. The beauty of these donuts is they’re pretty forgiving, so don’t stress if you need to make adjustments!

Equipment Needed for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Alright, let’s talk tools! You really only need a few basics to make these cinnamon sugar donuts shine. First up – a donut pan (I love my non-stick one, but any will do). Grab a couple of mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients, one for wet. And don’t forget a trusty whisk to bring everything together smoothly. No donut pan? No panic! A muffin tin works in a pinch – you’ll just get cute little donut muffins instead of rings. See? Easy peasy!

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Alright, let’s get baking! I promise these cinnamon sugar donuts are easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll be snacking on warm, sugary goodness in no time. I’ve made this recipe so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through every detail to make sure yours turn out perfect.

1. Preheat that oven! Crank it up to 350°F (175°C) and give your donut pan a quick spritz with cooking spray. Nothing worse than beautiful donuts stuck in the pan, am I right?
2. Whisk the dry team. In your biggest mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and that glorious cinnamon. Give it a good whisk – you want everything evenly distributed so every bite is perfectly spiced.
3. Bring in the wet ingredients. Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Now here’s the trick – stir just until combined. I mean it! Overmixing makes tough donuts, and we want clouds, not cardboard.
4. Fill those cavities. Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared pan, filling each donut shape about 2/3 full. They’ll puff up beautifully as they bake. Pro tip: a piping bag (or even a ziplock with the corner snipped) makes this step way less messy.
5. Bake to golden perfection. Pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Set a timer – these babies bake fast!
6. Coat while warm. This is my favorite part! Let the donuts cool just enough to handle, then dip each one in melted butter and roll in your cinnamon-sugar mix. The warmth helps the coating stick like magic. For extra indulgence, I sometimes do a double dip – because why not?

And there you have it – homemade cinnamon sugar donuts that’ll make your kitchen smell like a bakery. Serve them warm with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee from my favorite breakfast recipes collection. Just try not to eat them all in one sitting (no promises though)!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

After making hundreds (okay, maybe thousands) of these donuts, I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference:

• Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are totally fine – overworking the gluten makes tough donuts.
• Use a piping bag for the neatest filling. No piping bag? A spoon works, but be prepared for some batter on your fingers!
• Double coat for extra yum. After the first butter and sugar dip, let them sit for a minute, then do it again. The extra layer makes them extra irresistible.
• Test doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re done. But here’s my secret – I like to pull them when there’s just one tiny crumb clinging to the pick. They’ll finish cooking as they cool, staying super moist.

Remember, baking should be fun! Even if your donuts aren’t picture-perfect, they’ll still taste amazing. The messier they are, the more homemade love they have, right?

Storing and Reheating Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Now, I’ll let you in on my little secret for keeping these cinnamon sugar donuts tasting just-made fresh – if they last that long, which let’s be real, rarely happens in my house! The key is to tuck them away in an airtight container ASAP. They’ll stay perfectly soft and delicious for about 2 days this way (though the sugar coating might lose some sparkle after day one).

If your donuts do make it to day two (high five for self-control!), just zap one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You’ll be amazed how that quick warm-up brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic – the sugar gets all melty and the cinnamon fragrance comes rushing back. Honestly, sometimes I think they taste even better the second day!

Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I know you might be curious about what’s in these sweet little treats. Just remember – nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. These are homemade goodies meant to be enjoyed in moderation (though good luck stopping at just one!). If you’re watching certain dietary needs, feel free to tweak the recipe with some of the substitutions I mentioned earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly denser, but they’ll still taste delicious. I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill GF blend when my cousin with celiac visits.

Can I air-fry these donuts?

Oh honey, I wouldn’t recommend it – these babies were made for the oven! The air fryer tends to dry them out, and you won’t get that perfect, even rise we love. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after a particularly sad batch last summer.

How do I prevent sticking?

Here’s the trick: give your donut pan a good spray with non-stick cooking spray right before filling. Not that wimpy little spritz – really coat those crevices! If you’re extra paranoid (like me), you can use a pastry brush to grease every nook and cranny with melted butter.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You sure can! Bake them the day before and store uncoated at room temperature. Then just warm slightly and roll in the cinnamon sugar before serving. Though between you and me, nothing beats them fresh – that first warm bite is pure magic!

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved these donuts (and really, who wouldn’t?), you’ve gotta try my other favorite treats! Start with the fan-favorite Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake – it’s like all your breakfast dreams came true in one luscious slice. Or whip up some fluffy vanilla bean scones for your next coffee break. And when you’re feeling extra indulgent, my salted caramel banana bread never disappoints. Happy baking, sweet friends!

For more amazing recipes, be sure to check out our other sections to explore a variety of ideas that will enrich your cooking experience. Each section offers its own unique flavors to ensure a delightful culinary journey:

Easy and Quick Recipes: A collection of dishes that guarantee delicious meals with minimal effort and time.

Healthy Recipes: Discover healthy and delicious options that fit your lifestyle.

Desserts: A diverse selection of sweets that will add a special touch of sweetness to your table.

Lunch Recipes: Tasty lunch ideas that you can easily prepare to delight your family.

Dinner Recipes: Delicious and easy-to-make recipes that will make your dinner a memorable occasion.