These Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are light, fluffy, and coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar topping. They’re an easy homemade treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Ready in under an hour, these baked donuts have a soft cake-like texture with a warm cinnamon flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are simple to make and even easier to enjoy.
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Sweet cinnamon sugar coating
- Baked instead of fried
- Beginner-friendly recipe
- Ready in under an hour
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert
- Great for holidays and weekends
- Freezer-friendly
Each donut is brushed with melted butter before being coated in cinnamon sugar, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
If you enjoy homemade baked treats, our Easy Lemon Pound Cake is another delicious recipe that’s perfect with coffee or tea.
A Bakery Classic Made at Home
Cinnamon sugar donuts have been a bakery favorite for generations. This baked version delivers the same soft texture and sweet cinnamon coating without the extra effort of deep frying, making it an easy recipe for home bakers of any skill level.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Ingredient Notes
Cinnamon
Use fresh ground cinnamon for the richest flavor and aroma.
Butter
Real butter gives the donuts a rich flavor while helping the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
Milk
Whole milk creates a softer, more tender crumb than lower-fat milk.
Vanilla Extract
Pure vanilla extract enhances the warm cinnamon flavor and adds depth to the batter.
If you’re looking for another cozy baked dessert, our Homemade Cinnamon Coffee Cake is another classic recipe that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Equipment You’ll Need
These kitchen tools make preparing homemade donuts simple.
- Donut baking pan – Creates perfectly shaped baked donuts.
- Large mixing bowl – For preparing the batter.
- Whisk – Combines the dry ingredients evenly.
- Piping bag or zip-top bag – Makes filling the donut pan quick and mess-free.
- Cooling rack – Helps the donuts cool evenly.
- Pastry brush – For brushing the donuts with melted butter.
A quality nonstick donut pan makes homemade baked donuts easy while giving them a professional bakery appearance.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Mix gently until just combined.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag.
Pipe the batter into each donut cavity until about two-thirds full.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched.
Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the pan.
Brush each donut with melted butter, then coat generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Expert Tips
These simple tips will help your Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donuts turn out light, fluffy, and perfectly coated every time.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can make the donuts dense instead of soft.
Fill the Pan Evenly
Fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full. This gives the donuts room to rise without overflowing.
Coat While Warm
Brush the donuts with melted butter while they’re still warm, then immediately coat them in the cinnamon sugar for the best coverage.
Use Fresh Cinnamon
Fresh ground cinnamon provides the richest flavor and makes the sugar coating extra fragrant.
If you love cozy homemade baked goods, our Homemade Cinnamon Coffee Cake is another delicious recipe that’s perfect with your morning coffee.
Common Mistakes
Overfilling the Donut Pan
Too much batter causes the donuts to lose their shape as they bake.
Overbaking
Bake only until the donuts spring back lightly when touched. Overbaking can make them dry.
Skipping the Butter
The melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick evenly while adding extra flavor.
Removing the Donuts Too Early
Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Easy Variations
These Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are easy to customize.
Maple Cinnamon Donuts
Drizzle warm maple glaze over the cinnamon sugar coating for extra sweetness.
Apple Cinnamon Donuts
Add finely grated apple and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a fall-inspired variation.
Chocolate Cinnamon Donuts
Dip half of each donut in melted dark chocolate after coating them in cinnamon sugar.
Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Replace part of the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add pumpkin purée to the batter.
Mini Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Bake the batter in a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.
What to Serve With Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These homemade donuts are perfect with warm drinks and fresh fruit.
Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
For a refreshing option, pair them with our Classic Homemade Lemonade for Fresh and Tangy Drinks or Peach Lemonade for a Sweet and Refreshing Summer Drink.
If you’re planning a brunch spread, serve these donuts alongside our Easy Lemon Pound Cake and Easy Blueberry Coffee Cake for a delicious homemade bakery assortment.
Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches also make a wonderful light side.
Storage
Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For the softest texture, keep them in a single layer or separate layers with parchment paper.
Freeze the donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, homemade baked goods should be cooled completely before storing to prevent excess moisture.
Freezing
Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm for a few seconds in the microwave before serving.
If desired, add a fresh coating of melted butter and cinnamon sugar after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these donuts baked or fried?
This recipe makes baked donuts, giving them a soft cake-like texture with less mess than frying.
Can I make them without a donut pan?
Yes. You can bake the batter in a muffin tin for cinnamon sugar muffin bites.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the batter right after mixing for the lightest texture.
Why are my donuts dry?
Overmixing the batter or baking them too long are the most common causes.
Can I freeze baked donuts?
Absolutely. Freeze them for up to 2 months and warm them before serving.
Trusted Resources
For baking guidance and food safety recommendations, these trusted organizations provide reliable information:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service — Safe storage recommendations for homemade baked goods.
- King Arthur Baking — Expert baking techniques for tender cakes, donuts, and pastries.
- American Egg Board — Best practices for baking with eggs and creating soft baked goods.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are light, fluffy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar finish that everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy homemade recipe brings bakery-quality results right from your own kitchen.
Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (Easy Homemade Recipe)
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, cinnamon, and granulated sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag.
- Pipe the batter into each donut cavity until about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Brush each warm donut with melted butter.
- Coat each donut generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter or the donuts may become dense.
- Fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full to prevent overflowing.
- Coat the donuts while they are still warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks well.
- Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best flavor.
- Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze baked donuts for up to 2 months.
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