Name: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (natural); 1/4 cup brown sugar (natural); 3/4 cup plant-based milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural); 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (natural); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; Vegetable oil or plant-based butter for dipping

Discover the joy of making fluffy, sweet Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts right in your own kitchen with this easy and delicious recipe. Using simple ingredients and a plant-based twist, these donuts capture that perfect warm cinnamon flavor and tender texture you love, all baked to perfection for a light, guilt-free treat anyone can enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Whip up these baked donuts in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Light and Fluffy: Baking keeps the donuts tender and airy without deep-frying, making them a lighter indulgence.
Delicious Cinnamon Flavor: The cinnamon sugar coating offers that classic sweet and spicy combination everyone craves.
Plant-Based Friendly: This recipe uses plant-based ingredients, perfect for those looking for a wholesome twist.
Customizable: Swap out flavors or toppings easily to match your personal taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create these mouthwatering donuts. Each item has a role whether it’s building a fluffy structure, adding warmth, or bringing sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon.

All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the donuts their perfect texture.
Baking powder: Helps your donuts rise and stay light and airy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that cozy, warm spice infused throughout the donut and coating.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness for the batter and the essential component for the cinnamon sugar topping.
Brown sugar (natural): A touch of molasses flavor that enhances the sweetness and moisture.
Plant-based milk: Keeps the donuts moist while making them suitable for everyone.
Vegetable oil: Adds richness and keeps the crumb tender.
Vanilla extract (natural): Boosts the overall flavor with a lovely aroma.
Natural gelling agent: Helps with the perfect texture without animal-based additives.

Variations for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Feel free to personalize these donuts however you like! This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate different flavors and lifestyles, adding your own twist without any hassle.

Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spices for a festive fall treat.
Maple Cinnamon Sugar: Swap half the sugar for maple syrup (natural) to add rich, caramel notes.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for those avoiding gluten while keeping the texture soft.
Orange Zest: Mix in fresh orange zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy touch.
Chocolate Cinnamon: Incorporate cocoa powder for a chocolaty spin that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar (natural) until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract (natural), and natural gelling agent. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing until just combined without overworking the batter.

Step 2: Fill Your Donut Pan

Lightly grease a donut pan using vegetable oil or plant-based butter to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter into each mold, filling them about 3/4 full to allow for rising while baking.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the donuts for about 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown and spring back gently when touched.

Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts are still warm, mix granulated sugar with extra ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Gently dip each donut in melted vegetable oil or plant-based butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Place the coated donuts on a wire rack to cool slightly before enjoying them warm for the best experience.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Don’t overmix: Stir the batter gently to keep donuts light and airy.
Use a piping bag: For a neater and faster way to fill the donut molds evenly.
Warm cinnamon sugar coating: Coat while the donuts are still warm to get that perfect sticky finish.
Room temperature ingredients: Helps the batter blend smoothly and rise well.
Pan care: Always grease your donut pan properly to avoid any sticking.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Garnishes

Top your donuts with a sprinkle of powdered sugar (natural) or thin slices of smoked turkey bacon for a delightful crunch that contrasts the sugary softness.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside hot chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the cinnamon sweetness with a warm beverage. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries also pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the donuts into a fun donut tower for celebrations, or offer a DIY cinnamon sugar topping bar where guests can add nuts, seeds, or drizzle grape juice (natural) glaze for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and soft.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm the donuts gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain that freshly baked warmth and softness.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and follow the same instructions for delicious gluten-free baked cinnamon sugar donuts.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a plant-based maple syrup (natural) for a different sweetness profile that still pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.

Do these donuts freeze well?

They do! Wrapped tightly and frozen, they keep their texture and flavor for up to two months, making them perfect for meal prep or quick snacks.

Can I make the coating without sugar?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can dust the donuts lightly with cinnamon alone or use a sprinkle of powdered plant-based sugar (natural) as an alternative.

Are these donuts suitable for kids?

Definitely! These baked cinnamon sugar donuts are gentle on the palate and free from harsh ingredients, making them a great treat for all ages.

Final Thoughts

If you have been searching for the perfect sweet treat that brings together fluffy texture and cozy cinnamon warmth, these Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts will quickly become your go-to recipe. Easy to make, customizable, and utterly delicious, they’re meant to be shared and enjoyed with your favorite people. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and dive into a batch of comfort and joy today!

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Author: Eric
Total Time: 24 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a light and fluffy treat with these baked cinnamon sugar donuts made from simple plant-based ingredients. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and lightly coated in cinnamon sugar, these donuts are a quick, easy, and guilt-free indulgence for any time of the day.

Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar (natural), and brown sugar (natural) until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract (natural), and natural gelling agent. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing until just combined without overworking the batter.
Fill Your Donut Pan: Lightly grease a donut pan using vegetable oil or plant-based butter to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter into each mold, filling them about 3/4 full to allow for rising while baking.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the donuts for about 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown and spring back gently when touched.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the donuts are still warm, mix granulated sugar (natural) with extra ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Gently dip each donut in melted vegetable oil or plant-based butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Cool and Enjoy: Place the coated donuts on a wire rack to cool slightly before enjoying them warm for the best experience.