Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan with nonstick cooking spray or brush it with melted butter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Granulated sugar

Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Melted butter
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.

Using a spatula, gently fold the batter together until just combined.

Do not overmix. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will help keep the donuts soft and tender.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off.

Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling each about ⅔ to ¾ full.

This allows enough room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

Avoid overbaking to keep the donuts moist.

Step 7: Cool

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.

Carefully remove them from the pan and place them on a wire rack.

The donuts should still be slightly warm before coating.

Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Mix well until evenly blended.

Place the melted butter in a separate bowl.

Step 9: Coat the Donuts

Brush each warm donut generously with melted butter.

Roll the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated.

For extra flavor, repeat the butter and cinnamon sugar coating a second time.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Optional Variations

Apple Cinnamon Donuts

Add ½ cup finely grated apple to the batter for extra moisture and fresh apple flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Replace ¼ cup of the milk with pumpkin puree and add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.

Chocolate Cinnamon Donuts

Mix ¼ cup cocoa powder into the dry ingredients for a chocolate version.

Maple Cinnamon Donuts

Drizzle warm maple glaze over the cinnamon sugar coating for an extra indulgent treat.

Filled Donuts

After baking, fill the center of each donut with apple butter, vanilla pastry cream, or chocolate hazelnut spread using a piping bag.

Serving Suggestions

These Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts pair perfectly with:

• Freshly brewed coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Chai tea
• Vanilla latte
• Apple cider
• Cold milk
• Fresh fruit
• Yogurt parfaits
• Scrambled eggs and bacon for brunch

Storage

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerate for up to 5 days if desired.

Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 3 months. Thaw completely and coat with butter and cinnamon sugar before serving.

Reheating

Warm the donuts in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.

If needed, brush with a little more melted butter and roll in fresh cinnamon sugar before serving.

Tips for the Best Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth, even batter.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the donuts dense.
• Pipe the batter into the donut pan for neat, evenly shaped donuts.
• Coat the donuts while they are still warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks well.
• Double-coat the donuts for an extra sweet and crunchy exterior.
• Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a more complex spice flavor.
• Enjoy the donuts the same day they’re baked for the freshest taste and texture.

Nutrition (Per Donut – Approximate)

• Calories: 235
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g