I made these one fall morning to use up extra apple cider, and now they’re a weekly tradition. Cinnamon sugar donuts are old-fashioned baked donuts coated in warm cinnamon-sugar — no deep frying, no mess. Soft cake-style texture, golden ring shape, crusty cinnamon-sugar coating. The fall breakfast that smells like a bakery. 30 minutes start to plate.
Fun fact: Americans eat over 10 billion donuts annually. The hole in the middle was reportedly invented by a sea captain in 1847 who didn’t like the doughy center of his mother’s fried dough. Baked donuts (these!) became popular in the early 2000s as a healthier alternative — same flavor, less guilt, no fryer mess.
Why this recipe works
- Buttermilk for tenderness. The acidity makes the donuts moist and tender, like the best cake donuts.
- Don’t overmix. Stir gently just until combined. Overmixing makes tough, dense donuts.
- Brush with butter while warm. The melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere and creates that signature crusty coating.
Nutrition information
- Calories: 240 kcal per donut
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 9 g
Pro tips
- Mini donuts: Use a mini donut pan and bake 7-9 minutes. Makes about 30 minis.
- Save leftover butter and cinnamon-sugar. Use on toast, French toast, or pancakes during the week.
- Make ahead: Bake donuts the day before, coat in cinnamon-sugar just before serving — they stay fresher uncoated.
- Apple cider donuts: Replace 1/2 cup buttermilk with reduced apple cider for the iconic fall flavor.
Frequently asked questions
What’s a donut pan and where do I find one?
A donut pan has 6-12 ring-shaped cavities. Wilton, Norpro, and USA Pan all make them — about $10-15. Amazon, Walmart, Target, baking supply stores. Worth the investment for any baker.
Can I make these without a donut pan?
You can make donut “holes” — drop tablespoons of batter onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake 8-10 minutes. Coat in cinnamon-sugar same way. Different shape, same flavor.
How long do they keep?
Best fresh and warm. Room temperature in an airtight container 2 days. The cinnamon sugar can soften over time — re-coat for serving. Freeze uncoated 2 months.
Can I use a regular muffin pan?
Sure — makes 12 muffin-shaped “donut muffins.” Bake 18-22 minutes. Same coating method. Not quite as cute, but tastes identical.
Are these healthier than fried donuts?
Yes — baking saves about 100-150 calories per donut vs deep-frying. Plus no oil mess. Win-win.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes — substitute 1:1 GF flour blend (King Arthur GF works great). Texture is slightly more delicate but still excellent.
