Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are soft oven-baked donuts made with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, sour cream, and a buttery cinnamon sugar coating. This donut pan recipe is a cozy bake for brunch, holiday mornings, or homemade sweet treats without frying.
Equipment
- Standard donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Piping bag or zip-top bag
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for batter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted for batter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar for coating
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for coating
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted for coating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a standard donut pan well.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
- Whisk egg, brown sugar, milk, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no dry streaks remain.
- Pipe or spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each well about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the tops spring back lightly.
- Cool in the pan for 3 minutes, then transfer the donuts to a wire rack.
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter and coat evenly in cinnamon sugar.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, with parchment between layers.
Freezing: Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months, then thaw and coat with fresh butter and cinnamon sugar before serving.
Best Tips: Spoon and level the flour, fill the pan only three-quarters full, and avoid overbaking for the softest crumb.
Texture Tips: Sour cream gives the donuts a richer tender bite, while plain yogurt keeps them soft with a lighter tang.
Variations: Try apple pie spice, a vanilla glaze, orange zest, or mini donut pans for different serving styles.
Serving Ideas: Serve warm with coffee, cocoa, milk, or a brunch tray for a cozy homemade sweet.