Craving a sweet treat? These Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are simple, quick, and oh-so-delicious! In this article, I’ll guide you through every step, from gathering ingredients to the perfect bake. Whether you’re looking for a weekend breakfast or a fun snack, these donuts offer a delightful cinnamon twist that can satisfy everyone’s cravings. Ready to dive in and whip up a batch? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Detailed Ingredient List
To make baked cinnamon sugar donuts, you need:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for coating)
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 large egg
– ½ cup buttermilk (or a homemade mix of milk with a splash of vinegar)
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients create a soft and fluffy donut. The spices add warmth and flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can make these donuts fit your needs:
– Gluten-free alternatives: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
– Dairy-free options: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or oat milk mixed with vinegar.
– Sugar substitutes: Use coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia for less sweetness.
These swaps keep the taste exciting while catering to different diets.
Tools Needed
Gather these tools to make your baking process smooth:
– Donut pan
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk and spatula
– Piping bag or zip-top bag
These tools help you mix, fill, and bake your donuts perfectly. The donut pan gives them their classic shape, while the piping bag makes filling easy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease the donut pan with non-stick spray.
Start by heating your oven. A warm oven makes donuts rise and bake well. Greasing the pan helps the donuts come out easily.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
– Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until they blend well. This step is key for even flavor.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
– Beat egg and combine with buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
In another bowl, crack your egg and beat it lightly. Add buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to your donuts.
Combine and Fill
– Mix wet and dry ingredients carefully.
– Fill donut cavities properly.
Gently pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Use a spatula to stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Then, transfer the batter to a piping bag. Fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full.
Baking Time
– Bake for 10-12 minutes.
– Check doneness by touch.
Place the filled pan in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The donuts should spring back when touched.
Finishing Steps
– Prepare the cinnamon sugar.
– Coat baked donuts.
– Serve warm.
While baking, mix sugar and extra cinnamon in a bowl. When donuts are done, let them cool for about 5 minutes. Roll each warm donut in the cinnamon sugar. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
To bake perfect donuts, avoid overmixing the batter. Mixing too much can make your donuts tough. Just stir until the wet and dry ingredients come together. Also, use an oven thermometer to check the oven temperature. A good temperature ensures even baking and fluffy donuts.
Serving Suggestions
For serving, get creative with your plates. Use a colorful platter or a tiered stand to make them pop. You can also add a small bowl of extra cinnamon sugar for a fun touch. As for drinks, pair these donuts with coffee or warm apple cider. The flavors blend beautifully and enhance the whole experience.
Enhancing Flavor
If you want to boost flavor, try adding toppings. A drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of nuts can add crunch and taste. You can also experiment with spices. Try adding cardamom or ginger for a unique twist. Vanilla or almond extract can also bring new life to your donuts. The options are endless!
Variations
Different Flavor Profiles
You can change up the flavor of your baked donuts. Try making chocolate glazed donuts by adding cocoa powder to your batter. Use about 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. After baking, dip the donuts in melted chocolate for a rich glaze.
Pumpkin spice donuts are another tasty option. Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter. This will give your donuts a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall.
Healthier Alternatives
If you want a healthier treat, consider using whole wheat flour. Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour in equal amounts. This adds fiber and nutrients without changing the taste much.
You can also reduce the sugar in your recipe. Cut the granulated sugar by half and add a bit of honey or maple syrup. This will give you a sweet donut with fewer calories.
Seasonal Variations
Seasonal spices can enhance your donuts. For winter, try adding gingerbread spice to your batter. Mix 1 teaspoon of ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for a festive twist.
For holiday cheer, use toppings like crushed candy canes or sprinkles. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate on top for a sweet finish. Each season offers a chance to create something special with your baked donuts. Explore these variations to keep your treats exciting!
Storage Info
How to Store
To keep your baked cinnamon sugar donuts fresh, use an airtight container. This helps them stay moist and tasty. You can stack the donuts in the container, but separate layers with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together. Store the container at room temperature for best results.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your donuts, first let them cool completely. Once cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After that, transfer the donuts to a freezer bag or airtight container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. To reheat frozen donuts, simply place them on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 5-7 minutes. This restores their soft texture.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, your baked cinnamon sugar donuts can last for about 3 days at room temperature. If you choose to freeze them, they can last up to 2 months. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and freshness. Enjoy your treats whenever you want!
FAQs
How can I make baked donuts without a donut pan?
You can use a muffin pan. Just pour the batter into each cup. Fill them halfway. This will create donut-like shapes. You can also shape the donuts by hand. Roll the batter into balls, then flatten them slightly. They will not look like classic donuts, but they will taste great.
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use self-rising flour. It has baking powder already mixed in. This means you should reduce the baking powder in your recipe. You may not need the baking soda either. This change can affect the texture, making it lighter.
What can I do if my donuts turn out dry?
If your donuts are dry, check your oven temperature. It may be too high. Next time, add a bit more buttermilk. This will help keep them moist. You can also try baking them for a shorter time. Always check for doneness early.
Is it possible to make these donuts vegan?
Yes, you can make these donuts vegan. Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. Replace buttermilk with plant-based milk and vinegar. Use vegan butter for rich flavor.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields about 12 donuts. Each donut is a nice size for a sweet treat. You can adjust the portion sizes based on your needs. If you want smaller bites, fill the cavities less.
How do I adjust the recipe for altitude?
At higher altitudes, reduce the baking powder slightly. You might also need to increase the liquid. Add an extra tablespoon of buttermilk. Keep an eye on baking time, as it may need to be shorter. Test the donuts to see if they are done.
This blog post covered how to make delicious baked donuts from scratch. We looked at key ingredients, useful substitutions, and the tools you’ll need. I provided step-by-step baking instructions and tips for perfect results. You also learned about variations, storage methods, and frequently asked questions.
Baking can be fun and rewarding. With a bit of practice, you can enjoy tasty donuts anytime. Now, it’s your turn to create and enjoy these treats!
