Description
Delight in these fluffy, baked cinnamon donuts that offer a perfect balance of sweet and spice. Lightly moist donuts are coated with a cinnamon sugar mixture and finished with a luscious cinnamon glaze, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or snack time. These baked donuts are easy to prepare and healthier than traditional fried versions, delivering all the flavor with less guilt.
Ingredients
Scale
Donut Batter
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon melted butter
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Cinnamon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional Cinnamon Glaze Variation
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Whisk together to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined to form a smooth batter.
- Fill the donut pan and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan and fill each cavity about three-quarters full with the batter. Bake for approximately 8 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir in 1 tablespoon melted butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the warm donuts while they’re still soft to create a flavorful crust.
- Make the cinnamon glaze and finish: In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth. Once donuts are cool enough to handle, dip or drizzle the glaze over the top. For an alternative glaze, combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and drizzle over the donuts. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure tender donuts.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar as a homemade alternative.
- Use a non-stick donut pan or thoroughly grease the pan to prevent sticking.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
