Get ready to delight your taste buds with my easy Bakery-Style Cinnamon Sugar Donuts recipe! These warm, fluffy treats are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. With just a few simple ingredients and my easy step-by-step guide, you’ll have fresh donuts ready in no time. I’ll share tips to avoid common mistakes and even some fun variations. Let’s dive into this sweet baking adventure together!
Ingredients
Required Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
These dry ingredients form the base of your donuts. The flour gives structure, while the sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Cinnamon adds that warm, cozy flavor, and salt balances it all out.
Required Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or almond)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The wet ingredients bring moisture and richness. Milk makes the donuts soft. Butter adds a nice flavor. Eggs help bind everything together, while vanilla gives a sweet note that pairs well with cinnamon.
Coating Ingredients
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
This mixture creates that classic cinnamon sugar topping. It adds a sweet crunch and makes your donuts look and taste amazing. Tossing the warm donuts in this mix gives them a lovely finish that you can’t resist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating and Preparing the Donut Pan
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the best temperature for baking. While the oven heats, prepare your donut pan. Use cooking spray or oil to grease each cavity. This helps the donuts come out easily.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together. Make sure it is well combined. This step is key for a good donut texture.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Grab another bowl for the wet mix. Add the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until it’s smooth. This mix will add moisture and flavor to your donuts.
Merging Mixtures and Filling the Pan
Now, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be thick and a bit lumpy. Don’t overmix; this can make your donuts tough. Use a piping bag or a cookie scoop to fill the donut pan. Fill each cavity about 3/4 full with batter.
Baking and Cooling the Donuts
Put the donut pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes. You want them to be lightly golden. Stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they’re done. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing and Applying the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donuts cool, make the cinnamon sugar. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Once the donuts are warm, toss each one in the cinnamon sugar mix. Make sure they’re fully coated. This gives them a sweet, crunchy outside. Enjoy your fresh donuts!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Donut Texture
To get the best texture, follow these steps. First, do not overmix the batter. Mix until just combined. This keeps the donuts light and fluffy. Second, make sure your oven is fully preheated. A hot oven helps the donuts rise well. Lastly, check for doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean from the center.
Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
Many home bakers make a few common mistakes. One big mistake is not measuring the flour correctly. Use a spoon to scoop it into the measuring cup, then level it off. Another mistake is baking too long. Keep an eye on the timer. Lastly, avoid opening the oven door too often. This lets heat escape and can ruin your bake.
Best Practices for Coating Donuts
Coating donuts in cinnamon sugar is key for flavor. While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the mix. This helps the sugar stick well. Make sure to coat every side evenly. For a thicker layer, double coat them by dipping again. This makes each bite sweet and delicious.
Variations
Custom Flavors (e.g., chocolate, vanilla)
You can easily change the flavor of these donuts. For a chocolate twist, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to your dry mix. This will give your donuts a rich chocolate taste. If you want vanilla donuts, simply add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract instead of 1 teaspoon. You can even use both flavors together for a fun mix!
Gluten-Free Option
Want to make these donuts gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Many brands work well without changing the taste. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats!
Adding Toppings (e.g., sprinkles, glaze)
Toppings can make your donuts even more special. Try adding sprinkles on top after coating them with cinnamon sugar. For a simple glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. Drizzle this on top for a sweet finish. You can also add nuts or coconut for extra crunch. The options are endless, so get creative!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Donuts
To keep your donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. If you have extra donuts, store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.
Freezing Donuts for Later
Freezing donuts is easy and a great way to extend their shelf life. First, let the donuts cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want one, just take it out and let it thaw.
Reheating Tips for Freshness
To enjoy your donuts warm, reheating is key. You can use the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. For a crispier texture, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will bring back their delightful warmth and make them taste fresh again.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Just wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can replace eggs with several options. One common choice is unsweetened applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg. Another option is mashed banana; use the same amount. You can also try a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about five minutes to thicken.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
Check the donuts after 10 minutes in the oven. Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are done. They should also be light golden brown on the top. If they look too pale, give them a few more minutes.
Can I use alternative sweeteners for coating?
Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners for the coating. Options like stevia or erythritol work well. You can mix them with cinnamon just like with regular sugar. The taste may differ slightly, but they will still add a nice flavor to your donuts.
You now have a complete guide to making delicious donuts. We covered dry and wet ingredients, the steps to bake, and ways to coat your treats. Plus, you learned tips for perfect texture and common mistakes to avoid. Don’t forget the fun variations like chocolate and gluten-free options. Store your extras properly, and enjoy them later. Baking donuts can be easy and fun, bringing joy to your kitchen. Now, it’s time to bake your first batch and share them with friends!
