Soft Cinnamon Donuts – Oven Baked Homemade Doughnut Recipe

Sophie
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There’s something irresistible about starting the day with the cozy aroma of Soft Cinnamon Donuts fresh from the oven. This easy Oven Doughnuts Recipe delivers all the sweetness and spice of a bakery treat, but with the comfort and simplicity of a Homemade Doughnut Recipe Baked right in your kitchen. Lightly golden, soft, and coated in fragrant cinnamon sugar, these Brown Sugar Donuts are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Whether for brunch, weekend mornings, or a quick afternoon pick-me-up, this Cinnamon Donut Recipe brings the warmth of home baking to your table with every fluffy bite.

Soft Cinnamon Donuts – Oven Baked Homemade Doughnut Recipe

Why Soft Cinnamon Donuts Are a Morning Favorite

A Sweet Morning Memory

The first time I made Soft Cinnamon Donuts at home, the entire kitchen filled with the comforting scent of cinnamon and melted butter. It instantly reminded me of childhood mornings when the house buzzed with quiet anticipation as a pan of warm treats came out of the oven. There’s a certain magic in that aroma—sweet, spicy, and nostalgic—that makes these donuts more than just a breakfast item.

Growing up, weekends meant baking something special with family, and our favorite Cinnamon Donut Recipe always brought everyone together. The joy of whisking ingredients, dusting each golden donut with cinnamon sugar, and biting into something soft and tender is pure comfort. What makes these baked delights so special isn’t only their flavor but how they transform a simple morning into a warm memory. The gentle sweetness from Brown Sugar Donuts, paired with the spice of cinnamon, creates the kind of flavor that feels like home.

Now, every time I pull a tray of these Soft Cinnamon Donuts from the oven, I can’t help but smile. The scent alone is enough to gather everyone in the kitchen, waiting for that first sugary bite. These donuts aren’t just food—they’re a moment of togetherness, wrapped in warmth and sweetness.

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Close-up of golden brown homemade doughnuts coated in cinnamon sugar from an oven bake.

Soft Cinnamon Donuts – Oven Baked Homemade Doughnut Recipe


  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 donuts 1x

Description

There’s something irresistible about starting the day with the cozy aroma of soft cinnamon donuts fresh from the oven. This easy oven doughnuts recipe delivers all the sweetness and spice of a bakery treat, but with the comfort and simplicity of a homemade doughnut recipe baked right in your kitchen. Lightly golden, soft, and coated in fragrant cinnamon sugar, these brown sugar donuts are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for brunch, weekend mornings, or a quick afternoon pick-me-up, this cinnamon donut recipe brings the warmth of home baking to your table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan.

    2. In a large bowl whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.

    3. In a separate bowl whisk melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

    4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.

    5. Transfer batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag and pipe into donut pan cavities two-thirds full.

    6. Tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.

    7. Let donuts cool in the pan for 3–5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

    8. In a shallow bowl combine granulated sugar and cinnamon for coating.

    9. Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.

    10. Allow coated donuts to set on a rack for 5 minutes before serving.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 12 minutes
    • Category: breakfast
    • Method: baked
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 donut
    • Calories: 180
    • Sugar: 12
    • Sodium: 180
    • Fat: 7
    • Saturated Fat: 4
    • Unsaturated Fat: 2
    • Trans Fat: 0
    • Carbohydrates: 26
    • Fiber: 1
    • Protein: 3
    • Cholesterol: 35

    Keywords: soft cinnamon donuts, oven doughnuts recipe, homemade doughnut recipe, brown sugar donuts, cinnamon donut recipe, sugar donuts recipe, easy donut recipe

    What Makes Oven Doughnuts So Special

    If you’ve ever wondered why baked donuts have gained so much love, it comes down to their simplicity and texture. Unlike traditional fried versions, an Oven Doughnuts Recipe requires no messy oil or deep fryer. Instead, the batter bakes gently in a donut pan, producing tender rings with a light crumb and golden edge. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, clean up, and enjoy, making them a favorite for busy mornings or healthier indulgences.

    A Homemade Doughnut Recipe Baked captures the same satisfying sweetness without the heaviness of fried pastry. The exterior is soft yet slightly crisp, while the inside stays pillowy and moist. Not to mention, baking eliminates lingering oily smells and reduces fat content, so you can enjoy two without guilt.

    This Cinnamon Donut Recipe proves that indulgence doesn’t have to mean compromise. You still get that classic cinnamon-sugar crunch, but in a lighter, fresher way that makes every bite just right. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned cook, the oven-baked method turns donut-making into an effortless art—no frying required, just pure homemade comfort.

    Ingredients & Tools for the Perfect Homemade Doughnut Recipe Baked

    Key Ingredients You’ll Need

    Every Homemade Doughnut Recipe Baked starts with a handful of familiar pantry staples. The magic of Brown Sugar Donuts lies in their rich caramel sweetness and the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon that fills the air as they bake. Below is a simple ingredient guide to help you create the softest, fluffiest Cinnamon Donut Recipe right from your own kitchen.

    IngredientQuantityPurpose / Tips
    All-Purpose Flour2 cupsForms the base structure for your donuts, keeping them light when properly measured.
    Brown Sugar½ cup (light or dark)Adds a deep caramel flavor and moisture, perfect for Brown Sugar Donuts.
    Baking Powder2 tspHelps the batter rise and creates a tender, airy crumb.
    Ground Cinnamon1 ½ tspThe star spice for that classic Cinnamon Donut Recipe warmth.
    Salt¼ tspBalances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
    Whole Milk¾ cupProvides richness and moisture without heaviness.
    Unsalted Butter (melted)¼ cupAdds a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
    Eggs2 largeBind ingredients together and contribute to fluffiness.
    Vanilla Extract1 tspGives a sweet aromatic finish that complements the cinnamon and brown sugar.
    Granulated Sugar + Cinnamon (for coating)½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamonUsed after baking for the final sparkling, spiced finish.

    Each ingredient plays a role in achieving the soft crumb and balanced sweetness that define this Homemade Doughnut Recipe Baked. The brown sugar keeps the texture moist while adding a caramel undertone, and the cinnamon infuses every bite with cozy flavor. The combination of milk, butter, and eggs ensures tenderness, making the donuts soft inside and slightly crisp outside.

    Tools and Equipment That Make a Difference

    While ingredients set the flavor, the right tools make the Oven Doughnuts Recipe effortless and fun. You don’t need fancy equipment to master this Sugar Donuts Recipe Easy—just a few kitchen essentials that make shaping, mixing, and baking smooth from start to finish.

    • Donut Pan (Nonstick) – Ensures even baking and easy release of donuts.
    • Mixing Bowls (Large & Medium) – Keeps wet and dry ingredients separate for consistent blending.
    • Whisk or Hand Mixer – Blends ingredients without overmixing for a soft texture.
    • Rubber Spatula – Ideal for folding batter neatly into the pan.
    • Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag (optional) – Helps fill the donut pan evenly.
    • Cooling Rack – Prevents soggy bottoms and allows airflow while cooling.
    • Pastry Brush or Small Bowl – Useful for brushing melted butter before coating.

    A high-quality nonstick pan ensures the Homemade Doughnut Recipe Baked rises evenly and releases without sticking. Lightly grease the cavities even with nonstick to guarantee perfect shape and ease.

    Pro Tips: Don’t overfill the pan—fill two-thirds full. Tap gently to remove bubbles, use fresh baking powder, and bake on the center rack. These details ensure perfectly light, beautifully golden results every time.

    How to Bake Soft Cinnamon Donuts Like a Pro

    Step-by-Step Baking Process

    Baking Soft Cinnamon Donuts is a simple, rewarding process that turns a handful of pantry ingredients into warm, golden rings of comfort. Follow this Oven Doughnuts Recipe step-by-step, and you’ll be enjoying fluffy bites of cinnamon sweetness in under an hour.

    1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan and position the rack in the center of the oven.
    2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar.
    3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    4. Blend Together: Gently fold wet and dry mixtures until just combined—no overmixing.
    5. Fill the Donut Pan: Fill each cavity two-thirds full. Tap to remove bubbles.
    6. Bake Until Golden: Bake for 10–12 minutes until donuts spring back when pressed.
    7. Cool Before Coating: Cool 3–5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
    StepTemperatureTimeTexture Cue
    Mixing350°F / 175°CSmooth, lump-free batter
    Baking350°F / 175°C10–12 minsGolden brown, springs back
    CoolingRoom Temp3–5 minsSoft inside, firm edges

    Tip: Lightly press to test for doneness—if it springs back, it’s perfect. Spoon and level flour for an airy texture, and use flavor variations like nutmeg for a twist.

    The Final Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

    No Cinnamon Donut Recipe is complete without its signature cinnamon-sugar finish. Coat the donuts warm so the mixture adheres beautifully.

    1. Mix the Coating: Combine ½ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Adjust spice to taste.
    2. Brush or Dip in Butter: Brush each donut with melted butter so the sugar sticks evenly.
    3. Roll to Coat: Gently roll in cinnamon sugar, covering all sides for sparkle and crunch.
    4. Cool: Place on a rack for five minutes so the coating sets lightly.
    Coating StepIngredient RatioResult
    Butter Dip2 Tbsp melted butter per 6 donutsHelps coating adhere
    Cinnamon–Sugar Mix½ cup sugar : 1 tsp cinnamonSweet-spicy balance
    Cooling5 minsCrisp, even coating

    For freshness, store Soft Cinnamon Donuts in an airtight container for up to two days or freeze uncoated for longer. Rewarm briefly before coating. You can add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for variety or drizzle with glaze for a bakery-style finish.

    FAQ

    1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

    Yes. Pipe batter into rings on a parchment-lined sheet or use a muffin tin. They’ll still have that signature Soft Cinnamon Donuts flavor, even without perfect shape.

    2. How do I store oven-baked cinnamon donuts?

    Keep in an airtight container for two days, refrigerate for five, or freeze uncoated up to two months. Reheat and recoat to refresh your Cinnamon Donut Recipe.

    3. Can I reduce the sugar for a lighter version?

    Yes. Decrease brown sugar slightly or opt for coconut sugar. Just remember it maintains moisture in Brown Sugar Donuts, so keep some for softness.

    4. What’s the difference between baked and fried donuts?

    Baked versions use little to no oil and have a cake-like crumb. This Oven Doughnuts Recipe yields a lighter, fluffier texture than fried alternatives.

    5. Can I freeze these Soft Cinnamon Donuts for later?

    Freeze cooled, uncoated donuts in sealed containers. When serving, thaw, warm, and roll in sugar for a fresh finish.

    Conclusion

    There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking Soft Cinnamon Donuts—the aroma of brown sugar and cinnamon filling the kitchen and every soft, sugary bite reminding you of home. This Oven Doughnuts Recipe is proof that indulgence can be simple and satisfying. With just a few staple ingredients and no frying required, you’ll create Brown Sugar Donuts that taste as warm and comforting as they look.

    Perfect with coffee, shared with family, or baked for cozy weekends, this Homemade Doughnut Recipe Baked will bring comfort to your mornings. Preheat your oven, whisk up your batter, and savor the moment—because one batch of Soft Cinnamon Donuts is never enough when it’s this easy to enjoy a Sugar Donuts Recipe Easy made from the heart.

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