Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – Easy Homemade Baked Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen on a slow weekend morning. For me, Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts bring back the cozy scene of my family kitchen — the golden morning light spilling over the countertop, the gentle hum of the oven preheating, and that unmistakable aroma of sweet spice mixing with buttery dough.

The first time I made Homemade Cinnamon Donuts using sourdough, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had my worn-out wooden spoon, a slightly bubbly jar of starter, and a lot of hope. But as the Baked Doughnut Recipe came together, the dough turned soft and silky beneath my hands, and I knew something special was happening. After baking, I rolled those tender little rings in warm cinnamon sugar, and the first bite was pure joy — lightly crisp on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside, and kissed with the subtle tang of sourdough.

It wasn’t just about the taste; it was about the feeling of slowing down, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and creating food that brings people closer. Each batch of Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts carries that same memory — warm, comforting, and wonderfully nostalgic.

Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – Easy Homemade Baked Recipe

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• Total Time: 3 hours 12 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x

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Description

Light, tender baked sourdough donuts coated in warm cinnamon sugar. No frying required, perfect for a cozy homemade breakfast or snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/2 cup active sourdough starter (about 100g)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (315g)

1/3 cup granulated sugar (65g)

3/4 cup warm milk (whole or 2%)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (55g)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon cinnamon for coating

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Instructions

1. Feed sourdough starter until active and bubbly.

2. Whisk together warm milk, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

3. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.

4. Add sourdough starter to wet mixture, then gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

5. Knead dough until smooth, about 6–8 minutes, then cover and rest for 2–3 hours until slightly puffed.

6. Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness, cut into rings, and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.

7. Proof donuts for 45–60 minutes until puffy and springy.

8. Preheat oven to 3506F (1756C) and lightly grease a doughnut pan.

9. Bake donuts for 10–12 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.

10. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

11. Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.

12. Cool donuts slightly on a rack and serve warm.

• Prep Time: 3 hours
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: breakfast
• Method: baking
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut

Keywords: sourdough cinnamon sugar donuts, homemade cinnamon donuts, baked doughnut recipe, cinnamon donut recipe, sugar donuts recipe easy, weekend baking, sourdough donuts

Now, weekend baking feels incomplete without these donuts on the rack, glistening lightly with sugar and inviting everyone to grab one while they’re still slightly warm. They remind us how simple homemade recipes can transform an ordinary morning into something special.

Why Everyone Loves Sourdough Doughnuts

Sourdough isn’t just for rustic loaves and crusty bread — it’s an incredible base for sweet treats, too. What makes Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts stand out is that familiar sourdough magic: the natural tang, gentle fermentation, and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that only a slow rise can create. It brings depth and balance to the sweetness of the sugar coating, making every bite more flavorful and less cloying.

Compared to other donut recipes, this Cinnamon Donut Recipe feels lighter and more satisfying. The natural fermentation adds airiness without requiring excessive yeast or frying oil. As a Sugar Donuts Recipe Easy option, this version is friendly for both new and experienced bakers — no frying mess, no complicated techniques, and yet you end up with donuts that taste as if they came from an artisanal bakery.

Every time you bake these Homemade Cinnamon Donuts, you’ll notice a unique personality in the dough. The sourdough starter gives life to the crumb, adding a slightly chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar coat. The result? A comforting balance between wholesome homemade goodness and the irresistible sweetness we all crave in a donut.

That’s the real magic of this Baked Doughnut Recipe — simple ingredients, an easy process, and results that bring warmth to the table. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared with friends over coffee, these Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts embody everything we love about baking: tradition, comfort, and the joy of making something from the heart.

What You Need for Perfect Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Essential Ingredients for the Dough and Sugar Coating

Every batch of Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts starts with simple, wholesome ingredients. The beauty of this Baked Doughnut Recipe is how each one contributes a distinct role — from the tangy lift of sourdough starter to the fragrant spice of cinnamon that perfumes your entire kitchen.

Ingredient Tips: No starter? Use ½ tsp dry yeast and reduce milk slightly. Add sour cream or yogurt for tenderness, or swap in half brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor. Every ingredient contributes to light, balanced donuts that feel homemade in every bite.

Tools and Equipment for Effortless Baking

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer (with dough hook)
• Whisk and rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and kitchen scale
• Non-stick doughnut pan
• Piping bag or zip-top bag
• Cooling rack
• Pastry brush (for buttering before coating)

Pro Tips: Lightly grease your pan, keep your starter active, coat while warm for perfect adherence, and maintain clean tools for consistent results.

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Preparing the Sourdough Dough

1. Activate Starter: Feed your sourdough until bubbly and doubled for best lift.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine warm milk, sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon separately.
4. Form the Dough: Stir the sourdough starter into wet ingredients, then add dry ingredients gradually until a soft, elastic dough forms.
5. Knead and Rest: Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth, cover, and rest 2–3 hours until puffed.
6. Shape: Roll dough ½-inch thick, cut into rings, and place on lined baking tray.
7. Proof: Cover and rest 45–60 minutes until puffy and springy.

Watching your Homemade Cinnamon Donuts slowly rise connects you to the rhythm of baking — a small ritual that always pays off in warmth and flavor.

Baking, Coating, and Finishing Touches

1. Preheat Oven: 350°F (175°C). Grease your doughnut pan.
2. Bake: 10–12 minutes until lightly golden and springy.
3. Prepare Coating: Mix sugar and cinnamon (add nutmeg if desired).
4. Butter and Roll: Brush warm donuts with butter, roll in the coating until evenly covered.
5. Serve: Enjoy warm with coffee, tea, or cocoa for an indulgent yet easy treat.

Serve alongside fruit for brunch, make minis for kids, or reheat gently at 300°F for a fresh-from-the-oven taste. These Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts bring bakery joy home — simple, airy, and sweet without fuss.

Tips, FAQs, and Conclusion

Common Questions Answered

Can I make these donuts without sourdough starter?
Yes. Substitute ½ tsp instant yeast and reduce milk by two tablespoons. The texture remains soft though the flavor is milder.

How do I store them?
Keep airtight at room temperature up to two days. Add a slice of bread to retain moisture, or freeze uncoated donuts for a month and roll in sugar after reheating.

Can I prepare the dough ahead?
Yes, refrigerate overnight after kneading. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking for enhanced flavor.

Best milk substitutes?
Try oat or almond milk for dairy-free, or blend milk with a splash of cream for richness.

Can I fry instead of bake?
Yes, fry in 350°F oil for 1–2 minutes per side, drain, then coat. The fried version turns extra crisp yet tender.

Final Thoughts and Serving Ideas

Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Donuts bring pure comfort — warm aroma, sugary finish, and a soft bite that makes mornings brighter. Each Baked Doughnut Recipe feels nostalgic yet fresh, a bridge between tradition and everyday joy.

Serve during family brunch, holidays, or quiet mornings alike. Pair these Homemade Cinnamon Donuts with coffee, cocoa, or just a smile. They’re inviting, easy, and certain to become a cherished ritual.

Next time you crave sweetness with simplicity, let this Sugar Donuts Recipe Easy remind you that great baking needs nothing more than time, cinnamon, and love. From first mix to sugared finish, your home becomes a bakery filled with warmth and joy one donut at a time.