Save I baked my first batch on a rainy Sunday when the craving for something warm and sweet hit hard but I didnt want to leave the house. The smell of cinnamon and butter filled every corner of my kitchen within minutes. I brushed the donuts with melted butter while they were still hot and rolled them through the cinnamon sugar, and the coating stuck like magic. My neighbor knocked on the door asking what smelled so good. That batch didnt last an hour.
I made these for my daughters sleepover once and watched six kids devour them straight off the cooling rack. One girl said they tasted like the boardwalk but better because they were still warm. I had to hide two in the back of the pantry just so my husband could try one when he got home. He ate both and asked if I could make them every weekend. I told him only if he did the dishes.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these donuts their tender crumb, and using exactly 2 cups keeps them soft without turning dense.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough to let the cinnamon coating shine, and I learned not to reduce it or the donuts taste flat.
- Baking powder and baking soda: The dream team that makes these puff up in the oven, creating that classic donut lift.
- Ground cinnamon: Goes into both the batter and the coating, layering warmth into every bite.
- Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and keeps the texture incredibly moist, and the vinegar trick works perfectly if you dont have any on hand.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give the donuts structure without making them heavy.
- Unsalted butter: Melted into the batter for richness and brushed on top so the cinnamon sugar sticks like it means it.
- Vanilla extract: A teaspoon brings out all the other flavors and makes the whole kitchen smell like a bakery.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Turn your oven to 375°F and grease every little donut cavity so they pop out clean. I use a paper towel dipped in butter and it takes 30 seconds.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a big bowl until theres no streaks. This step keeps the leavening even so every donut rises the same.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and slightly frothy. Dont skip the whisking or you might get pockets of egg.
- Fold It Together:
- Pour the wet into the dry and stir gently until just combined, a few lumps are fine. Overmixing turns them tough and nobody wants a chewy donut.
- Fill the Pan:
- Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity until theyre about three-quarters full. I use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off and it makes filling them so much faster.
- Bake:
- Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops spring back when you press them. They should be golden around the edges and smell like heaven.
- Cool Briefly:
- Let them sit in the pan for 3 minutes so they firm up just enough to handle. Any longer and they stick, any shorter and they fall apart.
- Coat While Warm:
- Brush each donut with melted butter and immediately roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The butter acts like glue and the sugar sparkles in the light.
Save One morning I made a double batch and brought them to my book club. We were supposed to discuss the ending of the novel but everyone kept reaching for another donut and talking about their own kitchen memories instead. Someone said her grandmother used to make something similar on a cast iron griddle. We never did finish talking about the book. I didnt mind at all.
How to Store and Reheat
These donuts taste best the day you make them, but you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If they lose their softness, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds and it comes back to life. I once reheated one and added a little extra cinnamon sugar on top and it tasted freshly made. Freezing works too if you wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then thaw and warm them up when the craving strikes.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
I swapped the cinnamon for cardamom once and the donuts tasted like something youd find in a European cafe. A friend of mine adds a pinch of nutmeg and orange zest to the batter and swears it makes them taste like Christmas morning. You can also dip them in melted chocolate instead of cinnamon sugar, or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. One time I mixed cocoa powder into the coating and my kids thought I was a genius. The base recipe is forgiving enough to let you play around.
What to Serve Alongside
I love setting these out with hot coffee or cold milk, and watching people grab one donut and then quietly come back for a second. Theyre perfect for breakfast, but theyve also saved me when unexpected guests showed up and I needed something sweet fast. Fresh fruit on the side makes it feel a little more balanced, and a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt turns it into a whole brunch situation.
- Brew a strong pot of coffee or steep some chai tea for dipping.
- Slice up apples or berries to add a fresh contrast to the sweetness.
- Set out a small bowl of extra cinnamon sugar for anyone who wants to go wild.
Save Every time I pull these out of the oven I feel like I just pulled off a little bit of magic in under half an hour. They make ordinary mornings feel special and rainy days a little brighter.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve soft texture in baked donuts?
Use buttermilk and melted butter in the batter, and avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender and light.
- → What is the best temperature to bake these donuts?
Bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) to ensure quick cooking and a soft crumb with a slight golden crust.
- → How can I ensure the cinnamon-sugar coating sticks well?
Brush warm donuts with melted butter before dipping in the cinnamon-sugar mix to help the coating adhere evenly.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?
You can use plant-based milk and margarine instead of dairy to make these suitable for dairy-free needs.
- → What is a good storage method for these baked treats?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and softness.