Want a delicious treat that’s also easy to make? You’re in the right place! I’ll show you how to whip up perfectly fluffy baked cinnamon sugar donuts that will leave your taste buds dancing. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll impress everyone at home. Let’s dive into this sweet adventure and get baking!
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
To make these baked cinnamon sugar donuts, you will need:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar added)
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas:
– For buttermilk, mix regular milk with vinegar or lemon juice.
– If you don’t have applesauce, use mashed banana or yogurt.
– You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water).
– Use coconut oil instead of melted butter for a dairy-free option.
– If you want a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutritional Information per Donut
Each donut has about:
– Calories: 130
– Protein: 2g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fat: 5g
– Fiber: 0.5g
– Sugar: 8g
These donuts are a tasty treat that fits into a balanced diet. Enjoy them fresh for a fun snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Donut Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grease your donut pan with non-stick spray. This helps the donuts come out easily once baked.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these together until they are well mixed. This ensures the flavors blend perfectly.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure it’s smooth. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to your donuts.
Assembling the Donut Batter
Carefully pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently just until combined. You want to keep some lumps; do not overmix. This keeps your donuts light and fluffy. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
Baking Instructions
Place the donut pan in your preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. You can check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Let them cool for a few minutes in the pan. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While your donuts cool, make the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This adds a sweet and spicy finish to your donuts.
Serving Suggestions
Once your donuts are cool enough to handle, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mix. Make sure they are fully coated for the best taste. For the best experience, serve them warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for a few days. Enjoy your fluffy, sweet treats!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfectly Fluffy Donuts
To make perfectly fluffy donuts, use fresh ingredients. Stale baking powder can ruin your rise. I recommend mixing your dry ingredients well to avoid lumps. When combining wet and dry, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Filling the donut pan about two-thirds full allows space for rising. Finally, avoid opening the oven door too soon. This can cause your donuts to sink.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is using too much flour. Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. Another mistake is not greasing the donut pan well. Donuts can stick, making removal hard. Also, don’t skip the cooling time. Hot donuts can break apart when rolled in cinnamon sugar. Lastly, ensure your oven is at the right temperature. An oven thermometer can help check accuracy.
How to Use a Piping Bag
Using a piping bag makes filling your donut pan easy and neat. If you don’t have one, a zip-lock bag works too. Just cut a small corner off the bag to create a piping tip. Fill the bag with batter, and squeeze gently to pipe into the pan. Start at the center and move outward. This method helps create even shapes. Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time!
Variations
Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
You can make pumpkin spice cinnamon sugar donuts easily! Just add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree to the wet mix. Also, increase the ground cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons for that cozy flavor. This gives your donuts a warm, fall taste. Serve these with a cup of coffee for a perfect treat.
Glazed Donuts Alternative
If you want a sweet glaze instead of cinnamon sugar, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. Drizzle this over your cooled donuts. For more flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract. This will give your donuts a shiny finish and a sweet kick.
Chocolate Frosted Donuts
For chocolate frosted donuts, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Once your donuts cool, dip the tops in the melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set for a few minutes. You can sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for extra fun. This adds a rich taste that chocolate lovers will adore.
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Baked Donuts
To keep your baked cinnamon sugar donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure they cool before you store them. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge.
How Long Do They Last?
When stored properly, these donuts can last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they can stay fresh for up to a week. Just remember, the sooner you eat them, the better they will taste!
Reheating Tips
To enjoy your donuts warm again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This warms them up and keeps them fluffy. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat them in 10-second bursts to avoid making them tough. Enjoy your warm, fluffy treats!
FAQs
Can I make these donuts vegan?
Yes, you can make these donuts vegan. To do this, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for five minutes. You can also use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with vinegar. Add half a teaspoon of vinegar to half a cup of milk. Let it sit for five minutes. This will create a similar tangy flavor. You can also use almond milk or soy milk with vinegar for a dairy-free option.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
To check if the donuts are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. They should also look slightly golden. If they are still wet, bake for another minute or two.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can freeze these donuts. Once they are cool, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Are these donuts healthier than fried donuts?
Yes, these baked donuts are generally healthier than fried ones. Baking uses less oil, which reduces calories and fat. Plus, the recipe includes applesauce, which adds moisture and sweetness without extra sugar.
We covered the essential steps for making delicious donuts. You learned about the key ingredients, how to mix them, and baking tips. We explored different variations and ways to store your treats. With these details, you’ll avoid common mistakes and achieve fluffy donuts every time. Enjoy making these treats for yourself and friends. Happy baking!
