There’s something utterly comforting about the warm scent of cinnamon and sugar swirling through the kitchen—like an instant hug for your senses. When I’m craving a treat that feels homemade but comes together effortlessly, these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts always save the day. They’re perfect for those mornings when you want to indulge without the fuss, or anytime you need a little sweet escape from fast food monotony. What makes them truly special is how simple the recipe is—yet the finish is delightfully tender, coated in that classic cinnamon-sugar kiss everyone loves. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to comfort snack that’s as cozy as it is crowd-pleasing.

Why choose Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?

Effortless Delight: This recipe combines simplicity and speed, perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings. Irresistible Flavor: The warm cinnamon sugar coating delivers that classic sweet-spicy hug in every bite. Tender Texture: Light, fluffy donuts that practically melt in your mouth. Homemade Comfort: Say goodbye to fast food boredom with a nostalgic treat you make yourself. Versatile Snack: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy anytime indulgence that impresses everyone.

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Ingredients

For the Donuts

All-purpose flour – Provides the tender structure for these easy cinnamon sugar donuts.
Granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
Baking powder – Helps the donuts rise and stay fluffy.
Salt – Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
Ground cinnamon – Infuses the dough with warm spice, complementing the cinnamon sugar coating.
Milk – Keeps the donuts moist and tender.
Egg – Binds ingredients while adding richness.
Unsalted butter – Adds a buttery flavor and soft texture, melt it before mixing.
Vanilla extract – Elevates the flavor with a subtle sweetness and aroma.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Granulated sugar – Creates the classic sweet crunch on the outside.
Ground cinnamon – Gives the coating its signature spicy kiss—this is what makes these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts unforgettable!
Melted butter – Helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly to the warm donuts for that irresistible finish.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until light brown specks of spice appear, ensuring even distribution.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, creamy, and fragrant, about 1 minute.
Form the Dough: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender. Let rest 5 minutes for better hydration.
Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or line a baking sheet, ensuring donuts release easily once golden brown.
Bake Donuts: Spoon or pipe batter into each well, filling about ⅔ full. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until edges turn golden and center springs back when touched.
Cool Slightly: Let donuts rest 2–3 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack so they’re warm but not piping hot for coating.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

Mix Coating: Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl, stirring until fragrant. Set aside near your workstation so it’s ready when donuts come out hot.
Brush with Butter: Lightly brush each warm donut with melted butter, ensuring a glossy coating that helps the cinnamon sugar stick evenly and enhances flavor.
Coat Donuts: Drop each buttered donut into the cinnamon sugar bowl. Gently toss, ensuring a golden, sweet-spicy crust hugs every donut’s surface.

Optional: Use freshly ground cinnamon for more intense flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful donuts to suit your preferences and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free treat everyone can enjoy.
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk and swap melted butter for coconut oil to keep them dairy-free.
Baked or Fried: While these are baked, for a classic approach, fry them in hot oil to achieve that crispy exterior with a soft inside.
Spice Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for an extra layer of warmth and complexity in flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for delightful texture and flavor boosts that enhance every bite.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled donuts after coating for a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Flavor Infusion: Experiment with flavored extracts such as almond or maple instead of vanilla for a unique touch that excites the palate.
Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in both the donut and the cinnamon sugar mixture for a low-calorie option.

Every variation offers a delightful twist, turning these easy donuts into something uniquely yours!

What to Serve with Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?

These delightful treats are perfect for creating a cozy meal or snack that feels like a warm hug.

Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or blueberries provides a burst of freshness that balances the sweetness of the donuts beautifully.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the cinnamon flavors, making every bite a comforting experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Rich, creamy vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent pairing, turning your morning treat into an unforgettable dessert delight!
Greek Yogurt: A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt adds a refreshing twist and creamy texture to your donut feast.
Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm maple syrup over your donuts enhances their sweetness while adding a rich, caramel-like flavor that’s hard to resist.
Nut Butter: Spread smooth almond or peanut butter on top for a satisfying, protein-packed addition that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Milk: A cold glass of milk is the classic companion to these donuts, cutting through sweetness while keeping you refreshed.
Whipped Cream: A fluffy layer of whipped cream on the side makes every bite feel like a special occasion, enticing you to savor each moment.
Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a touch of decadence, creating a delightful contrast with the warm cinnamon sugar coating.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a fantastic choice for meal prep, ensuring a smooth start to busy mornings! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon) up to 3 days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Additionally, you can mix the wet ingredients (egg, melted butter, milk, and vanilla) and refrigerate them overnight, which keeps your flavors fresh and the butter from solidifying. When you’re ready to bake, combine the wet and dry mixes, let the dough rest for a few minutes, and proceed with baking as usual. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delightful, homemade taste with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Measure Precisely: Use level measuring cups and spoons for flour and baking powder to ensure the perfect rise and tender texture in your Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.
Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter just until combined; overmixing develops gluten and can make donuts tough instead of melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Warm Donuts for Coating: Coat the donuts while they’re still warm but not hot to help the cinnamon sugar adhere evenly without melting away the buttery glaze.
Use Fresh Cinnamon: For the best aroma and flavor impact, freshly ground cinnamon in both dough and coating really elevates these donuts’ signature warmth.
Brush Generously with Butter: Don’t skimp on the melted butter coating—it’s key to achieving that irresistible, golden cinnamon sugar crust.
Cool Properly: Let donuts cool on a rack after coating to set the sugar crust and avoid sogginess, keeping your Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts delightfully crisp outside.

How to Store and Freeze Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, you may refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 1 week, but note that cold donuts may lose some tenderness.
Freezer: To freeze Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen donuts, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore that fresh-baked goodness.

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my cinnamon is fresh enough for the Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?
Fresh cinnamon should smell warm and spicy with no musty or dull scent. If your cinnamon looks faded or has dark spots all over, it’s best to replace it to get that vibrant flavor these donuts deserve.

What’s the best way to store leftover Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?
Absolutely store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration for up to 1 week works, but the donuts may become a bit firmer.

Can I freeze Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts? If so, how?
Very! Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap to lock in moisture, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Store them in your freezer for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm briefly in the microwave or oven to revive their fresh-baked softness.

My donuts didn’t come out fluffy—what went wrong?
The most common culprit is overmixing the batter, which develops the gluten and toughens the texture. Make sure you gently stir until just combined with no dry flour patches. Also, check your baking powder; if it’s old or expired, the donuts won’t rise properly.

Are these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts safe for pets or special diets?
These donuts contain common allergenic ingredients like eggs, dairy, and wheat, so they’re not suitable for pets or those with gluten or egg allergies. Always keep treats like this away from curious pets and consider allergy-friendly substitutions if needed!