Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (Made with Brown Butter)
If you’ve ever wandered into a cozy bakery and been tempted by the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked donuts, you’ll understand why I am head over heels for these Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts made with brown butter. They are fluffy, perfectly spiced, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture that makes each bite utterly delightful. Plus, they are baked instead of fried, which means you can enjoy these treats without the guilt. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will surely become a favorite in your home!
Why I Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore these Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. First and foremost, the brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the donuts to a whole new level. The cinnamon sugar coating is the perfect finishing touch, creating a delightful crunch with each bite. These donuts are incredibly easy to make and require minimal prep time, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack. Plus, they are baked, which means no messy frying!
What You’ll Need
To whip up a batch of these delectable donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 and 1/2 tablespoons (35g) unsalted butter – melted until browned
- 1 and 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (106g) light brown sugar – packed
- 1 large egg – at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (113ml) whole milk – works best, but other varieties can be used
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter – melted
- 1 cup (199g) granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Equipment & Tools
To make these donuts, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Donut Pan – essential for shaping your donuts perfectly.
- Mixing Bowls – a medium bowl for dry ingredients and a large one for wet ingredients.
- Whisk – for combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
- Cooling Rack – for letting the donuts cool evenly after baking.
Directions: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (Made with Brown Butter)
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or a light coating of butter to ensure easy removal later.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the 2 and 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it! Once browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Add the browned butter, making sure to scrape all the delicious bits from the bottom of the pan. Whisk everything together until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully fill each cavity of the donut pan about 2/3 full with the batter. This allows them to rise without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donuts are baking, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will be the coating for your donuts!
Step 9: Coat the Donuts
Once the donuts are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Carefully transfer them to a cooling rack. While they are still warm, roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 10: Enjoy!
These Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are best enjoyed warm but are also delicious at room temperature. Serve them with your favorite cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
These donuts are perfect for any occasion! Consider adding seasonal touches such as:
- Sprinkling some festive colored sugar on top for holidays.
- Drizzling them with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a special touch.
- Incorporating pumpkin spice in the fall for a seasonal twist.
- Serving them with a side of apple cider during autumn gatherings.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Not greasing the donut pan properly can result in sticking. Make sure to use enough spray or butter.
- Allowing the donuts to cool too long in the pan can make them difficult to remove. Transfer them to a cooling rack promptly.
- Using cold eggs and milk can affect the batter’s consistency. Make sure they are at room temperature.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
You can enjoy these donuts fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Refrigerate: Store the donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.
Quick Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture slightly. The donuts may be denser, so consider a blend of both for a lighter result.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
No problem! You can use a muffin tin instead. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as muffins may take a bit longer to cook.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking, and be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I customize the flavor of these donuts?
Get creative! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even swirl in some peanut butter for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
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Final Bite
These Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts made with brown butter are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. They embody the perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and spice, making them a must-try recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy breakfast, a festive gathering, or just because, they are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in these delightful treats that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat!
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (Made with Brown Butter)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or a light coating of butter.
- In a small saucepan, melt the 2 and 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until golden brown.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and ground nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Add the browned butter and whisk until smooth.
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fill each cavity of the donut pan about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the donuts are baking, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. Roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Enjoy your warm Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts!
Notes
- These donuts are best enjoyed warm, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.
