If you’re craving something sweet and comforting, look no further than these Super Simple Cinnamon Bun Donuts. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut infused with the rich flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a creamy glaze that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of spice. This recipe is so easy, it feels like you’re breaking all the rules of baking—but don’t worry, your secret is safe with us!
These donuts are perfect for breakfast, a delightful snack, or even a fun dessert. Plus, they require minimal effort and are made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious treats!
Why This Super Simple Cinnamon Bun Donuts Stands Out
These donuts stand out not just for their warm, comforting flavors but also for their simplicity. In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cinnamon bun donuts that will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. The combination of dark brown sugar and cinnamon gives each bite a rich, sweet flavor, while the fluffy texture keeps you coming back for more. They’re not fried, making them a slightly healthier option, and they can easily be customized with different toppings or glazes.
Your Shopping Guide
Before you get started, here’s a quick shopping list to ensure you have everything you need:
- All-Purpose Baking Flour: 1 cup + 2 tablespoons for the base of the donuts.
- Dark Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup for sweetness and richness.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to balance the flavors.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon to help the donuts rise.
- Milk: 1/2 cup (vanilla almond milk works great) for moisture.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 1/4 teaspoons for that signature cinnamon flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 1/2 tablespoons, melted to add richness.
- Large Egg: 1, at room temperature for binding.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 teaspoons for the glaze.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: 1 cup for the glaze.
Tools of the Trade
You’ll need a few key tools to make these donuts:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix everything smoothly.
- Donut Pan: Essential for shaping the donuts perfectly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Cooling Rack: To let your donuts cool properly after baking.
Super Simple Cinnamon Bun Donuts: How It’s Done
Follow these easy steps to create your very own Super Simple Cinnamon Bun Donuts:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your donuts bake evenly and rise perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan
Grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or a light coating of butter. This will help the donuts slide out easily once baked.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted unsalted butter, and the large egg until smooth.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full. This will give your donuts room to rise without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake the Donuts
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Once the donuts are done, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, dip the tops of each donut into the glaze and allow any excess to drip off.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Serve your Super Simple Cinnamon Bun Donuts warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them on their own or with a cup of coffee for the perfect treat!
Smart Substitutions
If you’re looking to customize your donuts or use what you have on hand, consider these substitutions:
- Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier texture.
- Milk: Any type of milk will work, including regular dairy milk or oat milk.
- Butter: Coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative can replace unsalted butter.
- Egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can be used as an egg substitute.
Problems & Prevention
Even the best bakers can run into issues! Here are some common problems and how to prevent them:
Donuts sticking to the pan? Make sure you grease the pan well before adding the batter.
Donuts too dense? Be careful not to overmix the batter, which can lead to tough donuts.
Donuts not rising? Ensure your baking powder is fresh and that you’ve measured accurately.
Glaze too runny? Add more confectioners’ sugar to thicken it to your desired consistency.
Shelf Life & Storage
To keep your Super Simple Cinnamon Bun Donuts fresh, follow these storage tips:
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.
For longer storage, freeze the unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and glaze as desired.
Ask & Learn
Can I make these donuts vegan?
Absolutely! Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg and replace the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
You can use a muffin tin instead! Just adjust the baking time, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition. Just fold them into the batter before filling the donut pan.
How can I make these more decadent?
Try drizzling melted chocolate on top or adding a sprinkle of nuts for extra texture and flavor.
If you loved these Super Simple Cinnamon Bun Donuts, you might also enjoy:
The Last Word
These Super Simple Cinnamon Bun Donuts are an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Their delightful flavor and charming appearance make them perfect for sharing, but you might just want to keep them all to yourself! Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet morning at home, these donuts are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!
Super Simple Cinnamon Bun Donuts
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 large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted unsalted butter, and the large egg until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and gently mix until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing confectioners' sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Dip the tops into the glaze.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months.
- Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
