Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts

Name: Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Cake Flour; ¾ cup Granulated Sugar; 2 teaspoons Baking Powder; ¾ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt; ¾ cup Buttermilk; 2 large Eggs, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted; ¾ cup Granulated Sugar (for coating); 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (for coating)

Author: Lora

Published: September 3, 2025

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Introduction to Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts

Welcome to my kitchen, where sweet creations come to life! Today, we’re diving into the world of Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts. If you’re a busy mom like me, you know the joy of whipping up something delicious yet simple. These donuts are fluffy, coated in cinnamon sugar, and they won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful afternoon treat, they cater to both the sweet tooth of your family and the little chef in you. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “yum!”

Why You’ll Love This Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts

These Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts are a game changer for any busy kitchen. They come together in a snap, allowing you to whip up a batch in less than 30 minutes. The delightful blend of cinnamon and sugar encapsulates comfort in every bite. Whether it’s a family breakfast or a surprise for your kids after school, these donuts are sure to please everyone. Who doesn’t love a treat that’s as quick as it is delicious?

Ingredients for Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts

Before you dive into your baking adventure, let’s gather everything you need for these tasty Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing those sweet, fluffy morsels to life!

Cake Flour: This is the hero of our donuts. It gives them that tender, fluffy texture we crave. You can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the results will slightly differ.
Granulated Sugar: We use granulated sugar for sweetness and a lovely caramelization while baking. For a twist, try using brown sugar for a richer taste.
Baking Powder: The secret leavening agent that helps our donuts rise. No substitutions here; it’s essential for that cloud-like texture.
Ground Cinnamon: Ah, the heart of the snickerdoodle! This spice infuses our donuts with warmth and sweetness. Feel free to play with other spices like nutmeg for added flavor.
Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt elevates all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully. Regular table salt works too, just use a little less.
Buttermilk: This liquid gives the donuts their moistness and tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice as a quick substitute.
Eggs: They bind our ingredients together while adding moisture. You can replace them with applesauce for a vegan variation!
Vanilla Extract: Nothing says homemade quite like a splash of pure vanilla. Look for real extract for the best flavor; imitation doesn’t hold a candle!
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil does a great job here too!
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: This is where the magic happens. Combining granulated sugar with ground cinnamon creates that heavenly outer layer. Use more or less cinnamon to suit your taste!

For exact quantities of each ingredient, check the bottom of this article. Ready to get cooking? Let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!

How to Make Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts

Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter: making those delightful Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts. With a bit of guidance, you’ll find it’s as easy as pie—or donut, rather! Follow these steps closely, and soon you’ll have a dozen fluffy treats to enjoy.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential because it helps the donuts rise perfectly and achieve that golden color. It’s a small step but makes a world of difference in texture!

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Next, grab your donut pan and give it a loving coat of cooking spray or a brush of melted butter. This prevents any sticky situations. Trust me, you don’t want to be wrestling your warm donuts out of the pan—they deserve a smooth exit!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Ensure everything is evenly combined so that each bite of your donuts will be delicious. Lumps and bumps aren’t welcome here!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter together. Mix thoroughly, but don’t overdo it. Remember, we want to create a lovely batter without overmixing; that’ll keep our donuts nice and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl. Gently fold the two together until just combined. Avoid vigorous stirring; we want to maintain that light texture in our donuts. Think of it like a delicate embrace rather than a rough handshake!

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Grab a piping bag or a spoon and fill each donut cavity about ¾ full with the batter. This ensures they’ll rise to a beautiful shape. Don’t overfill; we want the perfect donut, not donut muffins!

Step 7: Bake

Pop the filled pan into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for that golden hue, and test doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready to shine!

Step 8: Cool and Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. This mixture is what transforms your donuts into the snickerdoodle treat we adore!

Step 9: Coat the Donuts

Last but not least, roll each warm donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it’s fully coated. Make sure every inch is covered for that classic snickerdoodle flavor. Enjoy this step; it’s the frosting on the cake, or in this case, the sugar on the donut!

Tips for Success

Measure ingredients accurately for best results. Too much flour can lead to dense donuts.
Don’t overmix the batter; this helps keep your donuts light and fluffy.
Use a piping bag for easy and mess-free filling of the donut pan.
Let the donuts cool slightly before coating to ensure the sugar sticks well.
Experiment with different spices in the sugar for a unique twist!

Equipment Needed

Donut Pan: A must-have for shaping your donuts. If you don’t have one, a muffin tin can work in a pinch—just adjust baking time!
Mixing Bowls: Use two medium bowls for wet and dry ingredients. You can repurpose containers or large measuring cups too.
Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly. A fork can do the job if you’re in a pinch!
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient quantities. Use a kitchen scale for precision if needed!

Variations on Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts

Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodle Donuts: Fold in mini chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful twist on classic flavors.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the cake flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Snickerdoodle Donuts: Replace eggs with applesauce and buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with vinegar for a dairy-free treat.
Maple Glazed Donuts: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over cooled donuts for a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with cinnamon.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger to the batter for an extra layer of flavor that adds warmth and depth.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Coffee: Serve these donuts alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Add Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries or sliced bananas adds a refreshing touch to your sweet treat.
Presentation: Arrange the donuts on a pretty cake stand for a beautiful display at gatherings or brunch.
Drizzle with Maple Syrup: For an indulgent twist, drizzle warm donuts with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes for a delightful accompaniment at dessert time.

FAQs about Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts

Can I make Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up before serving!

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you’re out of buttermilk, no worries! You can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This creates a quick homemade buttermilk substitute.

How should I store any leftover donuts?
To keep your Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week, but they might lose some of their fluffiness.

Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes! These donuts freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you want one, just reheat in the microwave!

Can I customize the flavor of the coating?
Definitely! While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is fabulous, feel free to experiment with other spices like pumpkin pie spice or even cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Get creative and make them your own!

Final Thoughts

Creating these Baked Snickerdoodle Donuts has been such a joy in my kitchen! From the warm aroma of cinnamon filling the air to the blissful smiles on my family’s faces, these donuts truly encapsulate happiness. They’re more than a treat; they’re a sweet moment shared with loved ones. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up, each bite is a gentle reminder of how simple joys can be so satisfying. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and indulge in this delightful recipe. Happiness is just a donut away!