Welcome to the sweet world of bakery-style cinnamon sugar coffee cake donuts! If you want a treat that’s soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor, you’ve found the right spot. I’ll guide you through simple steps and easy ingredients to create these delightful donuts. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these tasty bites will brighten your day. Ready to dive in and make your own? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup buttermilk (or homemade version: 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, mixed and allowed to sit for 5 minutes)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for the topping)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the topping)
– Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
To create these delightful donuts, start by gathering your ingredients. For the dry ingredients, I use all-purpose flour, which gives the donuts a soft texture. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Don’t forget the salt and ground cinnamon, which add depth and flavor.
Next, for the wet ingredients, I melt unsalted butter to keep the donuts rich. Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang. If you do not have buttermilk, a mix of milk and vinegar works great. The eggs bind everything together, and vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma.
Finally, for the toppings, I mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and granulated sugar. This creates a sweet, crunchy coating. If you like, add chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. These ingredients come together to make a sweet treat that you will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pan
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease the donut pan with non-stick spray.
Mixing the Ingredients
– In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
– Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. It’s okay if there are small lumps. If you want nuts, fold them in now.
Baking the Donuts
– Fill each donut pan cavity about 3/4 full with batter.
– Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
– Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, you must avoid overmixing the batter. Mix it just until combined. A few lumps are okay. This keeps your donuts light and fluffy. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer can help. If your oven is too hot, donuts may bake too fast and dry out.
Cooling and Coating Secrets
Let your donuts cool in the pan for about five minutes. This helps them set without breaking. After that, move them to a wire rack. While still warm, roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mix. Make sure they are fully coated. This adds a sweet crunch.
Presentation Ideas
For a great display, use a bright platter. Arrange your donuts in a circle or stack them. Dust with more cinnamon sugar for flair. You can even drizzle a simple glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk to create a sweet topping. This adds a nice shine and extra sweetness. Enjoy your beautiful donuts with coffee!
Variations
Flavor Alternatives
You can easily change the flavor of your donuts. Adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom gives a warm twist. Nutmeg adds a sweet aroma, while cardamom offers a hint of citrus. You can also use flavored extracts. Almond or maple extracts can give your donuts a unique taste. Just replace part of the vanilla extract with your chosen flavor.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results. For vegan substitutions, use plant-based butter and replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. This simple swap keeps your donuts tasty.
Topping Variations
Toppings can change the whole look and taste of your donuts. Instead of cinnamon sugar, try a chocolate glaze. Melt chocolate chips with a bit of cream for a rich topping. You can also explore different sugar coatings. Maple sugar or even chocolate sprinkles add a fun twist. Experiment with what you love for a personal touch.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Donuts
To keep your donuts fresh, store them properly. Place leftover donuts in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, follow these tips:
– Wrap each donut in plastic wrap.
– Place wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag.
– Donuts can freeze for up to three months.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy your donuts again, reheating is key. Here are the best methods:
– Microwave: Heat each donut for about 10 to 15 seconds. This warms them up quickly.
– Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place donuts on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5 minutes. This keeps them soft and delicious.
To maintain the texture, avoid overheating. Overheating can make the donuts dry. Enjoy your warm, cinnamon-sugar-covered treats just like they were fresh!
FAQs
How long do these donuts last?
These donuts stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days when stored correctly. To keep them at their best, place them in an airtight container. Store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them out, as they can dry out quickly.
Can I make these donuts in advance?
Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time. Bake them, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the donuts. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can use regular milk mixed with vinegar as a buttermilk substitute. For every cup of buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This mixture will mimic the acidity of buttermilk, giving your donuts that tender texture. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream, thinned with a little water, as another option.
In this post, we explored how to make delicious homemade donuts. We covered the ingredients, both dry and wet, and what toppings to consider. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect texture. We also looked at fun variations, storage options, and answered common questions about making donuts.
Now, you have the tools to create tasty treats. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and toppings. Soon, you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills!
