There’s something irresistibly comforting about a breakfast treat that combines the pillowy softness of pancakes with the cheeky charm of donuts. These Fluffy Baked Cinnamon Pancake Donuts welcome you to a world where each bite is a gentle hug of warm dough, subtly kissed by sweet cinnamon. They rise up light and airy, courtesy of a clever blend of baking powder and soda, while just the right touch of sugar gives them that delicate sweetness you crave first thing in the morning. And because they’re baked instead of fried, you can enjoy every fluffy morsel without the greasy guilt—just pure, tender indulgence that practically melts on your tongue.
These homemade delights are perfect for so many occasions, whether you’re looking to impress brunch guests with something unexpected, treating the kids to an extra-special weekend breakfast, or simply craving a cozy snack alongside your afternoon coffee. The moment you pull that soft, golden tray from the oven, you’ll feel a thrill knowing that your kitchen is about to become the coziest place on earth. Serve them warm or at room temperature, dusted lightly with powdered sugar, topped with a silky glaze, or even slathered in a dollop of maple-spiked butter. Each variation highlights the donuts’ gentle crumb and gentle cinnamon whisper, ensuring that every morning—or midday—feels like a celebration of simple, comforting flavors.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN FLUFFY BAKED CINNAMON PANCAKE DONUTS
Before we dive into the joyful process of mixing and baking, let’s take a peek at the stars of our recipe. Knowing why each ingredient is essential will help you master the technique and even inspire you to experiment with your own twists.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the foundational structure and tender crumb, ensuring the donuts rise beautifully while staying soft.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a lightly caramelized exterior as the donuts bake.
- Baking powder: A key leavening agent that produces carbon dioxide bubbles, making the donuts fluffy and lofty.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to give an extra lift and counteract the acidity of the buttermilk.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, preventing the donuts from tasting flat.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses each bite with that classic warm-spice note, transforming plain batter into something cozy and comforting.
- Buttermilk: Brings a gentle tang and moisture to the batter, reacting with the leaveners for a tender, soft texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and a subtly crisp edge around the donut holes when melted into the batter.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the structure, ensuring the donuts hold their shape.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a fragrant sweetness that rounds out the cinnamon, making the flavor profile more complex and engaging.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the donut pan well-greased, preventing sticking and helping the donuts release cleanly once they’re baked.
HOW TO MAKE FLUFFY BAKED CINNAMON PANCAKE DONUTS
Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn these pantry staples into something magical. You’ll move from whisking the dry mix to folding in the wet ingredients, piping the batter into the pan, and finally pulling out golden, springy donuts that smell like morning sunshine.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a donut pan with vegetable oil to create a non-stick surface that makes removing each donut a breeze.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until the dry ingredients are evenly combined. This ensures every donut gets a consistent lift and flavor.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully integrated. The result should be a silky, uniform liquid that will marry perfectly with the dry mix.
4. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a gentle folding motion—scrape along the bottom of the bowl and lift the batter over itself. Stop as soon as the mix forms a thick, cohesive batter; overmixing can lead to denser donuts.
5. Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a sturdy ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. This lets you pipe neat, even rings into the mold without the mess of traditional spoon-filling.
6. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. The batter will rise in the oven, so leaving a bit of space prevents overflow.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts are a light golden color and spring back when gently pressed in the center. You’ll notice a delightful dome on each donut as evidence of that perfect rise.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—or serve them right away if you can’t resist that warm, tender crumb.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR FLUFFY BAKED CINNAMON PANCAKE DONUTS
Once these golden beauties are cooled just enough to handle, the fun really begins. Whether you prefer them simple or dressed up, there’s a serving style to delight every taste bud. Donuts are naturally charming on their own, but a little creative flair can elevate them to spectacular.
- Bold and bright, a classic cinnamon sugar dust is as simple as swirling warm donuts in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This delivers a sweet, slightly crunchy coating that highlights their pancake-like tenderness.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a hint of vanilla for a velvety vanilla glaze drizzle. The drizzle sets into a delicate shell that crackles slightly when you bite, balancing creamy sweetness with the soft donut texture.
- Take indulgence up a notch with a spiced maple butter spread: whip softened butter with pure maple syrup and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Slather it on top for a dreamy, spreadable topping that melts into every nook and cranny.
- Create a vibrant breakfast board pairing by arranging the donuts alongside fresh berries, sliced fruits, jam jars, and coffee mugs. Guests can pick and choose, mixing sweet and tangy flavors for a personalized brunch experience.
HOW TO STORE FLUFFY BAKED CINNAMON PANCAKE DONUTS
Keeping these pancake donuts as fresh as the moment they came from the oven is easier than you might think. Whether you plan to enjoy them throughout the week or save extras for special occasions, the right storage method will preserve their soft, tender crumb and subtle cinnamon flavor.
- Room Temperature Storage: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with parchment paper on each layer. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, and they’ll stay soft and ready to enjoy without refrigeration.
- Refrigeration: For a longer window, transfer the donuts to a resealable bag or airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring them back to room temperature or warm gently before serving to restore their softness.
- Freezing: To stash donuts for the future, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature or pop in a low oven to refresh.
- Reheating Tips: No matter the storage method, a quick 10–15 second zap in the microwave or a gentle 5-minute warm-up in a 300°F oven brings back that freshly baked softness and ensures they taste like they were made just moments ago.
CONCLUSION
We’ve journeyed from a simple bowl of pantry staples to a batch of Fluffy Baked Cinnamon Pancake Donuts that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up. Along the way, you learned how each key ingredient contributes to texture and flavor, mastered gentle folding and piping techniques, and discovered a variety of serving styles to suit any occasion. Plus, you’ve got all the storage tips you need to keep these treats tasting fresh—even days after they leave the oven.
Feel free to print this article, save it to your recipe collection, or tuck it into your favorite brunch binder for easy reference. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you give this recipe a try—whether you stick to the classic cinnamon sugar dust or go wild with a spiced maple butter spread—let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your feedback, swap stories about topping creations, or help troubleshoot anything that comes up. Happy baking, and may every bite of these fluffy pancake donuts bring a smile to your morning!
Fluffy Baked Cinnamon Pancake Donuts
Description
These fluffy baked cinnamon pancake donuts are a delightful twist on breakfast! Light, airy, and dusted with just the right amount of sweetness, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully integrated.
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Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, folding gently until a thick batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
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Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off.
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Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and spring back when touched.
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Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to discover unique flavor profiles.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and taste.
- These donuts can be topped with a glaze or dusted with powdered sugar for more sweetness.
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert option.
