When big sister hits up the Dunkin Donuts drive through for some drinks and donuts for her siblings but her younger brother’s accidentally gets left out (and let’s face it, we’re not troubling an already crazy drive through scene) she offers to bake some for him. It may not have been what he originally asked for but these oven-baked donuts were beyond anything we’ve ever had. And do, without further ado…

You will LOVE these. They’re incredibly soft with a nice buttery and crunchy exterior.

Oven baked cinnamon sugar donuts

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 large egg, at room temperature

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup (60ml) milk (any variety can be used, whole, skim, soy, almond or buttermilk)

1/4 cup (60g) yogurt (any variety of unflavored can be used)

2 Tablespoons butter, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).

Spray a donut or muffin pan with non-stick spray.

Set aside.

Make the donuts:

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Whisk the egg, brown sugar, milk, and yogurt together until smooth.

Add melted butter and vanilla, whisking until well fully blended.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Your batter will be very thick.

Spoon or pipe your batter into the donut cavities.

If piping (which we recommend): Use a large zipped-top bag for ease. Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup, approximately 3/4 of the way full. Do not overfill!

Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

Allow to cool and transfer to a wire rack set on a large piece of parchment paper or on a large baking sheet.

Bake any remaining donut batter then transfer to the wire rack.

Allow donuts to cool.

Donut topping:

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl.

Dip the donuts in the melted butter, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture making sure to coat all sides.

Donuts are best enjoyed right away.

Leftovers will keep well in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. (We think they are best enjoyed within the first 24 hours)

Muffins: You can make this recipe into 8-10 muffins using a muffin pan.

Bake at the same temperature for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Sugar: Confectioners’ sugar may be used instead for those who prefer.