Baked Churro Cinnamon Donuts: Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut, its exterior perfectly coated in a sweet, cinnamon-sugar mixture that crackles ever so slightly with each bite. That's precisely the experience we're bringing to your kitchen today! Forget the deep fryer and the guilt; these baked delights offer all the irresistible flavors of a classic churro in a healthier, easier-to-make donut form.

Churros, those delightfully ridged and fried pastries, have a rich history rooted in Spain and Portugal. Some believe they were inspired by Chinese fried dough sticks, brought back by Portuguese sailors. Over time, they journeyed across the Atlantic to Latin America, where they became a beloved street food and a staple at celebrations. The essence of the churro – that warm, comforting cinnamon-sugar embrace – is what we've captured in these Baked Churro Cinnamon Donuts.

What makes these donuts so incredibly appealing? It's the perfect combination of textures: a soft, cake-like interior contrasted by the slightly crisp, sugary coating. Plus, the warm cinnamon spice adds a comforting aroma and flavor that's simply irresistible. And let's be honest, who can resist the allure of a donut, especially when it's baked and ready in under 30 minutes? These are perfect for a weekend brunch, a special treat for the kids, or simply a delightful way to brighten up your day. So, let's get baking and create some donut magic!

Ingredients:

For the Churro Donuts:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Preparing the Donut Batter

Alright, let's get started with making these amazing baked churro cinnamon donuts! First things first, we need to get our dry ingredients ready. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and prevents any clumps in our final batter. Trust me, a smooth batter is key to a perfect donut!

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure you whisk it really well, incorporating all the spices evenly. This step is crucial for that warm, comforting churro flavor in every bite.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The buttermilk is what gives these donuts their incredibly moist and tender texture. Don't skip it! If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Now, gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. We want them light and fluffy, so mix until the batter is just smooth. A few lumps are okay!

Baking the Donuts

Now comes the fun part – baking! This is where the magic happens, and we transform our batter into beautiful, golden-brown donuts. Make sure your oven is preheated and your donut pan is ready to go.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the donuts evenly without burning them.
Grease a donut pan with cooking spray. This will prevent the donuts from sticking and ensure they release easily after baking. You can also use butter or shortening to grease the pan, but cooking spray is the easiest and most convenient option.
Transfer the donut batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off one of the corners. This will allow you to easily pipe the batter into the donut pan.
Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Don't overfill the cavities, as the donuts will rise during baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. You want them to be golden brown and springy to the touch.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking or sticking to the pan.

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

The cinnamon sugar coating is what truly makes these donuts taste like churros. It's a simple combination of sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, but it adds so much flavor and texture. Don't skimp on this step!

In a shallow bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
In a separate bowl, melt the butter. You can melt it in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.
While the donuts are still warm (but not too hot to handle), dip each donut into the melted butter, then immediately dredge it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure to coat all sides of the donut for maximum flavor.
Place the coated donuts back on the wire rack to cool completely. This will allow the cinnamon sugar coating to set and harden slightly.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Churro Donuts

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you make the best baked churro cinnamon donuts ever:

Don't overmix the batter: As mentioned earlier, overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Mix until just combined, and don't worry about a few lumps.
Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature ingredients incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter.
Don't overbake the donuts: Overbaked donuts will be dry and crumbly. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Coat the donuts while they're still warm: This will help the cinnamon sugar coating adhere better.
Store the donuts in an airtight container: This will help them stay fresh for longer. They're best enjoyed within a day or two.
Add a glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Experiment with different spices: Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter for a unique flavor twist.
Use a donut pan with a non-stick coating: This will make it easier to release the donuts after baking.
If you don't have a donut pan: You can bake the batter in muffin tins to make churro cinnamon muffins.
Make mini donuts: Use a mini donut pan to make bite-sized churro cinnamon donuts. These are perfect for parties or snacks.

Variations and Additions

Want to get creative with your churro donuts? Here are a few variations and additions to try:

Chocolate Churro Donuts: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
Maple Churro Donuts: Replace the granulated sugar in the cinnamon sugar coating with maple sugar for a maple-flavored treat.
Spiced Churro Donuts: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar coating for a spicy kick.
Filled Churro Donuts: After baking, use a piping bag to fill the donuts with your favorite filling, such as Nutella, jam, or pastry cream.
Churro Donut Holes: Instead of using a donut pan, drop small spoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Then, toss them in the cinnamon sugar coating.
Add Sprinkles: After coating the donuts in cinnamon sugar, immediately sprinkle them with your favorite sprinkles for a festive touch.
Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright and citrusy flavor.
Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a warm and comforting flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These baked churro cinnamon donuts are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your donut experience:

Serve them with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drizzle them with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.
Serve them as part of a dessert platter.
Bring them to a potluck or party.
Enjoy them as a special breakfast treat.

Storing Leftover Donuts

If you happen to have any leftover donuts (which is unlikely!), here's how to store them:

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature.
They're best enjoyed within a day or two.
If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw frozen donuts, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Why These Donuts Are the Best

I truly believe these baked churro cinnamon donuts are the best for a few reasons:

They're baked, not fried: This makes them a healthier and lighter option than traditional fried donuts.
They're incredibly moist and tender: Thanks to the buttermilk in the batter.
They have

Conclusion:
And there you have it! These Baked Churro Cinnamon Donuts are more than just a treat; they're a delightful experience waiting to happen in your very own kitchen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar, combined with the satisfying texture of a perfectly baked donut. Forget the deep fryer and the guilt – these are a healthier, easier, and equally delicious alternative that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Why is this recipe a winner? Well, first and foremost, it's incredibly simple. You don't need any fancy equipment or advanced baking skills to achieve donut perfection. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are straightforward, making it a perfect project for a weekend morning or a fun activity to do with kids. Secondly, the taste is simply irresistible. The combination of the soft, cakey donut base with the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coating is a match made in heaven. It's like a churro and a donut had a baby, and that baby is pure deliciousness! But the best part? You can totally customize these donuts to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of warmth and spice. Want to make them even more decadent? Drizzle them with melted chocolate or a simple glaze. For a truly indulgent experience, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They're also fantastic with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
* Chocolate Drizzle: Melt your favorite chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled donuts. * Maple Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of milk for a sweet and sticky glaze. * Nutty Topping: Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra crunch. * Spiced Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger in the donut batter or the cinnamon-sugar coating. * Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan to create bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or snacking. * Serve Warm: These donuts are best enjoyed warm, so pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. * Coffee Companion: Pair them with your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat. * Ice Cream Sundae: Crumble a donut over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique and delicious sundae. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade Baked Churro Cinnamon Donuts. I know you'll love them as much as I do! So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing donuts. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I'd love to hear how they turned out, what variations you tried, and what your family and friends thought. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I can't wait to see your donut creations! Happy baking!

Baked Churro Cinnamon Donuts: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Delicious baked churro donuts coated in cinnamon sugar. A healthier and easier alternative to fried donuts, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet treat!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Category: Dessert
Yield: 12 donuts
Save This Recipe
Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Prepare the Donut Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the Donuts: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray.

Transfer the donut batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.

In a separate bowl, melt the butter.

While the donuts are still warm (but not too hot to handle), dip each donut into the melted butter, then immediately dredge it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure to coat all sides of the donut for maximum flavor.

Place the coated donuts back on the wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Don't overmix the batter.

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.

Coat the donuts while they're still warm for better adhesion of the cinnamon sugar.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For a glaze, drizzle with powdered sugar and milk.

Experiment with spices like cardamom or ginger.

For chocolate churro donuts, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

Baked Churro Cinnamon Donuts: A Delicious & Easy Recipe