Description
These Mini Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites are a delightful treat perfect for any time of day. Soft, fluffy, and baked instead of fried, they offer the classic cinnamon sugar flavor with a light buttery coating. Perfectly bite-sized and easy to make in under 30 minutes, these donuts are ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For The Mini Baked Donuts
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- â…“ cup vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
For The Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup salted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Place the oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) ensuring even heat for baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, egg, vegetable oil, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Whisk gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Prepare pans and fill batter: Spray two mini muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray. Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of batter into each muffin cup, filling evenly for uniform donut bites.
- Bake the donuts: Place the pans on the center oven rack and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the donuts have risen and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- Melt butter for coating: While donuts bake, melt the salted butter in a small bowl and set aside for dipping.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar mix: Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a large zip-top bag. Seal and shake until evenly mixed.
- Cool donuts slightly: Allow the baked donuts to cool for a few minutes so they are warm but manageable for coating.
- Coat donuts in butter and cinnamon sugar: Dip each donut gently into the melted butter until fully coated, letting excess drip off. Transfer about 6 donuts at a time into the cinnamon sugar bag and shake gently to coat evenly.
- Remove excess coating: Tap off any extra cinnamon sugar from each donut before serving to prevent clumping.
- Serve and enjoy: These mini donut bites are best served fresh and warm, perfect alongside coffee or milk.
Notes
- Do not overbake the donuts; baking times can vary depending on your oven.
- Use non-stick spray to ensure easy removal from muffin tins.
- Dip the donuts lightly in butter for a light coating, preventing them from becoming soggy.
- These can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days but are best eaten fresh.
- Substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative for lactose intolerance, though texture might slightly vary.
