I’ve wanted to make homemade doughnuts for a while now, but I had trouble finding the right recipe. The problem was, I didn’t really want to fry them. I’ve been attempting to eat healthier and this just seemed like a step in the wrong direction.

Luckily, I stumbled upon baked doughnuts; it’s a healthier version and was the comprise I had been searching for! Instead of heating up a big pot of oil and dropping them in, you’ll place them on a baking sheet and slide them into your oven. The air will fill with that same great smell and your mouth will water!

Now don’t let this comment get in your way of trying this recipe. But the single and only complaint I did receive was that the doughnut doesn’t have quite the same fluffy texture. And of course not! It’s baked, not fried!

This recipe is also pretty basic. So if you’re looking to create something different, i.e. a chocolate glazed doughnut, then simply remove the cinnamon sugar from the dough recipe and add a chocolate glaze! I would recommend the chocolate frosting glaze recipe here.

Cinnamon Sugar Baked Doughnuts
inspired by Rasperri Cupcakes

Preparation time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Bake time: 10-12 minutes
Makes: 12-16 doughnuts

Tools:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microwave safe bowl or small pot
• One medium and one large sized mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Sifter
• Hand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Two round cookie cutters (one for the doughnut and the second from the hole)
• Baking sheets

Ingredients:

Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Heat the milk either in a microwave safe bowl for 30 second increments or over the stove until hot. Stir in melted butter and set aside.
2. Sift flour into a medium sized mixing bowl and stir in yeast, sugar, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center and pour in milk mixture. Beat with dough hooks for 5-7 minutes. The dough will be very wet so it will be too difficult to knead by hand. Place the dough into a lightly oiled large bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Set aside in a warm place to rise for at least one hour or until doubled in size.
3. Once the dough has finished rising, turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and then roll out until about 1 inch thick. Cut out doughnuts and repeat until all the dough is used. Place doughnuts on a parchment lined baking sheet and cover with a clean kitchen towel again. Allow them to rise for another 30 minutes. Make sure to preheat the oven to 350°F at this time.
4. Slide one tray at a time into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. While the doughnuts are baking melt the butter and stir together the sugar and cinnamon.
5. Remove from the baking sheet and paint the doughnuts with the melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar on both sides.