1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Mix Dry & Wet Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined (don’t overmix!).
3. Fill & Bake the Donuts
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the donuts are golden and spring back when touched.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
4. Add Your Favorite Toppings
For Glazed Donuts:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and place on a rack to set.
For Cinnamon Sugar Donuts:
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Tips for the Best Baked Donuts
✔️ Use Buttermilk – Makes the donuts extra soft and fluffy.
✔️ Don’t Overmix – Keeps the texture light and airy.
✔️ Use a Piping Bag – Makes filling the donut pan easier.
✔️ Let the Glaze Set – Wait a few minutes for a perfect finish.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Glazed Donuts – Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the glaze.
Peanut Butter Donuts – Swirl in ¼ cup peanut butter to the batter.
Filled Donuts – Pipe in jam or Nutella after baking.
Maple Pecan Donuts – Use maple glaze and chopped pecans.
FAQs About Baked Donuts
1. Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and bake as donut muffins.
2. How do I store baked donuts?
Keep in an airtight container for 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
4. Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
5. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter.
Conclusion
These Baked Donuts are soft, delicious, and easy to make, making them a fun, homemade treat for any occasion. Whether you love them glazed, cinnamon-sugar-coated, or chocolate-drizzled, they’re sure to be a hit!
Try this recipe today & enjoy fresh, homemade donuts in no time!