Easy Baked Apple Cinnamon Doughnuts: A Quick & Delicious Treat

There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked doughnuts filling your home. While the idea of making doughnuts from scratch might sound daunting, especially with the mess and oil involved in traditional frying, this recipe for easy baked apple cinnamon doughnuts completely transforms the experience. Forget the deep fryer and complicated doughs; we’re taking a simple shortcut that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

My journey into homemade doughnuts began years ago, right around the time I launched this blog. I was determined to create that classic doughnut magic at home, but the sheer volume of oil required for frying quickly discouraged me. That’s when I discovered the brilliant hack of using canned biscuits. It was a revelation! These baked beauties became an instant family favorite, offering all the joy of a warm, sweet pastry without the fuss.

After a hiatus of nearly two years, a sale on canned biscuits at the grocery store sparked the memory of these delightful treats. It was a sign! We simply had to bring them back into our rotation. And I’m so glad we did. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. My husband, ever the resourceful one, always makes sure to reuse the doughnut centers to create adorable and equally delicious doughnut holes. It’s a two-for-one deal that never disappoints!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Baked Doughnuts

This recipe isn’t just about making doughnuts; it’s about creating joyful kitchen memories and enjoying a truly satisfying treat with minimal stress. Here’s why these baked apple cinnamon doughnuts will become a staple in your home:

• **Effortlessly Simple:** Using store-bought canned biscuits cuts down prep time dramatically, making homemade doughnuts accessible to even the busiest bakers.
• **Healthier Alternative:** Baking instead of frying significantly reduces the amount of oil, offering a lighter version of your favorite morning pastry.
• **Kid-Friendly Fun:** The process is so simple that children can easily participate in cutting out the shapes and drizzling the glaze, turning baking into a fun family activity.
• **Minimal Mess:** No hot oil splatters means less cleanup, leaving you more time to savor your delicious creations.
• **Irresistible Flavor:** The combination of warm apple and aromatic cinnamon sugar creates a comforting and mouth-watering taste that’s perfect for any time of day.
• **Quick Turnaround:** From pantry to plate in under 30 minutes, these doughnuts are perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute breakfast treats.

The Magic of Canned Biscuits for Doughnuts

The secret to the incredible ease of this recipe lies in a humble can of refrigerated biscuits. While traditional doughnuts require proofing yeast dough, which can be time-consuming and intimidating for beginners, canned biscuits provide a ready-made dough base that bakes up beautifully. They have a slightly chewy texture and a subtle sweetness that perfectly mimics a classic doughnut, especially when topped with a delectable glaze. It’s a genius shortcut that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction. Just make sure to grab the “home style” or “fluffy” variety, avoiding the flaky layers, for the best doughnut texture.

Created by: Kristy Still

Baked Apple Cinnamon Doughnuts

This simple recipe uses canned biscuits to create a batch of delightful, baked apple cinnamon doughnuts. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack!

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Ingredients

• 1 Can of Pillsbury Home Style Rolls Ensure it’s the non-flaky variety for the best doughnut texture.
• 2 Tbsp of Melted Butter Unsalted butter is preferred, but any will work for drizzling.
• 1 Cup of Powdered Sugar Also known as confectioners’ sugar, for the smooth glaze.
• 1/4 Cup of Water To achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
• 1/4 Cup of Applesauce Unsweetened applesauce adds a subtle apple flavor and moisture.
• 1 Tbsp of Cinnamon Sugar A blend of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, or make your own.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, generously spray a cookie sheet or baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your baked doughnuts.

2. Shape Your Doughnuts: Open the can of biscuits and separate each one. Place the biscuits onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them out evenly. Now, it’s time to create the iconic doughnut shape. For the center hole, a small round cutter works best. If you don’t have one, get creative! The lid of a bottled water or a small medicine cup works perfectly as a makeshift cutter. Gently press it into the center of each biscuit to create the hole. Remember to save these small “doughnut holes” – they bake up into delightful mini treats!

3. Initial Bake and Butter Drizzle: Once your biscuits are shaped into doughnuts, lightly drizzle a small amount of the melted butter over the top of each one. This helps them achieve a lovely golden crust and adds a rich flavor. Place the cookie sheet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the doughnuts are beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.

4. Prepare the Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar: While the doughnuts are baking, prepare your delicious toppings. In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, water, and applesauce. Whisk them together until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more water; if too thin, a touch more powdered sugar. In a separate, shallow bowl, pour the cinnamon sugar. This makes it easy for dipping later.

5. Glaze and Coat Your Doughnuts: As soon as the baked doughnuts come out of the oven, while they are still warm, begin the glazing process. Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared glaze over each doughnut. The warmth of the doughnut will help the glaze set beautifully. Immediately after glazing, gently dip each doughnut into the bowl of cinnamon sugar, ensuring both sides are coated. Place them on a wire rack to cool slightly and allow the glaze to set. This step is where the magic truly happens, adding that perfect sweet and spicy finish.

6. Serve and Enjoy: While these baked doughnuts won’t have the exact texture of a deep-fried doughnut, they are surprisingly delicious and satisfying in their own right. They offer a softer, cake-like consistency that is incredibly comforting. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or milk for a perfect morning treat or a delightful dessert. Enjoy this sweet morning treat!

Nutrition

Serving: 1Doughnut

(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used and preparation method.)

Tips for Perfect Baked Doughnuts Every Time

Even with a simple recipe, a few insider tips can elevate your baking game and ensure your baked apple cinnamon doughnuts turn out perfectly delicious:

• Choose the Right Biscuits: As mentioned, opt for “home style” or “fluffy” canned biscuits, not the flaky layer kind. The flaky varieties won’t hold their shape as well and will result in a different texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Baked biscuits can dry out quickly. Keep a close eye on your oven and remove the doughnuts as soon as they are golden brown. Overbaking can lead to a tough, dry texture.
• Cooling Rack is Key: After glazing and coating, transfer your doughnuts to a wire rack. This allows air to circulate around them, helping the glaze set properly and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
• Make Doughnut Holes: Don’t discard the centers! Bake them alongside your doughnuts and treat them just the same – glaze and coat them in cinnamon sugar for mini doughnut bites.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add water or milk a teaspoon at a time until it’s pourable. If it’s too thin, whisk in more powdered sugar.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the apple cinnamon combination is a classic, these baked biscuit doughnuts are incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different glazes and toppings:

• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of butter or coconut oil. Dip the warm doughnuts in the chocolate glaze and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or sprinkles.
• Maple Glaze: Replace the applesauce in the glaze with 1/4 cup of maple syrup for a rich, autumnal flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: After glazing, sprinkle with finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the powdered sugar glaze for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Powdered Sugar Classic: For a simple yet beloved option, skip the glaze and just toss the warm doughnuts in a bag with powdered sugar until fully coated.

Storage Instructions

These baked doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze might soften slightly over time.
• Refrigeration: While not ideal for texture, if your kitchen is very warm, you can refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
• Freezing: You can freeze unglazed doughnuts for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature, then glaze and coat them before serving. Glazed doughnuts can also be frozen, but the glaze might become sticky or crack upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Biscuit Doughnuts

Can I use flaky biscuits for this recipe?

It’s highly recommended to use the “home style” or “fluffy” canned biscuits rather than flaky ones. Flaky biscuits tend to separate into layers during baking, which won’t give you the desired doughnut texture.

What can I use to cut the doughnut holes if I don’t have a cutter?

A small bottle cap (like from a water bottle), a clean medicine cup, or even the narrow end of a piping tip can work perfectly for cutting out the centers.

Can I fry these doughnuts instead of baking them?

While this recipe is specifically designed for baking, you technically could fry canned biscuits. However, the purpose of this recipe is to provide a healthier, less messy alternative to fried doughnuts. If you choose to fry, be mindful of oil temperature and cooking times.

How can I make sure my glaze isn’t too thin or too thick?

Start with the recommended liquid (water and applesauce) and add powdered sugar gradually, whisking after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to cling to the doughnut but thin enough to drizzle smoothly.

Can I add spices directly to the biscuit dough?

Yes, for an extra boost of flavor, you can gently mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the biscuit dough before shaping them into doughnuts. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Don’t Miss Out on This Sweet & Simple Morning Treat!

These easy baked apple cinnamon doughnuts are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to bring joy and deliciousness into your kitchen with minimal fuss. They prove that you don’t need fancy equipment or complex techniques to create memorable homemade treats. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles.

Need more recipe ideas? Be sure to check out our complete Recipe Index for a wide variety of delicious meals and treats!