Baked Cinnamon Roll Donuts: Easy Homemade Yeast Donuts with Cream Cheese Icing

Do you often find yourself torn between the warm, spiced comfort of a classic cinnamon roll and the light, fluffy texture of a freshly made donut? What if you didn’t have to choose? This incredible recipe combines the irresistible flavors of your favorite cinnamon rolls with the delightful shape and chewiness of a donut, all baked to perfection! Say goodbye to the mess and intimidation of deep-frying, because these Baked Cinnamon Roll Donuts use a small amount of yeast for that authentic rise and soft texture, but they’re oven-baked for a healthier, easier, and less intimidating experience. I’ll guide you through every step, ensuring a successful and delicious batch of these hybrid treats, even if you’re new to working with yeast.

This recipe yields a small batch of exquisitely soft and aromatic donuts, making them perfect for any occasion – a special breakfast treat, a delightful dessert, or a satisfying snack. Imagine the joy as kids (and let’s be honest, adults too!) pull apart these cinnamon-swirled wonders, generously dipping them into luscious cream cheese icing. Whether you’re celebrating National Doughnut Day on June 4th or simply craving a unique homemade pastry, these cinnamon roll donuts are guaranteed to be a hit. Their twisted shape and sweet, spicy aroma will make them an instant favorite in your kitchen.

Craving more delightful brunch or dessert recipes? Check out these other favorites:

• S’mores Donuts
• Banana Baked Donuts
• Maple Chai Donuts
• Snickerdoodle Rolls
• Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
• Apple Streusel Muffins

Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Roll Donuts

Gathering your ingredients before you begin is key to a smooth baking process. For these delightful cinnamon roll donuts, you’ll need the following:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our tender donut dough.
• Granulated sugar: To sweeten the dough and help activate the yeast.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the dough and the filling, and creaminess to the icing.
• Egg yolk: Contributes to a richer flavor, softer crumb, and a beautiful golden color.
• Milk: Activates the yeast and creates a soft, pliable dough. Whole milk is recommended for best results.
• Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes these donuts wonderfully light and airy. Don’t be shy, it’s easier to work with than you think!
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Light brown sugar: The star of our aromatic cinnamon filling, providing deep molasses notes.
• Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic cinnamon roll taste and fragrant aroma.
• Cream cheese: The base for our irresistibly tangy and sweet icing.
• Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Creates a smooth and sweet cream cheese icing.

For precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this article. Accuracy in measuring, especially for dry ingredients, will ensure the best possible outcome for your baked donuts.

Customizing Your Cinnamon Roll Donuts: Substitutions & Variations

While this recipe is crafted for optimal results, we understand that sometimes you might want to experiment or adapt to what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

Substitutions: This particular recipe has been meticulously developed and tested without substitutions for the core ingredients. If you decide to make replacements for dietary reasons or ingredient availability, we highly encourage you to share your results in the comments section below! Your insights could be incredibly helpful to other bakers in the community.

Variations: Get creative with these cinnamon roll donuts!

• Muffin-Style Cinnamon Buns: If you don’t own a donut pan, these can easily be adapted into beautiful, braided cinnamon buns by baking them in a standard cupcake or muffin pan. Just twist and shape them to fit snugly into the wells. They’ll have a slightly different, more muffin-like appearance, but the taste will be equally delightful.
• Speedy Prep with Premade Dough: Short on time but still craving homemade goodness? You can significantly cut down on prep by using premade dough. Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheets are an excellent option for this. Simply unroll, spread the cinnamon filling, fold, cut, twist, and bake as directed (adjusting baking time as needed for the specific dough). While the yeast-risen dough provides an unparalleled texture, this shortcut still delivers a fantastic treat.
• Add Nuts or Dried Fruit: For extra texture and flavor, finely chop some pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them over the cinnamon filling before folding the dough. Dried cranberries or raisins can also add a chewy, fruity burst.
• Orange Zest in Icing: For a brighter, more zesty flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to your cream cheese icing. It pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
• Different Toppings: Beyond cream cheese icing, consider a simple glaze (powdered sugar and milk/water), a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Recommended Equipment for Baking Success

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need for these cinnamon roll donuts:

• A stand mixer with a dough hook attachment is highly recommended for effortlessly kneading the dough to a smooth, elastic consistency. It saves time and effort, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry! This dough can absolutely be kneaded by hand with a little patience and elbow grease.
• A kitchen thermometer is crucial for ensuring your milk is at the perfect temperature to activate the active dry yeast. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. Aim for a temperature between 95-110°F (35-43°C).
• To achieve that classic donut shape, you’ll need a donut pan. These are readily available and come in various materials, including non-stick metal or flexible silicone.
• You will also need standard baking tools such as mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons (or a kitchen scale for precision), a whisk, a spatula, a knife, and a rolling pin.

How to Bake Perfect Cinnamon Roll Donuts: A Detailed Guide

Creating these heavenly cinnamon roll donuts is a rewarding process, and surprisingly similar to making my popular Snickerdoodle Rolls. The dough preparation steps are almost identical, so if you’re a visual learner, feel free to reference that recipe for additional photos and guidance on dough handling!

Part 1: Crafting the Perfect Dough

Step One: Activate the Yeast (Picture 1 above) – Begin by gently warming your milk. You can do this in the microwave (heating in 30-second intervals and stirring) or in a small saucepan over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently, until it just begins to boil. At this temperature, it’s too hot for the yeast, so we’ll cool it down. Remove the milk from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter until it’s completely melted, then add the granulated sugar and whisk until dissolved. The mixture should now be around 95°F to 110°F (35-43°C). It’s highly recommended to verify this temperature with a thermometer, as yeast is sensitive to heat. Add your active dry yeast to the mixture and let it sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes. You should see a foamy, bubbly layer forming on the surface – this indicates your yeast is active and ready to go! If no bubbles appear, your yeast might be inactive, and you’ll need to start again. Once bubbly, whisk in the egg yolk, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step Two: Kneading the Dough (Picture 2 above) – If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook. With the mixer on low speed (or if kneading by hand), gradually add ¾ cup of all-purpose flour to your liquid mixture. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together. Test the dough’s consistency: it should feel just barely sticky to the touch. If it’s still excessively sticky, slowly incorporate the remaining ¼ cup of flour. If, after adding all 1 cup of flour, the dough remains too sticky to handle, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Once all the flour is incorporated, continue to knead the dough for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring it forms a smooth, cohesive ball. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for approximately one hour. During this time, the dough should roughly double in size. While the dough is rising, prepare your aromatic cinnamon filling by whisking together the melted butter, ground cinnamon, and light brown sugar until it forms a smooth paste.

Step Three: Rolling Out the Dough (Picture 3 above) – Once your dough has majestically doubled in size, it’s time to roll it out! Lightly sprinkle a clean, dry countertop with a small amount of flour. Carefully remove the risen dough from the bowl. To create layers, gently fold the dough into thirds, as you would a letter. Flip it over, rotate it 90 degrees, and fold it into thirds again. This process helps create distinct layers for that classic cinnamon roll swirl. Now, place the folded dough onto your lightly floured surface and begin rolling it into a square that measures approximately 12×12 inches. You might find that the dough resists rolling initially; if so, gently lift it and stretch it with your hands, similar to working with pizza dough, then continue rolling. Be patient; it will eventually stretch to the desired thinness.

Step Four: Spreading the Cinnamon Filling (Picture 4 above) – With your 12×12 inch dough square laid out, it’s time for the star of the show: the cinnamon filling! Gently and evenly spread the prepared cinnamon mixture across the entire surface of the dough, making sure to reach all the edges. If your filling seems a bit too firm to spread easily, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds and give it a quick stir. Many bakers find it easiest to use their hands for spreading, as it offers more control and can be quite a therapeutic process! Once coated, carefully fold the dough in half, bringing one 12-inch edge to meet the other, creating a 12×6 inch rectangle with the cinnamon filling beautifully enclosed inside. If the corners appear a bit rounded, gently reshape them with your hands to form a neat rectangle.

Part 2: Shaping and Baking Your Unique Donuts

Step Five: Cutting the Dough Strips (Picture 5 above) – With your 12×6 inch rectangle of dough, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut it into 12 equal strips. Each strip should be approximately 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Try to make them as uniform as possible for consistent donut sizes.

Step Six: The Signature Twist (Picture 6 above) – Now for the fun part: shaping! Take two of your dough strips and place them on top of each other. Arrange them so that their “open” ends (the edges where the cinnamon filling is visible) are on opposite sides. Gently twist these two strips together, creating a beautiful spiral. Once twisted, bring the ends together to form a circle, and gently pinch and squeeze the dough ends to seal the circle, forming your donut shape.

Step Seven: Into the Donut Pan (Picture 7 above) – Lightly grease your donut pan. Carefully place each twisted, circular donut into a well of the greased donut pan. Repeat this twisting and placing process for all 6 donuts. Make sure they fit comfortably without being overly compressed.

Step Eight: Baking to Golden Perfection (Picture 8 above) – Let your shaped donuts rest in the pan at room temperature while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). This brief resting period allows them to rise slightly more before baking. For easy handling and to catch any potential cinnamon filling that might bubble over, it’s a good idea to place your donut pan on a larger sheet pan before putting it into the oven. Bake the donuts for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until their tops are a beautiful light golden-tan color and you see the cinnamon filling bubbling invitingly. While they’re baking, you can whip up your cream cheese icing so it’s ready to go!

Expert Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Donuts

Achieving bakery-quality cinnamon roll donuts at home is entirely possible with a few insider tips:

Tip #1 – Ensure Your Yeast is Alive and Kicking: This is arguably the most crucial step for light, airy donuts. If, after adding the yeast to your warm milk mixture, you don’t see any bubbles forming within 5-10 minutes, your yeast is likely inactive or “dead.” There’s no coming back from dead yeast, so it’s best to start over. Always double-check the milk temperature – it must be between 95-110°F (35-43°C). Too hot will kill it, too cold won’t activate it. Additionally, check the expiration date on your yeast package and ensure it has been stored correctly. I find storing active dry yeast in an airtight jar in the freezer prolongs its shelf life significantly!

Tip #2 – Spread the Cinnamon Filling with Care: The cinnamon filling is wonderfully sticky and flavorful, but it can sometimes tear delicate dough if handled too roughly. If your filling feels too thick or resistant to spreading easily, pop it into the microwave for just a few seconds (5-10 seconds should suffice) and give it a good stir. This will soften the butter and make it much more pliable. For maximum control and even coverage, I highly recommend using your clean hands to gently spread the filling across the dough. It allows you to feel the dough’s resistance and work the filling into every nook and cranny without tearing. It’s also quite a satisfying and tactile part of the baking process!

Tip #3 – Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese Icing – It’s a Game Changer! While the donuts are delicious on their own, the cream cheese icing elevates them to an entirely new level of indulgence. It adds a tangy, creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced cinnamon. You can customize the icing’s consistency to your preference. For a thick, spreadable icing that creates a generous coating, use it as is. If you prefer a thinner icing for drizzling over warm donuts or for dipping, simply whisk in a small amount of milk or heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired pourable consistency. A little extra liquid goes a long way, so add it gradually!

Tip #4 – Don’t Overbake: Baked donuts can dry out quickly if left in the oven for too long. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. They should be lightly golden on top, and the cinnamon filling should be visibly bubbling. A good test is to gently press on one; it should feel slightly firm but still soft. Overbaking will result in a tougher, less tender donut.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Donuts

Proper Storage for Freshness

To enjoy your baked cinnamon roll donuts at their best, follow these storage guidelines:

Room Temperature: If your cinnamon roll donuts are unfrosted, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their soft texture and prevents them from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Refrigerator: Any frosted donuts, or the cream cheese icing itself, must be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 1 week. The cream cheese icing contains dairy and needs to be kept cold.

Freezing Instructions: These donuts freeze beautifully! Once they have completely cooled, wrap the unfrosted donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with “Cinnamon Roll Donuts” and the date for easy identification. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. While they are reheating, you can prepare a fresh batch of cream cheese icing for the ultimate fresh-baked experience.

Discover More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

Cinnamon Roll Donuts

By: Kayla Burton

These Cinnamon Roll Donuts are a delightful fusion of two beloved pastries! Enjoy soft, yeast-risen cinnamon rolls twisted into a fun donut shape, baked until golden, and generously topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for a small batch treat!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 7 votes.

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Key Timings:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (for dough rising)
• Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes

Recipe Details:

• Course: Breakfast, Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 6 donuts
• Calories: 364 kcal per donut (estimate)

Equipment

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring Cups or Kitchen Scale
• Thermometer
• Electric hand or stand mixer with hook attachment (optional, but recommended)
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Knife
• Rolling Pin

Kayla’s Top Tip: For the most consistent and accurate results, always weigh your dry ingredients in grams (g) using a reliable food scale!

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes