There’s something truly special about a warm, freshly baked donut — especially when it’s soft, fluffy, and bursting with sweet vanilla flavor. Baked Vanilla Donuts with Sprinkles are the perfect treat for any occasion — whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a festive brunch, or a sweet afternoon indulgence. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are light, tender, and baked to golden perfection, offering all the flavor without the extra oil.

These donuts are not only gorgeous to look at but also perfectly balanced in texture — moist and soft inside with a slightly crisp edge. They taste just like the ones from your favorite bakery but with the added satisfaction of being homemade.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures everything wonderful about a donut — sweet, tender, and comforting — without any of the hassle or heaviness of frying. The baked version is healthier but still delivers that same indulgent flavor.

And let’s not forget the joyful burst of color that sprinkles bring. They turn an ordinary donut into something whimsical and celebratory, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just brightening up a dull day. These donuts are the kind of treat that makes you smile before you even take a bite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try recipe because it combines simplicity, beauty, and taste all in one. These baked vanilla donuts are:

• Easy to make — No deep fryer, no yeast, no long waiting times.
• Perfect for all occasions — Ideal for parties, brunches, or just treating yourself.
• Customizable — You can change the glaze flavor, add chocolate, or mix in fun toppings.
• Kid-friendly and fun — Great for baking with kids who love decorating with sprinkles.
• Light and delicious — They’re soft, fluffy, and satisfying without being overly sweet.

In short, this recipe is a delightful mix of convenience and indulgence — a dessert that looks impressive but comes together effortlessly.

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Cooling and Glazing Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 donuts
• Calories: Approximately 220 per donut

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Dessert / Breakfast
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + ½ tsp lemon juice)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Colorful sprinkles (rainbow or themed, as desired)

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Mix

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined — do not overmix, as this can make the donuts dense.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add a little more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.

Step 9: Glaze and Decorate

Dip each cooled donut halfway into the glaze, let the excess drip off, and place it back on the rack. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.

How to Serve

Serve these donuts fresh with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-afternoon snack. For special occasions, display them on a cake stand or platter for an eye-catching presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overmix the batter; it should be smooth but not elastic.
• Ensure your donut pan is well-greased to avoid sticking.
• Let the donuts cool completely before glazing or the glaze will melt off.
• For a more vibrant glaze, add a drop of food coloring.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup milk with ½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Variations

• Chocolate Glazed Donuts: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and top with chocolate glaze.
• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the glaze and coat warm donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mix.
• Lemon Vanilla Donuts: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the batter and a touch of lemon juice to the glaze.
• Funfetti Donuts: Stir sprinkles directly into the batter for a festive look inside and out!
• Maple Glazed Donuts: Replace vanilla in the glaze with pure maple syrup for a warm, cozy flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze fresh before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Wire cooling rack
• Piping bag or zip-top bag (optional for filling the pan)

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! You can use a muffin tin and place rolled-up foil balls in the center of each cup to mimic a donut hole.

Q2: Can I fry this batter instead of baking?
No — this batter is designed for baking. For frying, you’d need a yeast or cake donut recipe with a thicker structure.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the donuts the night before, store them in an airtight container, and glaze them the next day before serving.

Q4: How do I keep the glaze from melting off?
Make sure the donuts are completely cool before dipping, and let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Baked Vanilla Donuts with Sprinkles are the perfect combination of simplicity and delight — light, fluffy, and baked instead of fried, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Their sweet vanilla glaze and cheerful sprinkles make them as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a cozy weekend breakfast, or simply to brighten your day, these donuts never fail to impress. Once you taste how soft and flavorful they are, you’ll never want to buy store-bought donuts again!