Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe

Introduction

These Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts are a bright and delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Light, fluffy, and coated in a fragrant lemon sugar, they bring a refreshing twist to classic baked donuts.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk (or milk substitute)
• ⅓ cup melted butter (or oil for dairy-free)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for coating)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
5. Step 5: Fill each cavity of the donut pan about two-thirds full using a piping bag or spoon for even shaping.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: While the donuts bake, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon lemon zest in a shallow dish for the coating.
8. Step 8: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool further.
9. Step 9: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, roll each donut in the lemon sugar mixture until well coated.

Tips & Variations

• Use a piping bag for a cleaner, more uniform donut shape.
• Substitute melted coconut oil for butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the coating for a warm spice twist.
• For extra lemon flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the donuts instead of rolling in sugar.

Storage

Store the baked and coated donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for these donuts, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just be aware the texture may be slightly different.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the donut pan well with butter or non-stick spray before filling. You can also lightly dust the pan with flour after greasing for extra protection.

Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 268 reviews

Delight in these light and fluffy Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts, bursting with fresh lemon flavor and a sweet citrus sugar coating. Perfectly baked and easy to make, these donuts offer a tangy twist on a classic treat that’s ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 8 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk (or milk substitute)
• ⅓ cup melted butter (or oil for dairy-free)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for coating)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure they’re evenly combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
5. Fill Donut Pan: Use a piping bag or spoon to fill each cavity of the donut pan about two-thirds full with the batter for even baking.
6. Bake Donuts: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts turn a light golden color and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
7. Prepare Coating: While the donuts bake, mix the ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon lemon zest in a shallow bowl to create the lemon sugar coating.
8. Cool Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further until they are comfortable to handle.
9. Coat Donuts: Roll each cooled donut in the lemon sugar mixture thoroughly so they are well coated, enhancing their flavor and texture.

Notes

• To make these donuts dairy-free, substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk and melted butter with oil.
• Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
• Use a piping bag for neatly filling the donut pan cavities, or a spoon for a more rustic look.
• Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter.

Keywords: lemon donuts, baked donuts, lemon sugar donuts, easy donut recipe, homemade donuts, baked lemon treats