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Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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