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If you’re craving a warm, bakery-style donut but need a gluten free option, this recipe has you covered. These gluten free cinnamon spice donuts are baked to perfection and bursting with cozy spice flavors. Each bite is soft, cakey and sweet, making them a great treat with coffee or apple cider. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla gives them that classic donut-shop taste. Plus, they’re simple to make and perfect for satisfying your homemade donut cravings.
These gluten free cinnamon spice donuts are soft, cozy and baked with warm spices and sweet glaze. They’re an easy homemade treat perfect for any time of year.
If you enjoy these, also try corn casserole, dark chocolate pumpkin Bundt cakes, apricot apple donuts, and toffee apple hot toddies.
Why You’ll Love It
No frying needed: These donuts bake up soft and golden right in the oven.
Perfect texture: Light, moist and cakey, just like classic bakery donuts.
Cozy flavors: Warm cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg in every bite.
Gluten free goodness: Ideal for those avoiding gluten, without sacrificing taste.
Gluten Free Cinnamon Donut Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Gluten free flour blend: Use one with xanthan gum included, such as Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1.
Cinnamon: Adds cozy spice and warm flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and stay fluffy.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts with a smooth texture.
Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil adds moisture and richness.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and pairs well with the spices. Also used in the glaze.
Eggs: Bind the batter and help with structure.
Applesauce: Keeps the donuts tender and adds a hint of fruitiness.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg give the glaze a warm, spiced finish.
Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
Milk: Thins the glaze to the right consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Spice Donuts
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the batter: Mix dry ingredients, then stir in wet ones until just combined.
Pipe into pan: Add batter to a piping bag, cut the end and pipe into greased donut molds.
Bake the donuts: Bake until set and lightly golden.
Make the glaze: Stir together sugar, spices, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Glaze the donuts: Dip warm donuts into the glaze and set on a wire rack to dry.
Serve and enjoy: Pair with coffee or apple cider, or enjoy them on their own.
Substitutions and Variations
Flour swap: Use another gluten free blend if it includes xanthan gum or add a teaspoon separately.
Dairy-free option: Use almond milk or oat milk in the glaze for a dairy-free finish.
Extra spice: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a bolder spiced flavor. You could also swap half the cinnamon for nutmeg or ginger for a different spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
With a drink: Enjoy apple cider punch, apple cider mojitos, a whipped Dalgona coffee, or state fair style lemonade with your gluten free donuts.
With other sweet treats: You might like to pair them with hummingbird cupcakes or beaver tails.
How to Store Gluten Free Baked Donuts
Store: These are best served as soon as they’re cooked but you can keep them for up to a day. Keep the donuts in a paper bag or paper pastry box. Don’t put them in a plastic container or plastic bag though. If you do, they can get soggy.
Freeze: Freeze the donuts when they are cool but without the glaze. Put them on a baking sheet in one layer in the freezer for a few hours. After that, transfer them into a large freezer bag. They’ll keep for a few months.
Thaw: Thaw them on a microwave-safe plate in the microwave for about 10 or 15 seconds. They thaw pretty quickly. Once thawed, you can add the glaze and serve.
Reheat: Give the donuts 5 to 10 seconds covered with a damp paper towel, or about 15 seconds on half power. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes at 350°F.
Top Tips
Use a piping bag: It’s easier to get even donuts into the pan.
Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to avoid dense donuts.
Glaze while warm: Dipping while slightly warm helps the glaze set beautifully.
Gluten Free Cinnamon Spice Donuts FAQs
Yes, you can bake the donuts a day in advance and glaze them before serving.
Yes, a donut pan helps create the proper shape and texture for baked donuts.
Yes, if you don’t need them to be gluten-free.
Baked Gluten Free Donuts with Cinnamon Spice Recipe
Gluten Free Cinnamon Spice Donuts
Equipment
- Donut Pan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups gluten-free flour, a blend with xanthan gum – I like Bob’s Red Mill’s 1-to-1 blend
- ½ Teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ Teaspoon salt
- 1 Teaspoon baking powder
- ½ Cup granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil, or vegetable oil
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- ¾ Cup applesauce
- nonstick cooking spray
For the Cinnamon Glaze
- 1 Cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ Teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 Pinch nutmeg
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Teaspoon milk , or dairy-free alternative
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a donut pan with cooking spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the gluten free flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and granulated sugar.
- Add in the vanilla extract, eggs and applesauce. Stir until just combined.
- Add the donut batter to a piping bag or plastic Ziploc bag. Cut the end of the bag and pipe into a prepared donut plan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until set.
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze. In a separate bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. Add in the vanilla extract and stir.
- Slowly add in the milk a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Once the donuts have finished baking, cool slightly. Dip in cinnamon glaze and let it set on a wire cooling rack.
- Serve warm with your favourite cup of coffee or hot apple cider.
Notes
Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to avoid dense donuts.
Glaze while warm: Dipping while slightly warm helps the glaze set beautifully.
Nutrition
If you’re craving something cozy, sweet and simple, gluten free cinnamon spice donuts are a perfect choice. The texture is soft, the flavor is rich with warm spice, and the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re gluten free or just love a great baked donut, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve them fresh or save a few for the next morning. Either way, they’re worth making often.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
These gluten-free cinnamon spice donuts are a must-try! You’d never guess they’re gluten-free—so soft and delicious. Perfect for autumn mornings.
Oooo I never thought about making cinnamon spize glazed donuts. That sounds absolutely delicious. I’ll have to make these soon.
These sound delicious and I love that they are baked too for a bit healthier of an option.
I am literally drooling. These donuts look so delicious.
So fun, I’m going to do some baking this weekend so I def need to try this
I must try these!