Name: Gluten Free Cinnamon Spice Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ Cups gluten-free flour (a blend with xanthan gum, e.g., Bob’s Red Mill 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; 1 Cup powdered sugar; ⅓ Teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 Pinch nutmeg; 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 Teaspoon milk (or dairy-free alternative)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 81 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, delightful treat that fits perfectly into a gluten-free lifestyle, this Gluten Free Cinnamon Spice Donuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. These donuts are tender, lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a luscious cinnamon glaze that brings an irresistible warmth to every bite. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a comforting afternoon snack, this recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience without any gluten worries.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with white flour. Above it to the right, there is a glass bowl with a yellowish apple sauce. Below the white bowl, a metal cup is filled with white sugar. To the lower right, there is a small clear bowl with brown cinnamon, white baking powder, and white salt. Next to it is a glass bowl filled with a brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. To the left of the flour bowl, two white eggs lie next to a metal whisk. At the top left corner, a white flour bag with red, white, and blue labeling is partially open, showing more flour inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color. From the gluten-free flour blend that keeps these donuts soft and fluffy, to the applesauce which adds moisture naturally, every component plays a key role.

1 ½ Cups gluten-free flour: A 1-to-1 blend with xanthan gum, such as Bob’s Red Mill, ensures great structure and tenderness.
½ Teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, inviting spice that complements the sweetness.
½ Teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 Teaspoon baking powder: Gives your donuts a lovely rise and light texture.
½ Cup granulated sugar: Sweetens just the right amount without overpowering the spices.
3 Tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil: Provides moisture and keeps the donuts tender.
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a rich, mellow aroma.
2 eggs: Bind ingredients together and add fluffiness.
¾ Cup applesauce: A natural sweetener and moisture booster that replaces butter.
Nonstick cooking spray: To ensure your donuts come out of the pan effortlessly.
1 Cup powdered sugar: The base of the glaze for that perfect sweet finish.
⅓ Teaspoon ground cinnamon: For the glaze’s signature spice kick.
1 Pinch nutmeg: Adds an extra layer of warm complexity to the glaze.
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the glaze with a lovely scent and flavor.
1 Teaspoon milk or dairy-free alternative: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.

How to Make Gluten Free Cinnamon Spice Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Donut Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray your donut pan with nonstick cooking spray to make sure your donuts pop right out once baked. This small step saves you from any sticky frustrations later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, ground cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and granulated sugar. This combination sets the base for that perfect cinnamon-spiced flavor and a light texture.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the olive oil, vanilla extract, eggs, and applesauce. Stir everything gently until just combined—overmixing can toughen gluten-free baked goods, so aim for a nice, smooth batter with a slightly thick consistency.

Step 4: Pipe the Batter Into the Pan

Transfer your batter to a piping bag or a sturdy Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into each donut mold, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Pop the pan in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the donuts are set and springs back when lightly pressed. Keep an eye on them to avoid drying out—gluten-free baked goods often benefit from careful timing.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze

While your donuts bake, mix together the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg in a bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract, then slowly add milk a little at a time until the glaze reaches a smooth yet dippable consistency.

Step 7: Glaze and Cool

Once the donuts are out, let them cool just enough so the glaze can stick without melting off completely. Dip the top of each donut into the cinnamon glaze and place them on a wire rack to let the glaze set into a shiny, sweet coating.

How to Serve Gluten Free Cinnamon Spice Donuts Recipe

A single round donut with smooth light brown glaze covers the whole top and sides, sitting on a white plate. There is a small bite taken from the left side, revealing a soft, spongy light brown interior. Cinnamon powder is lightly sprinkled around the donut on the plate. Two silver forks with detailed handles lie beside the plate on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, part of another white plate with a similar donut and three cinnamon sticks rests on a white cloth. More cinnamon sticks with rich brown texture sit at the bottom left on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish off your donuts with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal and added flavor. If you want a little crunch, finely chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes make an excellent topping.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with warm beverages—think robust coffee, spicy chai tea, or a comforting cup of hot apple cider. A fresh fruit bowl with berries or sliced apples also makes a bright and healthy contrast to their sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these donuts on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of leftover glaze for dipping, or stack them dramatically on a tiered cake stand to impress brunch guests. For a festive touch, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over the glaze and sprinkle with crushed cinnamon sticks or edible gold dust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They remain soft and flavorful, but if your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is also an option to keep them fresh longer—just be aware the glaze might become firm.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully. Wrap each donut individually with plastic wrap or place parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container. Frozen donuts can last up to one month and are great to have on hand for a quick, gluten-free treat.

Reheating

To enjoy your donuts fresh-tasting after freezing, thaw them at room temperature. Warm gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes—this revives their softness and makes the glaze slightly melty again.

FAQs

Can I use a different gluten-free flour blend?

Absolutely! Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the donuts hold together and stay fluffy. Some blends may require slight adjustments in liquid amounts, so keep an eye on your batter’s consistency.

Will these donuts be too dense without wheat flour?

Not at all. The combination of baking powder, eggs, and applesauce keeps the texture light and tender. The gentle folding technique and proper rise time are key to ensuring softness in gluten-free baked goods.

Can I substitute the oil with butter?

You can swap olive or vegetable oil for melted butter if you prefer, which adds a richer flavor. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly denser, but still utterly delicious.

Is applesauce necessary, or can I skip it?

The applesauce adds moisture and a natural sweetness that helps structure the donuts without making them greasy. You could substitute it with mashed banana or yogurt if you like, but the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

How long will the glaze stay fresh on the donuts?

The glaze sets fairly quickly but remains soft to the touch. If stored airtight at room temperature, the glaze will stay nice and fresh for a couple of days, though it may harden if refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something wonderfully comforting about biting into homemade donuts, especially when they’re made with love and accessible ingredients like in this Gluten Free Cinnamon Spice Donuts Recipe. Whether it’s a special weekend treat or a delightful way to brighten up your mornings, these donuts are sure to bring smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover how delicious gluten-free can truly be!