Name: Gluten Free Donuts with Chocolate and Cinnamon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (240g) all purpose gluten free flour (King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour recommended); 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup (99g) granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (148ml) milk (whole milk used); 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp (89ml) vegetable oil; 1/2 cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tsp light corn syrup; rainbow sprinkles (Great Value rainbow sprinkles recommended); 1 1/2 cups (169g) powdered sugar; 1-2 Tbsp milk (whole milk used); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar (for powdered sugar topping); 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar mixed with 2 tsp cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar topping)

There's something simply irresistible about a freshly baked donut, even more so when it's without gluten and bursting with cozy flavors. This Gluten Free Donuts with Chocolate and Cinnamon Recipe offers a soft, tender crumb with the perfect touch of chocolate and warming cinnamon, making it a treat you'll want to whip up again and again.

The image shows a pile of assorted donuts on a white marbled surface. There are four types: smooth white glazed donuts with a shiny texture, dark chocolate glazed donuts with colorful sprinkles on top, light brown cinnamon sugar-coated donuts, and white powdered sugar-coated donuts with a soft, snowy texture. Some chocolate sprinkled donuts show the inside with a light yellow soft dough. The donuts are arranged in a casual, overlapping way creating a colorful and tasty display. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten Free Donuts with Chocolate and Cinnamon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gluten Free Donuts with Chocolate and Cinnamon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gluten Free Donuts with Chocolate and Cinnamon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these donuts became a fast favorite in my kitchen for their incredible texture and ease of making without all the fuss of frying. Plus, adding chocolate chips and cinnamon just sends the flavor over the moon. I'm always excited when someone tells me they tried this recipe and can't believe it's gluten-free!

Quick and simple: You’ll have these donuts ready in just about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Deliciously versatile: Choose between chocolate, glaze, or cinnamon sugar toppings – or mix them up to suit your mood.
Fantastic texture: Using King Arthur’s Measure for Measure gluten-free flour brings a soft, tender bite that isn’t crumbly.
Family-approved: These donuts satisfy gluten-eaters and GF folks alike, perfect for sharing or treating yourself.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Gluten Free Donuts with Chocolate and Cinnamon Recipe are simple but carefully chosen to create that ideal donut. I recommend picking a good-quality gluten-free flour blend—King Arthur’s Measure for Measure is my go-to for consistent results. Each component brings a different magic; let’s break it down:

Flat lay of a small mound of fine gluten free flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white bowl holding light brown ground nutmeg powder, a small white bowl with baking powder, a small white bowl of fine salt, a small white bowl of whole milk, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl with clear vegetable oil, a small white bowl of semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl with softened unsalted butter, a small white bowl of light golden corn syrup, a small white bowl of colorful rainbow sprinkles, a small white bowl filled with powdered sugar, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Gluten Free Flour Blend: Gives the donuts structure without gluten’s elasticity, so choosing a blend that mimics all-purpose flour is key.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warm spice that complements cinnamon perfectly.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning during baking.
Baking Powder: The leavening agent that makes these donuts fluffy and light.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
Milk: Provides moisture; I prefer whole milk for richness, but any will work.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and help with rise and texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely aromatic depth that shines through.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps donuts tender and moist without weighing them down.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The little pockets of melted chocolate inside are pure joy.
Unsalted Butter, Corn Syrup, and Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Combine for a smooth, shiny finish that’s both sweet and delicate.
Rainbow Sprinkles: For a fun pop of color that’s perfect for celebrations or a cheerful morning.
Powdered and Granulated Sugar with Cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar topping): A classic twist that complements the chocolate perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I've had fun experimenting with toppings and even the dough itself for this gluten-free donut recipe. The beauty is in how easy it is to customize depending on your mood or occasion. Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients or try new twists—you’ll find what suits your taste best.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out half of the semi-sweet chips for white chocolate, which gives a lovely contrast in flavor and color.
Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and swap the butter in the glaze for a dairy-free alternative – it still turns out beautifully.
Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar topping for a little kick that surprises your palate.
Seasonal Flair: Mix in pumpkin pie spice in the batter during fall for an autumn treat everyone will love.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten Free Donuts with Chocolate and Cinnamon Recipe

A white box filled with four rows of donuts, each row neatly lined with seven donuts. The first row on the left has plain light tan donuts with a smooth texture. The second row features chocolate-covered donuts topped with colorful sprinkles, the chocolate layer dark and shiny, covering the top surface only. The third row consists of donuts coated in white powdered sugar, giving them a soft, snowy appearance. The fourth row on the right shows donuts covered in cinnamon sugar, with a rough, grainy texture and brown color. The box sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Having all your ingredients measured and ready makes the process so much smoother; I always do this first. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan well. Using a non-stick spray or a little vegetable oil on a paper towel works perfectly. This prevents sticking without fuss.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, ground nutmeg, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your rising agents and spices get evenly distributed, so every bite tastes consistent.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or measuring jug, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla, and vegetable oil until smooth. This blend adds moisture and flavor before it meets the dry mix, making your batter velvety and easy to work with.

Step 4: Bring it All Together and Fold in Chocolate Chips

Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined – don’t overmix or the donuts can turn dense. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips carefully, so they’re evenly distributed but don’t melt into the batter at this stage.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

Spoon or pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about ¾ full to allow room for rising. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. You'll notice a golden brown top and a wonderful aroma—this is the moment you know it's done!

Step 6: Prepare Your Toppings While Donuts Cool

Whether making the glaze or mixing cinnamon sugar, this is a great time to get those ready. For the glaze, melt butter and stir in corn syrup, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. For cinnamon sugar, simply combine powdered and granulated sugar with cinnamon for the perfect dusting.

Step 7: Dip, Sprinkle, and Enjoy!

While still slightly warm, dip your donuts into your chosen topping. For a fun twist, add rainbow sprinkles over the glaze before it sets. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but trust me, they’re good anytime!

Top Tip

From my experience baking these donuts multiple times, a few small tweaks can really elevate your results and save you some headaches.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and milk at room temp mix more evenly with the flour, leading to a smoother batter and lighter donuts.
Don’t Overmix: Gluten-free flours can get gummy if stirred too long. Stop mixing as soon as ingredients come together.
Grease Your Pan Well: Even the best non-stick pans can hold onto gluten-free batter; a light oil coating helps your donuts release flawlessly.
Chill Batter If Needed: If your kitchen is warm, gently chilling the batter for 10-15 minutes can help the donuts keep their shape during baking.

How to Serve Gluten Free Donuts with Chocolate and Cinnamon Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these donuts with a little extra cinnamon sugar for crunch and warmth, or dipping them in the shiny glaze with a quick sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles when I want something playful. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also work surprisingly well if you’re serving brunch.

Side Dishes

Pair your donuts with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy combo. For brunch, some scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad balance out the sweetness perfectly and keep things feeling fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange these donuts on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching display. You can even add little flags or labels to let guests know they’re gluten-free. For a holiday twist, mix up the sprinkles colors or drizzle a bit of white chocolate on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These donuts store best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, they start to lose their freshness but are still enjoyable. I usually keep extra donuts in a container lined with paper towels to absorb humidity and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Believe it or not, these gluten free donuts freeze beautifully. Just place cooled donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container in a single layer with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to 3 months. I always label the date so I don’t forget!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop frozen donuts into a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or until warm. Microwave works too but tends to make them a little chewy. Reheating this way brings back some of that freshly baked softness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these donuts dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the milk for any non-dairy milk like almond or oat. Use a dairy-free butter alternative for the glaze, and you’re good to go. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor remains fantastic.

What’s the best gluten-free flour to use?

I recommend King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour because it has a blend of starches and flours that mimic all-purpose flour well, yielding a great texture for baked goods like donuts. Other blends can work but watch the texture closely.

Can I fry these instead of baking?

While traditional donuts are fried, this recipe is specifically designed for baking to keep it simple and healthier. Frying gluten-free donuts can be tricky because of batter consistency. However, if you want to try frying, you might need to adjust the recipe to a more dough-like consistency.

How do I keep my gluten-free donuts from crumbling?

The key is to use a well-balanced gluten-free flour and avoid overmixing your batter. Also, don’t skip the wet ingredients—they help bind the donuts together. Letting the batter rest a few minutes before baking can help hydrate the flour, leading to a better texture.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten Free Donuts with Chocolate and Cinnamon Recipe holds a very special place in my baking repertoire because it proves that gluten-free treats can be just as comforting and delicious as the real deal. They’re easy enough to whip up any time and flexible enough to satisfy many tastes and dietary needs. Give them a try—you might find yourself making these donuts a regular weekend tradition!