There's something truly cozy about a warm donut fresh from the oven, especially when it's made with a dreamy blend of chocolate and cinnamon. This Gluten-Free Donuts with Chocolate & Cinnamon Recipe will quickly become your go-to for a sweet treat that's both allergy-friendly and utterly delicious.

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 & Cinnamon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gluten-Free Donuts with Chocolate & Cinnamon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gluten-Free Donuts with Chocolate & Cinnamon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reached for this recipe when friends drop in unexpectedly. It’s fast, easy, and the perfect way to enjoy donuts without any gluten worries. Plus, the combo of chocolate and cinnamon feels so indulgent, but it’s something you can bake at home without fuss.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a million special items — just 10 pantry basics (but quality ones!) and you’re good to go.
Quick to Make: From bowl to bite in about 30 minutes — perfect for last-minute cravings or impromptu gatherings.
Moist & Flavorful Texture: Unlike some gluten-free baked goods that are dry, these donuts come out tender and soft every time.
Versatile Toppings: From chocolate chips melting inside to cinnamon sugar coating outside, you can customize or even mix and match.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here lies in marrying a trustworthy gluten-free flour blend with simple ingredients that bring flavor, moisture, and that perfect hint of spice. A few notes on some star players:

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: I swear by King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour – it’s well-balanced and gives these donuts the right texture without being gritty or crumbly.
Ground Nutmeg: A little surprise spice that adds warmth and depth alongside the cinnamon.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These melt beautifully, giving gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
Butter & Vegetable Oil: The combo keeps the donuts rich and moist without feeling greasy.
Milk: Whole milk for richness, but you can swap in your favorite dairy or nondairy milk too.
Light Corn Syrup: This might seem random, but it keeps the glaze shiny and perfectly smooth.
Powdered Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Both sugars play important roles — powdered sugar for silky glaze and granulated for sweet dough and the cinnamon sugar coating.

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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 love how forgiving this recipe is—you can easily tweak flavors, swap out toppings, or even turn these into mini donut holes if you’re feeling playful. It’s all about making the recipe suit your mood and pantry.

Chocolate Overload Variation: Once, I tossed in extra chocolate chips and even swirled some melted chocolate on top—because, why not? It made a decadent breakfast treat that totally impressed my family.
Dairy-Free Swap: Using almond milk and coconut oil works well if you want to avoid dairy but still enjoy fluffy donuts.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra cinnamon to give the donuts a subtle kick and more depth.
Glaze Experimentation: Try a maple glaze or a simple honey drizzle for a different spin on sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Donuts with Chocolate & 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: Mix Your Dry Ingredients to Start

Begin by whisking together the gluten-free flour blend, ground nutmeg, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. I find whisking really well here helps prevent clumps and ensures an even rise when baking.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature so the batter mixes smoothly without lumps. I usually crack them out first to warm up while I prep the dry mix.

Step 3: Blend Wet and Dry Gently

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the donuts tough, so I stop as soon as everything looks uniform. Then fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips carefully—they’ll provide those delightful melty spots.

Step 4: Prepare Donut Pan and Bake

Spray your donut pan with nonstick spray or lightly grease it. Spoon batter evenly into each cavity, filling about ⅔ full. I find using a piping bag or zip-top bag with a cut corner helps keep this mess-free and even. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes—donuts are done when a toothpick poked in comes out clean.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts cool slightly, mix ⅔ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a bowl. For glazed donuts, prepare a simple powdered sugar glaze with milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, butter, and corn syrup. I like to melt the butter gently and whisk everything until smooth.

Step 6: Ice, Dip & Enjoy

You can dip warm donuts into the cinnamon sugar to coat or drizzle with the chocolate glaze. For my family, alternating between cinnamon sugar and the chocolate glaze keeps breakfast interesting. Finish with rainbow sprinkles for a festive touch.

Top Tip

From baking and decorating dozens of these donuts, I’ve learned a few things that make all the difference—I'll share what helped me keep these gluten-free donuts light and moist every single time.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just enough to combine ingredients; this prevents tough donuts and keeps the crumb tender.
Room Temperature Eggs & Milk: Using room-temp ingredients helps everything blend more smoothly and rise nicely.
Coat Donuts While Warm: Applying cinnamon sugar or glaze when donuts are still warm ensures it sticks perfectly without dripping excessively.
Use a Donut Pan: It really simplifies the process and shapes donuts evenly — though I’ve also tried mini muffin tins for donut holes with success!

How to Serve Gluten-Free Donuts with Chocolate & Cinnamon Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these donuts with rainbow sprinkles for a pop of color and fun texture. Sometimes, I dust a little extra powdered sugar on top or add a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra special touch.

Side Dishes

Pairing these with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea is always a winner. For a fuller brunch, I’ll serve them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. The sweet donut paired with a tangy side feels just right.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or cozy gatherings, I arrange assorted glazed and cinnamon donuts on a tiered stand. Adding small bowls of dipping sauces—like chocolate ganache or caramel—turns it into a fun, interactive dessert station everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s humid, I add a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture and keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead, I freeze fully cooled donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They thaw quickly at room temp or in the microwave—perfect for a quick morning treat.

Reheating

When reheating, I pop donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. To restore a bit of that fresh-baked texture, I sometimes toast them lightly for a few seconds afterward—just enough to warm through without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different gluten-free flour?

You can use other gluten-free blends, but I recommend one that contains xanthan gum and a mix of starches for the best texture. King Arthur’s Measure for Measure works great because it’s designed to substitute cup-for-cup with all-purpose flour.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like using flax or chia eggs, a plant-based milk, and coconut oil instead of butter and vegetable oil, you can make a vegan version. The texture might vary slightly, but it’s definitely doable with adjustments.

How can I prevent my donuts from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature shortly after cooling. Adding a little melted butter or brushing a sugar syrup on warm donuts can help lock in moisture.

Do I need a special donut pan?

While a donut pan helps shape the donuts perfectly, you could bake the batter in a muffin pan for cake-like rounds or use silicone donut molds. The cooking time might vary, so keep an eye on them.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Donuts with Chocolate & Cinnamon Recipe is one of those comforting recipes that feels like a little hug in every bite. Baking it always makes me feel connected to simple joys—family around, cozy mornings, and the smell of fresh sweetness in the air. I hope when you make it, you feel that same warmth (and maybe sneak an extra donut or two!).