Creating Baked Gingerbread Donuts is a breeze when you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or use a non-stick donut baking spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg, applesauce, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing for fluffier donuts.
5. Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Fill each cavity of the donut pan about ¾ full.
6. Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Once done, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
9. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze or drizzle it over the top for added sweetness.
10. Serve: Enjoy your fabulous Baked Gingerbread Donuts immediately or store them in an airtight container for later.

These straightforward steps will lead you to delicious, fluffy donuts infused with the warming flavors of gingerbread!