Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Introduction

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins combine the best of two beloved treats: the soft, fluffy texture of a muffin and the sweet, spiced coating of a classic cinnamon sugar donut. These muffins are baked instead of fried, making them a lighter yet equally indulgent option. Their moist, tender crumb and buttery cinnamon-sugar topping make them a perfect breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a cozy family gathering, or just because, these muffins are guaranteed to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Breakfast and brunch
• Holiday mornings
• Family gatherings
• Quick and easy baking
• Cinnamon sugar lovers

Why You’ll Love This ReciCinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Here’s why Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins will become your new go-to treat:

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These muffins have a tender crumb that mimics the light, airy texture of a classic cake donut.
• Baked, Not Fried: Enjoy all the flavor of a donut without the hassle of frying.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: A buttery cinnamon sugar coating gives these muffins their signature donut-like finish.
• Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and an easy preparation process make these muffins perfect for any baking skill level.
• Perfectly Sweet and Spiced: The balance of cinnamon and sugar makes these muffins warm, comforting, and completely irresistible.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Servings: 12 muffins
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 28g, Fat: 8g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins:

For the Muffins:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup whole milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ingredient Highlights

• Buttermilk: Gives the muffins a light and tender texture while adding a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like depth to the muffins.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture mimics the classic donut topping, making these muffins truly special.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor while keeping the muffins soft and moist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Muffin Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
5. Alternate Adding Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Then, pour in the buttermilk and whole milk, followed by the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).

Bake the Muffins:

6. Fill the Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
7. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Slightly: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Coat the Muffins:

9. Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, melt the butter.
10. Dip and Coat: Brush the tops of the warm muffins with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are best enjoyed warm, but they can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Coffee or Tea: The perfect companion to your morning cup of coffee or tea.
• As a Breakfast Treat: Serve alongside eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.
• For Dessert: Enjoy as a sweet ending to any meal, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• On-the-Go Snack: These muffins are great for meal prep and can be packed for an easy snack on the go.
• Holiday Breakfast: Serve these muffins for a cozy holiday morning treat.

Additional Tips for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Here are some tips to ensure your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Buttermilk for Extra Softness – Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to the muffins, making them extra fluffy. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and airy.
• Fill Muffin Cups Properly – Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full to allow them to rise beautifully without overflowing.
• Use a Mini Muffin Pan for Bite-Sized Treats – If you want smaller, poppable muffins, use a mini muffin pan and reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes.
• Brush with Butter While Warm – Melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar coating stick better, so brush it on while the muffins are still warm for the best coverage.
• Double Coat for Extra Flavor – After rolling the muffins in cinnamon sugar, let them sit for a minute and then roll them again for a thicker, more flavorful coating.
• Add a Cinnamon Swirl Inside – Mix a little cinnamon and sugar into the batter in layers to create a delicious swirl effect inside the muffin.
• Try a Maple or Vanilla Glaze – Instead of rolling in cinnamon sugar, drizzle the muffins with a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and either maple syrup or vanilla extract for a different take.
• Make Them Ahead – These muffins store well! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer freshness.
• Warm Them Up Before Serving – If the muffins have been sitting for a day or two, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their fresh, warm, and soft texture.

Recipe Variations for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Here are 10 variations you can try for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins:

1. Maple Glazed Donut Muffins: Drizzle the muffins with a simple maple glaze instead of rolling in cinnamon sugar.
2. Chocolate Chip Donut Muffins: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
3. Apple Cinnamon Donut Muffins: Add finely chopped apples to the batter for a fruity variation.
4. Pumpkin Spice Donut Muffins: Replace half the buttermilk with pumpkin puree and add a pinch of nutmeg for a fall-inspired version.
5. Nutmeg Sugar Coating: Use nutmeg in the sugar coating for a classic old-fashioned donut flavor.
6. Lemon Sugar Muffins: Substitute the cinnamon with lemon zest for a bright, citrusy taste.
7. Filled Donut Muffins: Inject the muffins with a bit of jam or Nutella for a fun surprise inside.
8. Coconut Cinnamon Muffins: Mix shredded coconut into the batter for added texture.
9. Gluten-Free Donut Muffins: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
10. Vegan Donut Muffins: Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg for a dairy-free, egg-free variation.

Freezing and Storage for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

• Freezing: These muffins freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
• Storage: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

• Muffin Tin – To bake the muffins in their proper shape.
• Mixing Bowls – For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk – To mix and aerate the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurately measuring ingredients.
• Pastry Brush – To coat the muffins with melted butter before rolling them in cinnamon sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, but buttermilk enhances the texture and flavor. If needed, mix ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon vinegar as a substitute.
2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Store in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the muffins may be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a delightful way to enjoy the best of both worlds—the soft, fluffy texture of a muffin combined with the sweet, spiced goodness of a classic cinnamon sugar donut. With their warm cinnamon aroma and buttery sugar coating, these irresistible treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you’re craving something sweet.

This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for any occasion, whether you’re serving them fresh in the morning or as a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate comfort treat.

I’d love to see how your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!