Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

🍩 Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Soft, fluffy, and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins taste just like classic cake donuts—without the frying. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, and they come together easily with pantry staples.

📝 Description

These muffins have a tender, cake-like crumb with a rich vanilla flavor. After baking, they’re brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, giving them that irresistible donut-shop finish. They’re best enjoyed warm but stay delicious for days.

🧾 Ingredients

Muffins

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)

• 1 large egg

• ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin or grease well.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.

3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed. Do not overmix.

5. Fill muffin cups about ¾ full.

6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

7. Cool muffins for 5 minutes, then remove from pan.

8. Coat muffins: Brush each muffin with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.

9. Serve warm or at room temperature.

💡 Notes

• Nutmeg adds a classic donut flavor—highly recommended.

• Muffins can be dipped twice in cinnamon sugar for extra coating.

• Best eaten the same day but still great for up to 3 days.

🔥 Tips for Best Results

• Do not overmix the batter—this keeps muffins light and tender.

• Use room-temperature ingredients for even baking.

• For bakery-style muffins, fill liners nearly full and bake on the middle rack.

• Reheat briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) before serving.

🍽 Servings

• Makes: 12 standard muffins

• Serving Size: 1 muffin

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per muffin)

• Calories: 230

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fat: 11g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Protein: 3g

• Sugar: 18g

• Sodium: 180mg

(Values may vary based on ingredients used)

🌟 Benefits

• No frying required, making them lighter than traditional donuts

• Great make-ahead breakfast or snack

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

• Easy to customize with fillings or toppings

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Q: Can I freeze Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins?
A: Yes. Freeze uncoated muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw, warm, then coat with butter and cinnamon sugar.

Q: Can I add a filling?
A: Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of jam, Nutella, or cream cheese to the center before baking.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: You can slightly reduce the sugar in the batter, but the coating is essential for the donut flavor.