Weekend Baking Fun: How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Who doesn’t love a good donut? But sometimes, the whole process of deep frying can be a bit much—especially on a lazy morning. That’s where Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins come in. These little delights pack all the flavor of a classic donut but in muffin form. They’re soft, sweet, and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
In this post, we’ll cover the easy steps to make these muffins, along with a few tips to make them turn out perfectly every time. If you’re craving that fresh donut taste without the extra effort, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
- Quick & Easy: No fancy equipment needed. Just a couple of bowls, a whisk, and about 30 minutes of your time.
- Tastes Like a Donut: These muffins have the same cinnamon-sugar flavor as donuts, but with the soft texture of a homemade muffin.
- Perfect for Any Time: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these muffins are always a hit.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s go over what makes these muffins so irresistible.
For the Muffins:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base and structure. We’re using 1 ½ cups for the perfect balance of fluff and body.
- Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and adds a touch of crunch when baked. You’ll need ½ cup.
- Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and gives them that light, fluffy texture. 1 ½ teaspoons does the trick.
- Salt: Just a pinch (⅛ teaspoon) to balance out the sweetness.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices give the muffins their signature donut flavor. We’re adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg.
- Vanilla Extract: A full teaspoon adds depth to the flavor.
- Egg: The binder that holds everything together. One large egg is all you need.
- Milk: Provides moisture. We’re using ½ cup for a soft and tender crumb.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness. You’ll need ⅓ cup for the batter and another 5 tablespoons for the topping.
For the Topping:
- Sugar & Cinnamon: You’ll need ⅓ cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon for the topping. It’s what makes these muffins taste like donuts.
- Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the muffins. Use 5 tablespoons.
Let’s Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
These muffins come together fast, so you won’t need to wait long to enjoy that first bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 8 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps evenly distribute the ingredients and ensures that your muffins bake up nice and fluffy.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Once those are combined, stir in the melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Now it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to dense muffins.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ⅔ full. You should get around 12 muffins from this recipe, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
Step 6: Bake
Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Step 7: Prepare the Topping
While the muffins are baking, mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the topping. Melt the butter in a separate bowl.
Step 8: Dip the Muffins
Once the muffins are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes—just until they’re cool enough to handle. Then, dip the top of each muffin into the melted butter, followed by a dip in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
- Don’t Overmix: Muffin batter doesn’t like to be overworked. Stir until the ingredients are just combined to avoid tough muffins.
- Use Fresh Spices: The flavor of cinnamon and nutmeg really shines through in these muffins, so make sure your spices are fresh for the best taste.
- Double Dip for Extra Flavor: If you want an even sweeter muffin, you can dip each one in the butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture a second time for an extra-thick coating.
- Serve Warm: These muffins are best enjoyed while they’re still warm and fresh from the oven. If you’re making them ahead of time, you can always pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to reheat.
Variations on Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
These muffins are fantastic as they are, but if you’re feeling creative, here are a few variations to try:
1. Add Fruit
Fold in some diced apples, blueberries, or raspberries to add a fruity twist to your muffins. Cinnamon pairs perfectly with apples, and berries add a burst of freshness.
2. Try a Glaze
Instead of the cinnamon sugar topping, you could drizzle these muffins with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk. It’ll give them more of a classic donut vibe.
3. Go Mini
Make mini muffins instead! Use a mini muffin tin, and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or serving at a brunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins?
Absolutely! These muffins freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
How Long Do These Muffins Last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these muffins will stay fresh for 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. But honestly, they’re so good, they probably won’t last that long!
Can I Make These Dairy-Free?
Yes! Just swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like margarine, and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. The result will be slightly different but still delicious.
Conclusion: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Are Your New Favorite Treat
If you’re craving a sweet, donut-like treat that’s quick and easy to make, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are the answer. They’re soft, flavorful, and have just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar crunch. The best part? You don’t need any special equipment or frying oil. Just mix up the batter, bake, and dip for a warm, comforting treat that’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they’re sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter melted
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- 8 Tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla, milk, and melted butter.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fill muffin cups ⅔ full and bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Once baked, dip the tops in melted butter, then in cinnamon-sugar.