These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are soft, fluffy, and covered in a sweet cinnamon coating. They have all the flavors of a donut but are easier to make!
Every bite feels like a warm hug, and they make the perfect treat for breakfast or snack time. I can’t help but sneak a few extras for myself! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the muffins, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might be a bit denser.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that classic donut flavor. If you’re out, pumpkin pie spice can serve as a nice substitute, adding a similar warm sweetness.
Butter: I always prefer unsalted butter for baking, as it lets me control the salt level. Coconut oil or a plant-based butter works well for dairy-free options, just make sure it’s melted too.
Milk: Whole milk makes the muffins rich and moist. If you want to lighten them up, use 2% or almond milk. For a more decadent flavor, buttermilk is also a great choice.
How Do I Ensure My Muffins Are Fluffy and Not Dense?
Getting the perfect texture in your muffins is all about how you mix the batter. Avoid overmixing once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Here’s the key:
- Mix until ingredients are just combined; don’t worry about lumps!
- Make sure all ingredients (like eggs, butter, and milk) are at room temperature for even mixing.
Also, properly filling the muffin cups (3/4 full) allows them to rise beautifully without overflowing. Enjoy your fluffy muffins!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating muffins)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 18-22 minutes for baking. Plus, allow a few minutes for cooling. In total, you’ll need around 40-45 minutes to make these delightful muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a warm environment for baking right away. While it heats, line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it generously with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and spices!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. This step brings warmth and richness to your muffins!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients.
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin.
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This allows space for the muffins to rise beautifully as they bake.
6. Bake the Muffins.
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The tops will be lightly golden.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating.
While the muffins are baking, mix the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will add that sweet, cinnamon goodness to the outside of your muffins.
8. Brush with Butter and Coat.
Once the muffins are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, brush melted butter all over each muffin.
9. Roll in Cinnamon Sugar.
Immediately roll each buttered muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are well coated and fluffy. This is where the magic happens!
10. Cool and Serve.
Place the coated muffins on a wire rack and let them cool completely. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or any time you need a little sweetness in your day!
Enjoy these soft, flavorful muffins that taste just like your favorite cinnamon sugar donuts!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but be aware that the muffins may turn out denser. To lighten the texture, you can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
Can I Make These Muffins Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the whole milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other dairy-free milk of your choice. For the butter, use a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil, melted.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the muffins. Just ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Muffins?
Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the batter. Just be cautious not to overload the mixture so the muffins still rise properly!
