If you’ve been hunting for a treat that perfectly balances the comforting warmth of cinnamon with the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture of a baked delight, the Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These muffins capture all the nostalgic flavors of classic doughnuts, but with the ease of a simple muffin bake. Imagine biting into a fluffy, tender crumb coated in a crisp shell of cinnamon sugar, offering that irresistible combination of soft and crunchy in every bite. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, these Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins are guaranteed to become a household favorite that brings smiles and satisfied sighs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins Recipe starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an amazing flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role—from the fluffy rise provided by the leavening agents to the rich warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg that perfectly complements the buttery undertone.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the soft, tender base of the muffins, giving them structure without heaviness.
- ¼ tsp baking soda: Helps the muffins rise just enough for a light, airy crumb.
- 2½ tsp baking powder: Works with the baking soda to create that perfect, doughnut-like lift.
- ¾ tsp salt: Enhances all other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- ¼ tsp nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm spiced note that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- ¼ tsp cinnamon: A hint inside the batter to layer the flavor beyond the cinnamon sugar coating.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the muffins moist and tender, ensuring they’re never dry.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the crumb.
- ¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the muffins just right without overpowering the cinnamon sugar coating.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together for structure and add a little extra moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a soft sweetness and deepens the overall flavor profile.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Used post-bake to help the cinnamon sugar adhere, creating that classic doughnut glaze effect.
- 1 cup sugar (for coating): Mixed with cinnamon to give the muffins their iconic, crunchy topping.
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon (for coating): Sprinkled liberally in the sugar coating to finish off with a punch of warm spice.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF so it’s nice and hot for baking. Next, give your 12-cup muffin pan a thorough spray with cooking spray to ensure every muffin will pop out easily once baked. Setting these basics early makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, sift together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. This step is key because sifting aerates the flour mixture and evenly distributes the spices and leavening agents, which helps guarantee fluffy, well-risen muffins bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs
Using a hand-held mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter for about two minutes until it’s light and creamy. Slowly add in ¾ cup sugar with the mixer on low to create a smooth blend. Then, crack in your eggs one at a time, mixing just until the yolk disappears — this avoids overmixing and helps keep your muffins tender and moist.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now, here’s where patience pays off: add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the milk. So, start with some dry mix, then some milk, and repeat until everything’s combined. Mix just enough to bring it all together—overmixing can lead to tough muffins, and that’s the last thing we want!
Step 5: Stir in Vanilla Extract
A simple addition, but don’t skip it—stir in that teaspoon of vanilla extract for a lovely, rounded sweetness that elevates the entire muffin flavor.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Using a large ice cream scoop or a big spoon, portion the batter evenly into your prepared muffin pan. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown—can you smell that? Pure heaven.
Step 7: Cool and Coat
Once baked, remove the muffins from the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack. While they cool, prepare two bowls: one with the melted butter and one combining the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. When the muffins are cool, dunk each into the melted butter, then roll them generously in the cinnamon sugar mix. This step gives that signature crunch and sweetness that mimics classic doughnuts perfectly.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
While these muffins shine on their own, you can jazz them up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm glaze for extra sweetness and flair. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream can also turn these muffins into an elegant treat for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins with a hot cup of coffee, a steamy chai latte, or a glass of cold milk for balance. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples can bring a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, rounding out the snack or breakfast beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the muffins in a cute basket lined with a colorful napkin for a charming brunch presentation. Or stack them on a tiered cake stand with little bowls of extra cinnamon sugar and melted butter for dipping fun. These are perfect for sharing and impressing guests at gatherings big or small.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps keep the muffins soft inside while preserving that delightful cinnamon sugar crunch on the outside.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months without losing flavor or texture, making them a perfect bake-ahead option.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen muffins, thaw them at room temperature or microwave for about 15-20 seconds. To revive some of that original crisp coating, pop them in a toaster oven or under a broiler for just a minute—watch carefully so they don’t burn—then enjoy warm, fresh-tasting treats any time.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour in the Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! Substituting whole wheat flour can add a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber. Just keep in mind the texture will be a bit denser, so you might want to use a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for the best balance.
Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the milk and butter for plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and vegan butter or coconut oil. The flavor and texture might shift slightly, but you’ll still get a delicious cinnamon sugar coat on a tender muffin.
Can I make mini muffins using this recipe?
Definitely! Just adjust the baking time to about 12-15 minutes and keep an eye on them since they’ll bake faster. Mini versions make fantastic bite-sized snacks or party treats.
Will these muffins keep their texture if I double the recipe?
They should! Just be sure to mix the batter evenly and bake in batches if your oven or muffin pans are limited. Bigger batches feed more hungry mouths but always keep the same ingredient proportions for consistent results.
What’s the best way to get the cinnamon sugar to stick evenly?
Dunking the muffins in melted butter while they’re fully cooled is the key to a perfect, even coating. The butter acts like glue, making sure the cinnamon sugar adheres well and creates that classic doughnut finish.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins Recipe—it’s the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing bake that brings warmth and sweetness with every bite. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion, these muffins bring a touch of homemade magic that feels like a hug in muffin form. Go ahead, grab your ingredients and dive into this delightful recipe—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins are a delightful twist on classic doughnuts, baked to perfection and coated with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these muffins combine a tender crumb with a crispy, cinnamon-spiced topping.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon to ensure an even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter on medium speed for 2 minutes. Lower speed and gradually add ¾ cup sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating just until the yolks disappear to avoid overmixing.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the dry ingredients in three batches alternating with the milk, mixing just until everything is incorporated to keep the muffins tender.
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract gently.
- Fill muffin pan: Use a large or ice cream scoop to portion the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool muffins: Remove muffins from the pan and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before coating.
- Prepare coating: Place the melted butter in one bowl. In another bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- Coat muffins: Dunk each cooled muffin first into the melted butter, then immediately roll and coat thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Storage: Store the coated muffins in an air-tight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure muffins are completely cooled before dipping to avoid melting the cinnamon sugar coating.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option, but the texture may vary slightly.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right after coating while still sticky.
- These muffins are best enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness.
- Use room temperature butter for the batter to ensure easy creaming with sugar.
