If you’re a fan of classic donuts but prefer a quick and easy method, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are the perfect treat! Fluffy on the inside with a golden, crispy exterior, they combine all the best elements of a donut and muffin into one delightful bite. The cinnamon-sugar coating gives them that sweet, irresistible crunch, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Plus, this recipe is simple to make and doesn’t require a deep fryer, so you can enjoy fresh donut muffins without any hassle. Ready in just about 30 minutes, these muffins are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy morning or prepping a weekend brunch spread, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins will have your kitchen smelling amazing. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let’s dive into making these fluffy, cinnamon-sugar-covered beauties that will become a household favorite in no time.
What Makes These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Special?
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Quick & Easy: These muffins come together in less than 30 minutes, from mixing to enjoying. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to make them!
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No Deep Frying: Unlike traditional donuts, there’s no deep frying required. Just bake them in your oven for a healthier, less messy version.
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Perfectly Sweet & Spicy: The cinnamon sugar coating offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making each bite irresistible.
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Fluffy Texture: Thanks to a combination of baking powder and buttermilk, the muffins turn out light, airy, and soft on the inside.
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Customizable: Add in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a glaze for extra flavor and texture.
This recipe is not just a delicious treat, it’s a time-saving method to enjoy all the flavors of a donut without the hassle. You’ll never go back to store-bought muffins once you try this easy homemade version!
Ingredient Notes
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All-purpose flour: The base of the muffins. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter texture, you can swap some of the all-purpose flour for cake flour.
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Baking powder: The key leavening agent that makes these muffins rise and gives them that fluffy texture.
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Ground cinnamon: The star spice! Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount for a stronger or milder cinnamon taste.
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Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking powder to create a soft, moist muffin. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
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Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and richness. Be sure to let it cool slightly before mixing to avoid curdling the batter.
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Granulated sugar: This sweetens the muffin batter.
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Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure to the muffins.
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Cinnamon-sugar coating: A combination of cinnamon and sugar that adds a crunchy, flavorful topping to each muffin after baking.
How To Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
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Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat 1 egg with 1 cup of buttermilk and 1/2 cup of melted butter until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
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Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
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Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden brown.
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Prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating: While the muffins are baking, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
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Coat the muffins: Once the muffins have cooled slightly, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Pro tip: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle a little melted chocolate or glaze on top after they cool!
Storage Options
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Room Temperature Storage: Keep the muffins in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. They’ll stay fresh and soft.
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Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the muffins for up to a week. Make sure they’re well-sealed to prevent them from drying out.
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Freezing: Freeze muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
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Reheating Tips: To bring back the muffin’s fresh-baked flavor, heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
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Add-ins: You can customize your muffins with chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
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Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a little xanthan gum to help with texture.
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Vegan version: Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
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Seasonal twist: During fall, add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter or incorporate pumpkin puree for a cozy, autumnal flavor.
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Sugar alternatives: Swap the sugar for coconut sugar or honey for a more natural sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these muffins without buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, use a mixture of regular milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. How do I know when my muffins are done?
Check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, your muffins are ready!
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the muffins a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious.
4. Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze very well! Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
5. How can I make these muffins even sweeter?
For a sweeter treat, top the muffins with a drizzle of glaze or frosting after coating them in cinnamon sugar.
Conclusion:
These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar without the hassle of frying. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack, they’re sure to be a hit. So, give this recipe a try and share your results with friends and family!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup buttermilk
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1/2 cup melted butter
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1/2 cup cinnamon-sugar mixture (for coating)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix dry ingredients and set aside.
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Combine wet ingredients in another bowl.
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Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
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Spoon into muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes.
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Roll warm muffins in cinnamon-sugar coating.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g