Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe

These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are the ultimate mashup of a tender bakery-style muffin and a classic, old-fashioned donut—no frying required! Each bite is perfectly fluffy, sweet, and topped with a buttery, sparkly cinnamon-sugar crust. Trust me, sharing a batch of these warm, nostalgic gems is guaranteed to make you the happiest person at the breakfast table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins is how every ingredient, though simple, plays a vital role in their irresistible texture and flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need, plus a few expert notes to help you get bakery-perfect results.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for perfectly tender, cakey muffins—don’t substitute here if you want that classic crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that signature golden color and sparkly topping.
• Baking powder: Your leavening hero, ensuring a light, fluffy rise without any dense pockets.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch transforms the flavors, balancing sweetness and highlighting the warm cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon: This brings all the donut shop vibes—don’t be shy if you love extra spice in your topping!
• Whole milk: Makes the batter rich and moist—use whole milk for best results, but 2% will do in a pinch.
• Large egg: Room temperature is key for even mixing and the fluffiest crumb.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds luscious flavor to both the muffins and the finishing dip; using unsalted helps control the taste.
• Vanilla extract: The essential touch for that homemade, aromatic warmth that makes these muffins extra special.

Variations

One of the best things about these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins is how easily you can riff on the original. Whether you want to tweak for allergies or add your own creative twist, these ideas will keep things fun and delicious every time.

• Brown Butter Upgrade: Swap the melted butter in the batter or topping for browned butter. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that’s pure magic with cinnamon.
• Mini Muffins for Snacking: Use a mini muffin tin for adorable, poppable treats—just bake them for less time (12-14 minutes) and double the cinnamon-sugar fun!
• Dairy-Free Option: Sub in your favorite non-dairy milk and use vegan butter to make these muffins just as delightful for anyone avoiding dairy.
• Apple Pie Style: Fold a cup of diced apples into the batter for pockets of juicy, cinnamon-scented fruit in every bite.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) first—it needs to be fully preheated for the best rise. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray well with nonstick spray so the muffins pop right out when they’re golden and ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed—no surprise lumps or bland spots here!

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. Bringing cold ingredients to room temperature helps them blend quickly and gives you a creamier batter.

Step 4: Combine and Fill

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, gently stirring just until you no longer see streaks of flour—don’t overmix! The batter will seem a little runny. Spoon into your prepared tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full for the best domes.

Step 5: Bake to Fluffy Perfection

Bake mini muffins for 12-14 minutes or full-size muffins for 20-24 minutes, until lightly golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack so they don’t over-bake.

Step 6: Dunk & Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

When the muffins are cool enough to handle, dip the tops in melted butter. Immediately roll them in your cinnamon-sugar mixture for that irresistible, sparkly finish—this is what truly transforms them into the best Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Garnishes

For extra flair, sprinkle a little more cinnamon sugar on top just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, snowy look on top of the cinnamon swirl.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or even a scoop of creamy vanilla yogurt for a light, refreshing contrast. They’re also dreamy alongside a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Make a morning treat board by arranging the muffins on a rustic platter with bowls of fresh berries and curls of butter. For brunch, stack them tall on a cake stand—or slip mini muffins into cellophane bags as delightful edible take-home favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The topping will stay crisp for the first day or so, but even after that, the muffins remain beautifully moist.

Freezing

These muffins freeze wonderfully—just skip the topping before freezing. Wrap individual muffins tightly and pop them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then dip in melted butter and cinnamon sugar before serving for a fresh-baked finish.

Reheating

To refresh your muffins, reheat them for about 10 seconds in the microwave or a couple of minutes in a 300°F oven. If you’ve lost some of that cinnamon sugar crunch, a quick brush of melted butter and extra sprinkle does the trick!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, homemade treat that brings a little sunshine to your day, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are the answer. I hope you’ll bake a batch soon—the aroma alone is enough to win over anyone nearby, but it’s that first warm, cinnamon-sparkled bite that makes them unforgettable. Happy baking, friends!

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