Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

The Ultimate Bakery-Style Treat Made Simple

Craving a warm, bakery-style donut without the hassle of deep frying? These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are the ultimate breakfast hack for busy mornings! They feature a fluffy, buttery cake crumb coated in a generous layer of melted butter and fragrant cinnamon sugar, tasting exactly like a classic cake donut. Whether you are prepping a cozy weekend brunch or need a quick grab-and-go snack for the kids, these muffins come together in minutes. It is the perfect blend of spice and sweetness that makes every bite feel like a celebration! Get ready to transform your kitchen into your favorite local donut shop with this effortless, crowd-pleasing recipe. 🍩

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Servings: 12 muffins

📝 Ingredients List

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the Coating:
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Paper muffin liners
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Small bowl for coating
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with paper liners to ensure easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, cream the 1/3 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth. Add the egg and whisk until fully incorporated. 🥣
3. Whisk in the flour, baking powder, and nutmeg. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring until just combined; do not overmix, or the muffins will be dense!
4. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Bake for 17–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. While the muffins are still warm, dip the top of each muffin into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until perfectly coated. Enjoy your sweet creation! ✨

💡 Pro Tips Section

• Storage: Keep these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, though they are best enjoyed slightly warm.
• Substitutions: If you are out of whole milk, a 1:1 ratio of Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of water works perfectly for a moist crumb.
• Donut Texture: For the most “donut-like” experience, ensure you dip the muffins in butter while they are still warm so the sugar adheres properly.

Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar coating for an extra layer of texture.

FAQ

Can I freeze these muffins? Yes! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm for 10 seconds in the microwave.

Why are my muffins dense? This usually happens from overmixing the flour. Stir only until the flour streaks disappear for the fluffiest results.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

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• Author: Samantha Jones
• Total Time: 28
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins offer the comforting taste of a classic cake donut without the need for deep frying. Featuring a fluffy, buttery crumb and a fragrant cinnamon-sugar coating, these muffins are the perfect bakery-style treat for breakfast or a quick snack. Easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, they bring the warmth of a local donut shop right into your kitchen in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, cream the 1/3 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth.
Add the egg to the butter mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
Whisk in the flour, baking powder, and nutmeg.
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
Bake for 17–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the muffins are still warm, dip the top of each muffin into the melted butter.
Immediately roll the buttered top into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed slightly warm. For an alternative to whole milk, use a 1:1 ratio of Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of water for an extra moist crumb.

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 18
• Category: Recipes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg