If you love soft, sweet treats, you’ll adore these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins! They combine the best of both worlds, with a fluffy muffin base coated in a mouthwatering cinnamon-sugar crunch. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Get ready to impress yourself—and everyone around you— with this delightful recipe! Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
In this recipe, the dry ingredients make the base of our muffins. All-purpose flour gives them structure. Baking powder and baking soda work together to help them rise. Salt enhances the flavors, while ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice. Finally, the granulated sugar sweetens the muffins perfectly.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The wet ingredients bring moisture and flavor. The large egg binds everything together, giving the muffins a nice texture. Milk adds richness, while vegetable oil keeps them soft. Vanilla extract gives a sweet, fragrant note that complements all the flavors.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter (or non-dairy alternative)
This coating is what makes these muffins special. The mix of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon creates a sweet topping that adds a delightful crunch. Brushing the muffins with melted butter makes the coating stick. It transforms simple muffins into a treat that tastes like a donut!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. This helps the muffins release easily after baking.
Mixing Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Mix well so everything is evenly distributed.
In another bowl, beat 1 large egg. Add ½ cup of milk, ⅓ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and combined. Next, pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; it’s fine if some lumps remain.
Baking and Coating
Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
While the muffins bake, prepare your cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. After baking, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Brush them with ¼ cup of melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Enjoy the sweet, warm goodness!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Muffins
To get the best muffins, mixing is key. Start with your dry ingredients. Whisk them well in a bowl. This helps combine everything evenly. When you add the wet ingredients, fold gently. Use a spatula or wooden spoon. Overmixing can make muffins tough. It’s okay if the batter has small lumps; it will be just fine.
To check if your muffins are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they’re ready. If it has batter on it, give them more time. Keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark.
Substitutions and Adjustments
You can swap ingredients for non-dairy options. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. If you prefer oil, melted coconut oil works great. Both choices keep the muffins soft and tasty.
If you want to boost the flavor, add extra spices. A pinch of ginger or allspice can add warmth. You can also try different extracts, like almond or maple. These small changes can make your muffins unique.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins pair well with coffee or milk. Enjoy them warm for a cozy treat. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, freeze them. Just wrap each muffin tightly before placing them in the freezer.
Variations
Flavor Modifications
You can easily change the taste of your cinnamon sugar donut muffins. Try adding chocolate chips for extra sweetness. About a half cup of chips works well. You can also mix in chopped nuts for a nice crunch. Walnuts or pecans add great flavor. If you want a seasonal twist, try pumpkin spice. Adding one teaspoon of pumpkin spice gives your muffins a warm, cozy taste for fall.
Different Coatings
The coating is where you can get creative. Instead of the classic cinnamon sugar, you can use a maple glaze. To make this, mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle it over the muffins after they cool. If you want something more traditional, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This gives a sweet finish and looks beautiful.
Healthier Versions
You can make these muffins a bit healthier. Swap all-purpose flour for whole grain flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. You can also cut down on sugar. Using half the amount still gives a nice taste. Alternatively, try using a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the liquid in your recipe to keep the right texture. These changes keep muffins tasty while being a bit kinder to your waistline.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
Store your cinnamon sugar donut muffins at room temperature. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you put them in the fridge, they might dry out. Room temperature storage helps keep the muffins soft and tasty. They stay fresh for about three days this way.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some for later, freezing is easy! First, let the muffins cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. This way, they won’t get freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months.
Thawing Tips
When you’re ready to eat your frozen muffins, take them out of the freezer. Leave them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. You can also warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This will make them soft and delicious again!
FAQs
How can I make these muffins vegan?
To make these muffins vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. For milk, use any non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk. These swaps keep the muffins soft and tasty.
Can I make mini muffins instead?
Yes, you can make mini muffins. Simply fill the mini muffin tin with batter. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. You will get more mini muffins, so adjust your serving size accordingly.
What can I do if I don’t have nutmeg?
If you don’t have nutmeg, you can use ground cinnamon instead. This will not change the flavor much. Alternatively, you can use allspice or a pinch of cloves for a different taste. These substitutes will still let the cinnamon shine.
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious muffins from scratch. We covered the necessary dry and wet ingredients, as well as the steps to mix and bake them perfectly. With helpful tips for variations and storage, you can make these muffins your own.
Experiment with flavors and enjoy them warm! These muffins are simple, fun, and rewarding to make. Happy baking!
