Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins (Print View)

Tender muffins with sweet cinnamon sugar, perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack.

# Components:

→ Muffin Batter

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
07 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 1 cup whole milk
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon Sugar Topping

11 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
13 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or ensure it is well-greased.
02 - In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg.
03 - In a larger bowl, whisk the melted and cooled unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until they are well combined. Incorporate the room temperature eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure tender muffins.
05 - Evenly distribute the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately 3/4 full.
06 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
07 - Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
08 - While the muffins are still warm, use a pastry brush to generously coat the top of each muffin with the melted unsalted butter.
09 - In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Dip the buttered muffin tops into the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are generously coated.
10 - Serve the cinnamon sugar donut muffins warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just over 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses basic pantry ingredients you likely already have
  • Achieves donut flavor without deep frying
  • Perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings
  • Kid-approved and adult-friendly
02 -
  • These muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months
  • The batter can be made the night before and refrigerated
  • They taste most donut like when served slightly warm
  • For extra decadence dip the entire muffin in butter and cinnamon sugar not just the top
03 -
  • For the most tender muffins, measure your flour by spooning it into measuring cups rather than scooping directly from the bag, which compacts the flour.
  • The key to the perfect cinnamon-sugar coating is applying it while the muffins are still warm, but not hot enough to melt all the sugar.
  • For an extra special touch, add a pinch of cardamom to your cinnamon-sugar mixture for a subtle complexity that will have everyone asking for your secret.

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