Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

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There’s something magical about the flavor of a freshly made cinnamon sugar donut. The warm spices, the light and fluffy texture, and the buttery coating — it all comes together to create the perfect treat. But what if you could enjoy that same delicious experience in an easy, homemade muffin form? Enter: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins!

These muffins are soft, tender, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, offering all the cozy comfort of your favorite donut without the need for deep-frying. Instead of heading to the bakery, you can whip up a batch right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these muffins are incredibly versatile and will quickly become a family favorite. They’re just the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling too heavy, making them an ideal treat anytime you want a little indulgence.

Plus, these muffins are completely alcohol-free and pork-free. We’ve carefully crafted this recipe to be simple and accessible to everyone, including substitutions for those who prefer different dairy options.

The best part? After baking, the warm muffins are dipped in melted butter and rolled generously in cinnamon sugar, giving them that irresistible donut-like coating.

Kids absolutely love helping with this recipe, especially the dipping and rolling part. It’s a wonderful activity for the whole family, creating sweet memories (and delicious results) along the way.

Since these muffins are baked instead of fried, they’re a little lighter and a lot less messy, but still packed with that nostalgic, indulgent flavor you crave.

They’re perfect for entertaining guests, celebrating a special morning, or simply treating yourself to something special.

And because they’re so easy to make, you can easily whip up a second batch when they disappear faster than you thought!

Whether you’re serving them warm straight from the oven or saving them for later, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins taste heavenly every single time.

Each bite is soft, buttery, warmly spiced, and coated in sweet, sparkly cinnamon sugar.

Your kitchen will smell like a dream while they bake, filling your home with cozy, comforting aromas.

Trust us, once you make these, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your baking collection!

Servings: Makes about 12 muffins

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18-20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
7. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let muffins cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.
10. While muffins are still warm, dip the tops in melted butter and roll generously in cinnamon sugar.

Tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients for the best batter consistency.
• Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until ingredients are combined for tender muffins.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk.
• Enjoy the muffins warm for the ultimate donut-like experience.

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

• Tastes just like a classic cinnamon sugar donut, but easier!
• No frying required.
• Light, fluffy texture with a sweet crunchy topping.
• Fun and easy for kids to help make.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snack time.

Summary:

These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a delightful cross between a donut and a muffin, offering all the cozy flavors you love with none of the fuss. Baked to golden perfection and dipped in cinnamon sugar, they’re a sweet treat everyone will adore!