Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Irresistible Recipe

If you love warm, sweet treats, then you’ll adore these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins! This easy recipe blends soft muffins with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating, making them hard to resist. I’ll show you how to whip up these delightful bites with simple ingredients and steps. Whether you want a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack, these muffins are sure to please. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- ½ cup granulated sugar

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- ½ teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for sprinkling)

Wet Ingredients

- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

- 1 large egg

- 1 cup whole milk

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating Ingredients

- ½ cup granulated sugar

- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

When making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins, the right balance of ingredients is key. For the dry mix, I use all-purpose flour for a light texture. The sugar gives sweetness, while baking powder helps the muffins rise. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, and cinnamon adds that warm, cozy taste.

In the wet mix, melted unsalted butter brings richness. The egg binds everything. Whole milk keeps the muffins moist, and vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma.

Finally, I prepare a delicious coating. A mix of sugar and cinnamon gives these muffins their signature crunch and sweetness. This combo makes them hard to resist!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Muffin Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven, ensuring even baking. Next, grease your muffin pan. You can use butter or cooking spray. This helps the muffins pop out easily once baked.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients well. This creates a base full of flavor for your muffins.

Mixing Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, blend together ½ cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth. This adds moisture and richness to your muffins.

Combining Ingredients

Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. This keeps your muffins light and fluffy.

Filling Muffin Cups

Next, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Fill each cup about ¾ full. This ensures they have space to rise without overflowing.

Baking and Coating

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your muffins are ready. While they bake, mix ½ cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Once the muffins cool for about 5 minutes, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure they are well-coated while warm. This gives them a sweet, crunchy topping.

Tips & Tricks

Avoiding Overmixing

Texture matters in muffins. When you mix too much, muffins can turn tough. You want them soft and fluffy. To avoid this, mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Just fold them together until they barely combine. A few lumps are fine. This keeps the muffins light and airy.

Achieving the Perfect Coating

Rolling muffins in cinnamon sugar is an art. First, make sure your muffins are warm but not too hot. This helps the sugar stick better. Use a shallow dish for the cinnamon sugar mix. Roll each muffin gently, covering all sides. Ensure they are well-coated for that sweet crunch. A little extra cinnamon never hurts!

Substitutions and Enhancements

You can swap ingredients for different diets. For a gluten-free option, use almond or coconut flour. If you want less sugar, try using a sugar substitute. For dairy-free, replace whole milk with almond or oat milk. You can even add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a fun twist!

Variations

Glazed Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

You can make your muffins even sweeter with a glaze. To create the glaze, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a dash of vanilla. Start with one cup of powdered sugar and two tablespoons of milk. Stir until smooth. Once your muffins cool, drizzle this glaze over them. The glaze adds a nice shine and extra sweetness.

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

For a fun twist, add chocolate chips to your muffins. Chocolate pairs really well with cinnamon. You can mix in about a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before you fold it. This makes each bite extra special, combining the warmth of cinnamon with the richness of chocolate.

Nut-Free and Dairy-Free Options

If you need nut-free or dairy-free muffins, you can easily swap some ingredients. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free choice. For the butter, try using coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. These changes keep your muffins tasty and safe for those with allergies.

Storage Information

Storing Leftover Muffins

To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you have leftover muffins, let them cool completely first. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Instructions

When you want to enjoy your muffins again, reheating them is easy. For best results, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This method keeps them soft and brings back their warm taste. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but this may make them a bit chewy.

Shelf Life

These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can last a few days. When stored at room temperature, they stay fresh for about two days. If refrigerated, they can last up to a week. Freezing them extends their shelf life to about three months. Just remember to wrap them well before freezing to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It makes the muffins a bit denser. If you want to keep a lighter texture, blend half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This mix keeps your muffins soft while adding fiber. Remember, whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to add a bit more milk.

How do I know when my muffins are done?

To check if your muffins are ready, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, your muffins are done. You can also gently press the top; it should spring back. If it leaves an imprint, bake for a few more minutes.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Doubling the recipe works well. Just make sure you have a bigger bowl to mix everything. You may also need two muffin pans. Keep an eye on baking time; it may take a minute or two longer. Enjoy sharing more warm muffins!

You now have a complete guide for making delicious muffins. You learned about key ingredients, mixing techniques, and baking tips. Remember, avoid overmixing to keep them light and fluffy. Try different variations or substitutions to fit your taste. Storing them properly ensures they remain fresh for longer. With this knowledge, you're ready to bake and enjoy! Get creative, and have fun with your muffin-making journey!