Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

$To make these tasty cinnamon sugar donut muffins, gather these main ingredients: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping) - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - ½ cup milk - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup brown sugar (for topping) These ingredients work together to create a soft, sweet muffin that tastes like a donut. You can play with the recipe by adding these optional ingredients: - ½ cup chocolate chips - ½ cup chopped nuts - 1 teaspoon nutmeg for extra spice - 1 cup diced apples or pears These add-ins can give your muffins a fun twist. To make this recipe, you'll need: - A muffin tin - Paper liners or non-stick spray - Two mixing bowls - A whisk - A rubber spatula - Measuring cups and spoons Having the right tools makes baking easier and more fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it. In a big bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until it’s well combined. In another bowl, beat one large egg. Then, add ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of milk, ⅓ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir this mixture until it’s smooth. Now, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps. Spoon the batter into each muffin cup. Fill them about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. The muffins should turn golden brown. Use a toothpick to check if they’re done. If it comes out clean, they are ready. While the muffins bake, mix ½ cup of brown sugar with another teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. When the muffins are done, take them out of the oven. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. While they are still warm, roll each muffin in the cinnamon sugar mix. Make sure they are fully coated for that sweet touch. Enjoy! To get that soft, fluffy texture in your cinnamon sugar donut muffins, follow these steps: - Use room temperature ingredients. This helps the batter mix better. - Do not overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make muffins dense. - Fill muffin cups correctly. Aim for about 2/3 full. This allows room to rise. Mixing is key to great muffins. Here’s how: - Whisk dry ingredients first. This ensures even distribution of baking powder and cinnamon. - Combine wet ingredients separately. This helps create a smooth mix before adding to dry. - Fold gently. When adding wet to dry, fold carefully to keep air in the batter. Serving your muffins well makes them even more appealing. Here are some fun ideas: - Stack muffins on a colorful plate. This looks inviting and festive. - Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top. It adds a lovely touch. - Serve with warm applesauce. This makes a great dip and adds flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: Ensure that your ground cinnamon is fresh for the best flavor. Old spices can lose their potency and flavor. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones. Rolling in Topping: Roll the muffins in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm. This helps the sugar stick better and creates a delicious crust. Storage Tips: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat when ready to enjoy. {{image_2}} You can play with flavors to make these muffins even more fun. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. You could also swap in pumpkin puree for a fall flavor. It adds moisture and spice. Another option is to add lemon zest for a bright, fresh taste. Each of these changes makes a great treat! If you want a healthier muffin, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This makes your muffins heartier. You can also use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a nice caramel flavor. Applesauce can replace some butter for fewer calories while keeping it moist. For gluten-free muffins, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in baking. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture. Almond flour is another great choice. It gives a nutty taste and is also rich in protein. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. Cinnamon sugar donut muffins taste best fresh, but you can store them for later. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and moist. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. Just remember to let them cool completely before sealing them. When you want to enjoy a muffin again, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or an oven. For the microwave, heat a muffin for about 10-15 seconds. This warms it up without making it dry. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffin on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method makes the muffin warm and slightly crisp. Freezing is a great way to keep muffins fresh for more extended periods. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, just take one out and let it thaw on the counter or reheat it directly from the freezer. Enjoy your sweet treat anytime! Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to two days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature when you want to eat them. To store leftover muffins, place them in a sealed bag or container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Absolutely! You can mix in other spices for a new twist. Try nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice. Each spice gives a unique taste. Experiment with what you like best. Just remember to keep the cinnamon for that classic donut flavor. To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. The tops should be golden brown. You can also gently press the top; it should spring back. If it leaves a dent, bake a few more minutes. We covered the key ingredients needed for your muffins, plus some great tools. I shared clear steps for preparing, baking, and cooling. You also learned tips for texture and mixing, along with fun ideas for presentation. We explored tasty variations and storage tips for freshness. In the end, these muffins can be easy and fun to make. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and sharing them. Happy baking!$

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Delicious muffins with a cinnamon sugar coating that resemble donuts.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 18

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
0.5 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
0.5 cup milk
0.33 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup brown sugar (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add the granulated sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about 2/3 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the muffins are baking, prepare the topping by combining the brown sugar and an additional 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then gently transfer them to a wire rack.
While the muffins are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated.

Notes

Stack the donuts on a decorative plate and sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar on top for visual appeal. Serve with a side of warm applesauce for dipping!

Keyword cinnamon, dessert, donuts, muffins