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To make these tasty treats, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tbsp baking powder - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1/2 tsp salt - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/4 tsp nutmeg - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk These ingredients work together to create a soft and fluffy muffin. The flour gives structure, while the baking powder and soda help it rise. The butter adds richness, and the eggs bind everything together. The buttermilk makes the muffins moist and tender. For the sweet and crunchy topping, gather these items: - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tbsp ground cinnamon - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted This mixture gives the muffins that classic doughnut taste. The melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the warm muffins. You can always mix things up with your ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier option. - Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. - Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. - Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and taste. These simple changes let you customize the muffins to your liking. Feel free to experiment while keeping the main flavors intact. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the muffins rise. While the oven heats, grease a muffin tin. You can also use paper liners for easy cleanup. Make sure to cover each cup well, so the muffins don’t stick. Now, grab a medium bowl. In it, mix the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Set this bowl aside. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Next, add in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 cup of buttermilk. It should look creamy and well combined. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle here. Overmixing can make the muffins tough. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter. You can use a scoop or a spoon for this. Bake them 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 the topping. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Once the muffins are done, let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, remove them from the tin. Dip the tops of each warm muffin into 4 tablespoons of melted butter. After that, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are well coated. This gives them a sweet and crunchy finish. Enjoy your tasty treat! When making cinnamon sugar doughnut muffins, proper mixing is key. Start by whisking the dry ingredients together first. This helps blend the baking powder and baking soda evenly. It also ensures the spices mix well. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until smooth. This creates a nice base for your muffins. Add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg to keep the batter light. Lastly, combine the wet and dry mixtures gently. Use a spatula and fold until just mixed. Avoid overmixing; this keeps your muffins soft. To make sure your muffins turn out fluffy, focus on your ingredients. Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk. These ingredients blend better and create air pockets in the batter. This adds lightness to your muffins. Don't forget to measure your flour correctly; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can make the muffins dense. Bake your muffins in a preheated oven for even cooking. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your muffins are ready. Once your muffins are baked, let them cool for about five minutes in the tin. This helps them set and makes them easier to remove. Use a wire rack for the best cooling results. While they cool, prepare your cinnamon-sugar coating. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Dip each warm muffin top in melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This creates a sweet crust that pairs perfectly with the soft muffin inside. Enjoy your treats warm for the best flavor! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your ground cinnamon and nutmeg are fresh for the best flavor. Old spices can lose their potency and impact the overall taste of your muffins. 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. Let Them Cool Slightly: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing them. This helps them set and makes them easier to take out without breaking. Customize Your Topping: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of vanilla to the cinnamon-sugar topping for an extra flavor boost! {{image_2}} You can make these muffins gluten-free! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that works well for baking. The muffins will still be soft and tasty. Want to spice things up? Try adding pumpkin puree for a fall treat. Use one cup of pumpkin in place of half the buttermilk. You can also add pumpkin spice. A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger works great here. Feeling adventurous? Swap the cinnamon sugar topping for a chocolate glaze. Melt half a cup of chocolate chips with one tablespoon of butter. Dip the tops of the muffins in the glaze while they are warm. It adds a rich, sweet flavor that everyone will love. These variations let you customize your muffins to fit your taste. Enjoy trying new flavors! To keep your cinnamon sugar doughnut muffins fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid drying out. When you want to enjoy a muffin again, reheating is simple. You can use the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms them up and keeps them soft. If you prefer a crispy top, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. If you made a big batch, freezing is a great option. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or leave them out for a few hours. Enjoy your delicious treats anytime! You can tell muffins are done by using a toothpick. Insert the toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, bake them a few more minutes. Watching the tops is also helpful. They should look golden brown when they are finished. Yes, you can use a muffin mix. It’s a quick option if you’re short on time. Just follow the package instructions and add cinnamon for that extra flavor. However, homemade batter tastes fresher and allows for more control over the flavors. You can use my recipe for a great taste and texture. Leftover cinnamon sugar is great for many things. You can sprinkle it on toast, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet treat. It also works well on oatmeal or yogurt. If you want a fun snack, mix it into popcorn for a sweet twist. Store it in an airtight container for future use. Cinnamon sugar doughnut muffins are tasty and easy to make. We covered the key ingredients, steps, tips, and fun variations. Remember to mix the batter gently for fluffier muffins. Experiment with gluten-free options or fun flavors like pumpkin spice. Store extras well to enjoy later. Enjoy making these delicious treats that brighten your day!

Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins

Delicious muffins with a cinnamon sugar topping that resemble doughnuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk.
  • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter, using a scoop or spoon.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • While the muffins are baking, prepare the topping by combining the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  • Once the muffins are done baking, let them cool for about 5 minutes in the tin before removing them.
  • Dip the tops of each warm muffin into the melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
  • Allow to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Serve the doughnut muffins on a decorative platter, dusting a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Keyword cinnamon, dessert, muffins, sugar