These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are light, fluffy, and covered in a sweet, crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. They’re like a cozy hug in muffin form!
Making these is a breeze! I love how they fill my kitchen with that warm cinnamon smell. Plus, you can enjoy them for breakfast, snack, or dessert—how perfect is that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the muffins their structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, feel free to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had great success with almond flour too!
Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness, but you can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option or brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Buttermilk: This ingredient adds moisture and tenderness. If you don’t have it, mix milk with vinegar or lemon juice to make a quick substitute—just let it sit for about 5 minutes before using!
Ground Cinnamon: It’s the star that gives these muffins their signature flavor. If you want to spice things up, consider adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice for variation.
How Can I Ensure My Muffins Are Light and Fluffy?
The key to fluffy muffins lies in not overmixing your batter. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Fill your muffin cups about 3/4 full to allow room for rising without overflowing.
- Monitor baking time closely. If you take them out too early, they might be doughy!
Letting them cool slightly before rolling in cinnamon sugar keeps the tops crisp while the insides stay soft. Enjoy your baking!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, totaling around 25 minutes. After baking, give the muffins a few minutes to cool before rolling them in the sweet cinnamon sugar. It’s quick, easy, and so rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking. This way, your muffins will come out easily!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This helps incorporate all the leavening agents evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is blended nicely. Make sure the melted butter isn’t too hot; you don’t want to cook the egg!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir just until both mixtures are combined. It’s okay if there are lumps; avoid overmixing to keep the muffins fluffy!
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This will give them room to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
While the muffins are baking, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a shallow bowl so it’s ready to go.
8. Cool and Coat:
Once the muffins are baked, let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully brush each muffin with melted butter, ensuring they’re fully coated before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
9. Serve:
Arrange the muffins on a plate and enjoy them warm or let them cool to room temperature. These soft, tender muffins with a sweet crunch are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with loved ones!
Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins! 🧁✨
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk Instead of Buttermilk?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk as a substitute. Just make sure to add a bit of acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) to mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk—using 1/2 tablespoon mixed with your non-dairy milk would work perfectly!
Can I Add Other Flavorings or Mix-ins?
Yes! Feel free to customize your muffins. You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg for an additional flavor. Just keep in mind that adding heavier mix-ins may slightly change the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Muffins Without a Muffin Tin?
If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a regular muffin tin. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, typically baking for about 18-20 minutes instead. Keep an eye on them, and use the toothpick test to check doneness!
