Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

These Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves that warm, comforting taste of cinnamon sugar but doesn’t want to fuss with frying doughnuts. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy muffin that’s perfectly spiced with cinnamon, then dipped in a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that adds a touch of crunch. It’s like enjoying a doughnut without the mess or the waiting time—how perfect is that? These muffins are just as easy to make as they are irresistible, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one!

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

Here’s why these muffins are going to steal your heart:

Easy to Make: No deep frying required—just mix, bake, and coat. These muffins come together in no time, with minimal effort for maximum flavor.

Sweet & Spicy: The warm cinnamon flavor mixed with that buttery cinnamon-sugar coating gives you all the flavors of a doughnut without the fuss.

Perfect for Any Time: These muffins are versatile—enjoy them for breakfast with your morning coffee, pack them in lunchboxes, or have them as an afternoon treat. They’re great any time of day!

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love them. The texture is light and fluffy, and the cinnamon sugar adds that irresistible sweetness that everyone craves.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy to make these muffins. Just pantry staples like flour, sugar, and cinnamon—nothing complicated!

Ingredients

These muffins are made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s take a look:

Flour
All-purpose flour is the base of this muffin, giving it a soft and tender texture.

Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the batter perfectly, while a little extra sugar is used to coat the muffins after baking.

Baking Powder
For leavening and that perfect fluffy texture that makes these muffins rise beautifully.

Cinnamon
The star of the show! This spice gives the muffins their signature warm flavor, and it’s also used in the cinnamon-sugar coating for an extra kick.

Eggs
They help bind the ingredients together and give the muffins their soft, moist texture.

Butter
Melted butter adds richness to the batter and is also used to coat the muffins before rolling them in cinnamon sugar.

Milk
A little milk helps create a smooth batter, ensuring your muffins are perfectly moist.

Vanilla Extract
For that lovely hint of vanilla flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

Salt
Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started and make these delicious Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins!

Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to ensure the muffins don’t stick.

Make the Muffin Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are totally fine!

Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This should make about 12 muffins.

Bake the Muffins
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the muffins are baking, melt the remaining butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the coating.

Coat the Muffins
Once the muffins are done, let them cool for just a minute or two, then dip the tops of each muffin into the melted butter, making sure they’re fully coated. After that, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re completely covered.

Serve and Enjoy
Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 muffins
Calories per serving: 230

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

These muffins are delicious all on their own, but here are some ideas for pairing them:

Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea pairs beautifully with these muffins. The cinnamon flavor makes it feel like a cozy afternoon snack.

Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or sliced fruit to add a touch of freshness that balances out the sweetness.

Whipped Cream or Butter: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a spread of butter for even more richness.

Yogurt: A scoop of Greek yogurt on the side can add a creamy contrast to the soft muffins.

Additional Tips

A few tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly:

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing can make the muffins dense and tough.

Fresh Cinnamon: If you want the best flavor, use fresh cinnamon. It makes a world of difference in the taste of the muffins.

Keep Them Moist: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist for a few days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just pop them in the microwave or oven to warm them up!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature before mixing them. This helps the batter come together smoothly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A1: Yes! You can swap in whole wheat flour, though the muffins may turn out slightly denser. For the best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

Q2: How do I make these muffins gluten-free?
A2: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free. Just make sure to check the blend’s instructions for any modifications needed.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can make these muffins ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I use a different coating for the muffins?
A5: Yes, feel free to get creative! You can use a mixture of powdered sugar or even a glaze if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the classic cinnamon-sugar coating is what gives them that doughnut-like vibe.

Q6: Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?
A6: Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit would make great additions to these muffins. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

Q7: Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
A7: Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free option like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a dairy-free milk like almond milk or soy milk.

Q8: How do I reheat these muffins?
A8: To reheat, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

Q9: Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized ones?
A9: Yes, mini muffins are a great idea! Just adjust the baking time to about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

Q10: Can I make these muffins without the cinnamon-sugar coating?
A10: You can absolutely skip the cinnamon-sugar coating if you prefer a less sweet muffin, but I highly recommend it for that authentic doughnut flavor!

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins are a delightful combination of comfort and sweetness. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or just because you’re craving something delicious, they’re sure to be a hit. With a soft, fluffy texture and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re basically everything you love about doughnuts in muffin form. Whip them up, and you’ll see just how quickly they disappear!

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