These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are fluffy little bites of joy! They have a sweet, cinnamon-spiced topping that’s hard to resist.
Making these tasty treats is a breeze! I love grabbing one with my morning coffee. They disappear so fast, I often wish I had made a double batch! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure. If you need a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works well in most muffin recipes.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with browning. You can replace it with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor or use a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol if you’re looking for something lower in calories.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil can be a great substitute, giving a slight coconut flavor without losing moisture.
Milk: Whole milk gives a richer taste. Almond milk or oat milk are good dairy-free alternatives, keeping the muffins moist.
Cinnamon: This spice is key for that classic donut flavor. If you’re out of ground cinnamon, you can use nutmeg for a warm note, but it will change the flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure My Muffins Are Light and Fluffy?
Mixing technique is crucial for light muffins. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, fold everything gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Overmixing creates gluten, resulting in tougher muffins. Always stop mixing as soon as no dry flour is visible.
- Preheat your oven thoroughly to avoid dense muffins.
- Consider using room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Fill muffin cups to about 3/4 full for optimal rising.
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (separate from above)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes for baking. Allow an additional 5-10 minutes for cooling before serving. Altogether, you’ll have these delicious muffins ready in under 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your muffins will bake evenly. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until everything is well combined. This helps distribute all the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs. Then, add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until you have a smooth and even mixture. It’s okay if the butter is slightly warm but not hot to avoid cooking the eggs.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s fine if a few lumps remain, as this keeps the muffins light and tender.
5. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Using a spoon or ice cream scooper, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This gives the muffins room to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of one muffin; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the muffins are baking, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will be your delicious coating!
8. Coat the Muffins:
Once the muffins are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, brush each muffin generously with the melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This is where they get that irresistible sweet and spicy flavor!
9. Cool and Serve:
Transfer the coated muffins to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve warm straight from the oven. Enjoy your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins with a cup of coffee or milk for a delightful treat!
These muffins are sure to brighten up your day. Enjoy!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it will make the muffins denser. For best results, consider using a half-and-half mix of both flours to retain some lightness!
Can I Omit the Eggs from This Recipe?
Absolutely! For an egg-free version, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes). This will help bind the ingredients without compromising texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Batter?
Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the additional moisture these ingredients might bring, which could slightly affect the baking time. Start with 1/2 cup of mix-ins for best results!
