Craving a sweet treat that’s simple to make? Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are just what you need. These soft, fluffy muffins blend warm spices and a sugary coating for the perfect bite. I’ll guide you through easy steps and share tips to ensure your muffins are a hit. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a pro, you’ll love how quick and fun this recipe is. Let’s get started on these delicious muffins!
Ingredients
Detailed Ingredient List
To make the best cinnamon sugar donut muffins, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– ¾ cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
These ingredients are key to creating soft, fluffy muffins with a sweet, cinnamon flavor. The all-purpose flour gives structure, while the baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Ground cinnamon adds that warm spice we love, and the granulated sugar balances the flavors.
Melted unsalted butter adds richness, while the egg binds everything together. Buttermilk makes the muffins tender and moist. Don’t forget the vanilla extract! It adds a lovely aroma. Finally, the cinnamon sugar coating makes these muffins extra special. When you roll them in the mixture after baking, they become irresistible. Each bite is a delightful mix of sweet and spice.
For the full recipe, check out the instructions that follow. Enjoy making these treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard muffin tin with cooking spray or use paper liners. This step helps the muffins come out easily after baking.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients until they mix well. This blend gives your muffins the perfect rise and flavor.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter until smooth. Then, add 1 large egg, ¾ cup of buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until everything blends nicely. The wet mix brings moisture and sweetness to your muffins.
Combining Dry and Wet Mixtures
Carefully fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Use a spatula and mix just until combined. Be gentle to avoid overmixing. Overmixing will make your muffins tough instead of fluffy.
Baking the Muffins
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. If it does, your muffins are ready to cool!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Fluffy Muffins
To keep your muffins fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Mix just until you see no dry flour. This helps the muffins rise well and stay light. Overmixing breaks down the batter’s air bubbles. That can make your muffins dense and tough.
Perfecting the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
For the best cinnamon sugar coating, mix the sugar and cinnamon well before rolling. Use a bowl that’s big enough for the muffins to fit inside. While the muffins are warm, roll them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This helps the sugar stick better. If you want a thicker coating, roll them twice!
Serving Suggestions
These muffins taste great warm or at room temperature. Serve them with coffee or tea for a cozy treat. You can also pair them with fresh fruit for a fun breakfast. Try adding a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top for a sweet twist. They are perfect for sharing with friends or family! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe].
Variations
Adding Flavors
You can spice up your cinnamon sugar donut muffins in fun ways. A dash of nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Mix in about 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg with the dry ingredients. This will give your muffins a cozy flavor. You can also use vanilla extract for a sweet touch. Just swap in an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. This simple change brightens the muffins and makes them even more delicious.
Healthier Options
If you want to make your muffins a bit healthier, consider some easy swaps. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This makes them more filling and adds fiber. For sugar, use coconut sugar or honey. You may need to adjust your liquid ingredients slightly if you use honey. Swap butter for applesauce to cut calories. This keeps the muffins moist while adding natural sweetness.
Gluten-Free Adaptations
For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour blends. Many brands offer mixes that work well in baking. Just make sure they contain xanthan gum to help with texture. If you want a nutty flavor, try almond flour or oat flour. Combine these with a gluten-free baking powder for the best results. Always check labels to ensure safety if you have allergies. Enjoy your gluten-free cinnamon sugar donut muffins without worry!
For the full recipe, check out the earlier section.
Storage Info
Storing Muffins
To keep your cinnamon sugar donut muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a cool, dry spot. Avoid direct sunlight or heat. If you have leftover muffins, they should stay fresh for about three days.
Freezing Tips
Freezing these muffins is easy. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, take one out and thaw it at room temperature. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Shelf Life
Cinnamon sugar donut muffins last about three days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. However, I recommend eating them fresh for the best taste. Over time, muffins may lose their softness and flavor. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is your best bet.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use milk in place of buttermilk. To make it work, add one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk. Let it sit for five minutes. This will create a sour milk that mimics buttermilk. It might not taste exactly the same, but it will still keep your muffins moist.
How long do baked muffins last?
Baked muffins can last for three to four days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to wrap them well before freezing.
Can I add chocolate chips to the muffins?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can enhance the flavor of your muffins. Mix in about half a cup of chocolate chips when you combine the wet and dry ingredients. This will give your muffins a delightful twist and a sweet surprise in each bite.
What can I substitute for unsalted butter?
If you need a substitute for unsalted butter, try using coconut oil or vegetable oil. You can also use margarine or ghee if you prefer. When using oil, use about three tablespoons for every quarter cup of butter. This helps keep the texture of your muffins just right. For the full recipe, check out the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins.
You now have all the key steps to make delicious cinnamon sugar donut muffins. We covered ingredients, tips for fluffiness, and even variations to try. Remember to mix your wet and dry ingredients gently to keep your muffins light. Enjoy them fresh or store them for later. Don’t forget—you can add your own flavors or make them healthier. Whether for breakfast or a snack, these muffins will delight your taste buds!
![To make the best cinnamon sugar donut muffins, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking powder - ½ tsp baking soda - ½ tsp salt - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - ½ cup granulated sugar - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - ¾ cup buttermilk - 1 tsp vanilla extract - ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating) These ingredients are key to creating soft, fluffy muffins with a sweet, cinnamon flavor. The all-purpose flour gives structure, while the baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Ground cinnamon adds that warm spice we love, and the granulated sugar balances the flavors. Melted unsalted butter adds richness, while the egg binds everything together. Buttermilk makes the muffins tender and moist. Don’t forget the vanilla extract! It adds a lovely aroma. Finally, the cinnamon sugar coating makes these muffins extra special. When you roll them in the mixture after baking, they become irresistible. Each bite is a delightful mix of sweet and spice. For the full recipe, check out the instructions that follow. Enjoy making these treats! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard muffin tin with cooking spray or use paper liners. This step helps the muffins come out easily after baking. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients until they mix well. This blend gives your muffins the perfect rise and flavor. In another bowl, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter until smooth. Then, add 1 large egg, ¾ cup of buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until everything blends nicely. The wet mix brings moisture and sweetness to your muffins. Carefully fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Use a spatula and mix just until combined. Be gentle to avoid overmixing. Overmixing will make your muffins tough instead of fluffy. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. If it does, your muffins are ready to cool! To keep your muffins fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Mix just until you see no dry flour. This helps the muffins rise well and stay light. Overmixing breaks down the batter's air bubbles. That can make your muffins dense and tough. For the best cinnamon sugar coating, mix the sugar and cinnamon well before rolling. Use a bowl that’s big enough for the muffins to fit inside. While the muffins are warm, roll them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This helps the sugar stick better. If you want a thicker coating, roll them twice! These muffins taste great warm or at room temperature. Serve them with coffee or tea for a cozy treat. You can also pair them with fresh fruit for a fun breakfast. Try adding a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top for a sweet twist. They are perfect for sharing with friends or family! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can spice up your cinnamon sugar donut muffins in fun ways. A dash of nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Mix in about 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg with the dry ingredients. This will give your muffins a cozy flavor. You can also use vanilla extract for a sweet touch. Just swap in an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. This simple change brightens the muffins and makes them even more delicious. If you want to make your muffins a bit healthier, consider some easy swaps. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This makes them more filling and adds fiber. For sugar, use coconut sugar or honey. You may need to adjust your liquid ingredients slightly if you use honey. Swap butter for applesauce to cut calories. This keeps the muffins moist while adding natural sweetness. For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour blends. Many brands offer mixes that work well in baking. Just make sure they contain xanthan gum to help with texture. If you want a nutty flavor, try almond flour or oat flour. Combine these with a gluten-free baking powder for the best results. Always check labels to ensure safety if you have allergies. Enjoy your gluten-free cinnamon sugar donut muffins without worry! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To keep your cinnamon sugar donut muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a cool, dry spot. Avoid direct sunlight or heat. If you have leftover muffins, they should stay fresh for about three days. Freezing these muffins is easy. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, take one out and thaw it at room temperature. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes. Cinnamon sugar donut muffins last about three days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. However, I recommend eating them fresh for the best taste. Over time, muffins may lose their softness and flavor. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is your best bet. Yes, you can use milk in place of buttermilk. To make it work, add one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk. Let it sit for five minutes. This will create a sour milk that mimics buttermilk. It might not taste exactly the same, but it will still keep your muffins moist. Baked muffins can last for three to four days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to wrap them well before freezing. Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can enhance the flavor of your muffins. Mix in about half a cup of chocolate chips when you combine the wet and dry ingredients. This will give your muffins a delightful twist and a sweet surprise in each bite. If you need a substitute for unsalted butter, try using coconut oil or vegetable oil. You can also use margarine or ghee if you prefer. When using oil, use about three tablespoons for every quarter cup of butter. This helps keep the texture of your muffins just right. For the full recipe, check out the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins. You now have all the key steps to make delicious cinnamon sugar donut muffins. We covered ingredients, tips for fluffiness, and even variations to try. Remember to mix your wet and dry ingredients gently to keep your muffins light. Enjoy them fresh or store them for later. Don't forget—you can add your own flavors or make them healthier. Whether for breakfast or a snack, these muffins will delight your taste buds!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/30e53543-1d86-4d00-80c9-134eded63095-250x250.webp)