Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe

If you love the nostalgic charm of old-fashioned bakery donuts but crave the convenience (and ease!) of a homemade treat, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are about to become your new go-to recipe. Fluffy, tender, and coated in that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch, each bite tastes just like a donut hole—no deep-frying required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins is how surprisingly simple the ingredient list is! Each item plays a key role—bringing flavor, fluffiness, and that classic donut texture you crave.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the muffins and gives them the structure you need for that perfect crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the signature sweetness both inside the muffins and outside for that crunchy, sparkly topping.
• Baking powder: Ensures a beautiful rise so your muffins are soft and puffed up, just like a donut!
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness for a well-rounded bite.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the show—providing warmth, depth, and that yummy aroma in both the batter and the topping.
• Whole milk: Keeps the crumb extra moist and tender. Using whole milk gives a richer flavor, but low-fat works in a pinch.
• Large egg, room temperature: Binds everything together for a soft, cohesive batter.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Lends buttery flavor to both the muffins and the super luscious topping.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, bakery-style aroma that rounds out all the flavors.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to give these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins your own creative twist! There are so many fun—and delicious—ways to adapt them to suit seasonal cravings, dietary needs, or whatever you have in your kitchen right now.

• Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to make these muffins completely gluten-free!
• Cream Cheese Filling: Pipe a bit of sweetened cream cheese into the center before baking for a delightful surprise.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or oat milk and swap in vegan butter for an equally moist and delicious muffin.
• Spiced Sugar Topping: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to your cinnamon sugar for an extra cozy flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup with butter or nonstick spray. This little step means your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins come out easily, keeping their beautiful shape and fluffy tops intact.

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Blending these dry ingredients ensures the muffins will rise evenly and have just the right amount of spice in each bite.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients Separately

In a second bowl, whisk the milk, room-temperature egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combining them separately before adding them to the dry mixture means the batter will come together evenly and your muffins will be super tender.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir. Don’t over-mix—just fold until no big streaks of flour remain. The batter will seem a bit runny, but that’s the secret to those soft, moist crumbs everyone loves in Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, filling each cup about ⅔ full. For classic size, bake 20–24 minutes, or bake mini muffins for 12–14 minutes. When the tops spring back to a gentle touch, they’re done! Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Step 6: Dip, Roll, and Enjoy!

Once your muffins are cool enough to handle, stir together the sugar and cinnamon topping. Dip the tops in melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that signature, sparkling crunch. It’s messy in the most wonderful way—sticky fingers are half the fun!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Garnishes

For an added bakery touch, serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Tiny curls of lemon or orange zest can add a little color and a pop of brightness, too!

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a creamy cappuccino, hot cocoa, or your favorite tea for a comforting breakfast. For brunch, serve alongside fresh berries, a simple fruit salad, or silky Greek yogurt for a well-rounded spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Like to make things festive? Stack mini Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins on a tiered cake stand, tuck them in bakery-style paper bags for gifting, or group them in a basket lined with a checkered napkin for a charming brunch centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins taste fantastic fresh but will keep beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing so the topping stays crisp!

Freezing

To freeze, place muffins (without the cinnamon sugar topping) in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Add the buttery coat and cinnamon sugar after thawing for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm the muffins gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes to refresh that pillowy softness. If you’ve frozen them, thaw overnight and then add the cinnamon sugar topping before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins—soft, fluffy, and coated in that sweet, shimmering crunch. They’re easy enough for a casual breakfast, but feel special enough for a celebratory brunch. I hope you’ll whip up a batch soon and let these little bites of comfort bring some extra joy to your kitchen!

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