Easy Cinnamon Donut Muffins Recipe

I love my Mini Cinnamon Sugar Muffins. The blend of all-purpose flour, melted unsalted butter and a hint of cinnamon creates a welcoming bakery feel with every bite. The topping burst of granulated sugar and cinnamon, combined with extra melted butter, makes these muffins simply enticing yet easy to whip up.

I recently discovered a recipe that’s honestly become a game changer for my breakfast routine. I was hiding away in my kitchen trying to whip up something fun and ended up with these Cinnamon Donut Muffins.

They reminded me of the old fashioned cinnamon sugar donuts from the bakery but with an easy, homemade twist. I mixed together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and then stirred in 3/4 cup milk, a large egg, melted unsalted butter and a splash of vanilla extract.

It was a super simple process that ended in a nicely baked muffin. Once they were out of the oven I brushed on more melted butter and sprinkled a tasty topping of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Every bite was a delightful mix of textures and flavor. I still can’t believe how easy it was to create these treats and how much I love them!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it reminds me of those nostalgic, old-fashioned bakery donuts. I like that the muffins come out super soft and fluffy every time, making them a real treat. I also enjoy how simple and quick the recipe is – it’s easy enough for me to whip up even on a busy day. And when I brush the warm muffins with the cinnamon sugar topping, it adds that extra burst of flavor that makes every bite delicious.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour gives the muffins their bulk and energy boosts making it a carbohydrate powerhouse
• Granulated sugar adds sweetness while helping create a light tender crumb its sugary taste is irresistible
• Milk provides creaminess and moisture that ties the dry ingredients together while offering a bit of protein
• Melted unsalted butter enriches flavor and texture giving a soft, melt in your mouth feel
• Eggs act as the binding agent ensuring that the mix holds together for a perfect bite every time
• Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors adding a subtle aroma and a warm inviting taste
• Ground cinnamon creates a spicy kick that makes these treats feel cozy and fun

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease your muffin tin or line it with paper cups.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

3. In another bowl, mix 3/4 cup milk, 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined; dont overmix it or the muffins might get tough.

5. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. While the muffins are baking, make the topping by stirring together 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl.

8. Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.

9. Brush the warm muffins generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture so they get that delicious donut coating.

10. Let the muffins sit for a couple more minutes then serve warm and enjoy your tasty cinnamon donut muffins!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Muffin tin or paper muffin cups
3. Large bowl for dry ingredients
4. Second bowl for wet ingredients
5. Whisk
6. Spoon or spatula for mixing
7. Small bowl for topping
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Toothpick for testing doneness
10. Pastry brush for applying the topping

FAQ

Easy Cinnamon Donut Muffins Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of all-purpose flour, you can try a mix of whole wheat and a gluten free flour blend for a healthier twist.
• If you’re out of granulated sugar, coconut sugar or even brown sugar works just fine in these muffins.
• Don’t have milk? Almond milk or oat milk are great alternatives that add a slightly nutty flavor.
• For the unsalted butter, you can use melted coconut oil to give a richer tropical note (just be aware it might change the flavor a bit).
• If you need an egg substitute, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce does the trick, keeping these muffins moist and just as yummy.

Pro Tips

1. Be sure not to overmix the batter, cause if you do it too much the muffins can turn out too tough and dense.
2. If you’re like into extra flavor, try letting the muffins cool in the tin for a few more minutes after they come out of the oven before brushing them with the cinnamon sugar mix so they soak it up better.
3. Always preheat the oven completely before starting so that your muffins rise evenly.
4. For that extra donut feel, don’t be afraid to brush on generous amounts of the topping while the muffins are still warm, even if it means a little extra stickiness.