Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins (Print Version)

Soft, fluffy muffins with a sweet cinnamon sugar finish for a nostalgic donut-shop treat at home.

# Components:

→ Muffin Batter

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
09 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
10 - 3/4 cup whole milk
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon Sugar Coating

12 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
13 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
14 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled unsalted butter, large eggs, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract until well incorporated.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to ensure a tender texture.
05 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately 3/4 full.
06 - Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
07 - Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
08 - While the muffins are cooling, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl for the coating. Once the muffins are warm, brush each one with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
09 - Serve the cinnamon sugar donut muffins warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now
  • Bakes up in just over half an hour so you can enjoy them fast
  • No frying required so less mess and stress
  • Soft and fluffy inside with a classic cinnamon sugar crunch
02 -
  • These muffins have less oil than fried donuts but still feel like a true treat
  • Leftover muffins keep their texture well if covered in an airtight container
  • Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants so you get a tiny health boost with each bite
03 -
  • Room temperature eggs help the batter blend well for fluffier muffins
  • Take care not to overmix or you will have dense muffins not light ones
  • Coat the muffins while still warm for maximum cinnamon sugar stick

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