These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are soft and fluffy, with a delightful cinnamon twist! They’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, covered in sugary goodness that makes them irresistible.
Honestly, who can resist a muffin that tastes like a donut? I love serving them warm, with a cup of coffee. You’ll want to make a double batch—trust me, they disappear fast! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your muffins. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try gluten-free all-purpose flour. I’ve had good success with a blend of almond flour and coconut flour for a unique flavor!
Granulated Sugar: Used for sweetness here, but you can substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor. I sometimes mix both for a nice texture and taste twist!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and flavor to the muffins. If you don’t have it, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! If you’re not a big cinnamon fan, you can reduce the amount or even try nutmeg for a different spice profile.
How Do You Get the Muffins to Have That Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating?
The cinnamon sugar coating gives these muffins that delightful donut flavor! Here’s how to achieve it perfectly:
- Mix equal parts sugar and cinnamon beforehand for a smooth coating.
- Brush the muffins with melted butter or vegetable oil while they are still warm. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Roll the muffins in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated. It’s a messy job, but so worth it!
Remember, the warmth of the muffins helps the coating adhere better, so don’t wait too long!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for coating)
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake. Allow a few more minutes for cooling and coating. In total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, you can prepare your muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper liners to make cleanup easier later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, take a whisk and combine the flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures an even flavor throughout the muffins!
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients until well combined will help create a smooth batter that bakes perfectly.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy; this will keep your muffins fluffy!
5. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Evenly distribute the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing. They’ll puff up beautifully in the oven!
6. Bake the Muffins:
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the muffins are baking, mix together the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will give your muffins that delectable sweet finish.
8. Cool and Coat the Muffins:
Once the muffins are done, let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove them and while they’re still warm, brush each muffin with vegetable oil or melted butter. Quickly roll or sprinkle each muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are generously coated.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm or at room temperature—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but be aware that it may yield denser muffins. Consider using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture if you’re looking for a healthier option!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! You can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens, and you’ll have a perfect buttermilk substitute!
How Can I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Just wrap them individually and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make them gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. If not, you may need to add a little to help with binding!