Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

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Introduction

Cinnamon sugar donut muffins are a comforting cross between classic old-fashioned donuts and soft, fluffy muffins. They bake quickly, deliver a tender crumb, and finish with a warm buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that tastes like a fair-style donut without frying. This recipe makes large, satisfying muffins perfect for breakfast, snacks, or holiday brunch.

Ingredients

For the Muffins

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ⅔ cup melted butter or neutral oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a 12-cup muffin pan or grease each cup well.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine milk, sour cream, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix — lumps are okay.
  5. Fill muffin cups: Divide the batter between the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full for large muffins.
  6. Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a rack.
  8. Coat: Dip each warm muffin in melted butter, then roll generously in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.

Method (Summary)

Mix dry + mix wet → combine → bake → coat in butter and cinnamon sugar.

History

Donut muffins emerged as a modern twist on traditional cake donuts. Instead of frying, home bakers wanted the same nostalgic donut-shop flavor in a simpler, oven-baked form. Cinnamon sugar coatings date back to early American baking and are commonly found on “fair donuts” and old-fashioned pastries. This recipe combines those traditions into a soft, fluffy muffin.

Benefits

  • No frying needed
  • Quick and easy
  • Soft, moist texture
  • Great for crowds
  • Kid-friendly
  • Perfect for freezing and reheating

Formation (How the Muffin Structure Forms)

The baking powder and baking soda activate with the acidic sour cream and heat, creating a light crumb. The melted butter in the batter gives tenderness, while rolling in butter afterward creates the classic donut-like exterior.

Nutrition (Per 1 large muffin, approximate)

  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Protein: 4 g

Conclusion

Cinnamon sugar donut muffins bring the joy of old-fashioned donuts with the simplicity of muffin baking. They’re warm, cozy, and perfect for any occasion — breakfast, gatherings, or afternoon treats.

Lovers (Who Will Love This Recipe)

  • Cinnamon lovers
  • Donut lovers
  • Kids and families
  • People who love simple, no-fry desserts
  • Anyone who enjoys warm, nostalgic flavors

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