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Introduction
Cinnamon sugar donut muffins recipe is a sweet and simple treat that brings the taste of a classic donut into a soft and fluffy muffin. Many people love donuts, but not everyone wants to deal with deep frying at home. That is where this recipe becomes very helpful. You get the same warm cinnamon sugar flavor, but with an easy baking method. These muffins are baked in the oven, then coated in butter and cinnamon sugar for that true donut style finish. The result is soft inside, slightly crisp outside, and full of cozy flavor. Even if you are new to baking, you can make this recipe without stress.
People love this cinnamon sugar donut muffins recipe because it is quick, easy, and very comforting. The smell of cinnamon and sugar filling the kitchen makes everyone feel happy and hungry. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Kids enjoy them because they taste like a bakery treat. Adults enjoy them because they are not too heavy and go very well with coffee or tea. You do not need special tools or hard skills. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a muffin tray are enough to get started.
This recipe is great to make when you want something sweet but homemade. It is perfect for weekend mornings, family gatherings, small parties, or rainy days when you want warm comfort food. If you like to control your ingredients and avoid store bought snacks, this is a good choice. You can also adjust the sugar level or use better ingredients to match your health needs. The taste is rich and sweet, but the method is simple and friendly for beginners. That is why this cinnamon sugar donut muffins recipe is loved by many home bakers.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the muffins
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 half teaspoon baking soda
1 half teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 half cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon sugar coating
1 half cup white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 half cup melted butter for brushing
Step by Step Method
First, heat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a muffin tray on your counter and lightly grease each cup with butter or oil. This helps the muffins come out easily after baking.
Take a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients well with a spoon so everything is evenly combined. This step helps the muffins rise nicely and taste balanced.
In another bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them gently. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Make sure the melted butter is not too hot when you add it, or it may cook the eggs.
Now pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir slowly with a spoon. Do not mix too much. Just mix until you no longer see dry flour. The batter should look thick and a little lumpy. Over mixing can make the muffins hard instead of soft.
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tray. Fill each cup about three quarters full. This gives space for the muffins to rise while baking. Try to keep the amount even so they bake at the same speed.
Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 18 to 22 minutes. Check at 18 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If you see wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
When the muffins are baked, remove the tray from the oven. Let them cool for about 5 minutes. They should still be warm when you add the coating, but not too hot to handle.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating in a small bowl. Mix the sugar and ground cinnamon very well. In another bowl keep the melted butter ready.
Take one warm muffin, brush it with melted butter on all sides, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure it is fully coated. Place it on a plate and repeat with all muffins. The butter helps the sugar stick and creates that donut style outside layer.
Let the coated muffins rest for a few minutes before serving. They taste best when warm and fresh.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This cinnamon sugar donut muffins recipe is special because it gives you donut flavor without deep frying. Baking is easier, cleaner, and often lighter than frying. You do not need a pot of hot oil or special equipment. That makes this recipe safer and more comfortable for home kitchens.
Another good point is texture. These muffins are soft and fluffy inside, with a sweet and slightly crisp outer layer from the cinnamon sugar coating. The mix of textures makes every bite interesting and satisfying.
You can also control the ingredients. When you bake at home, you know exactly what goes into your food. You can use better butter, fresh eggs, and good quality cinnamon. You can also reduce sugar a little if you want. Some people even use whole wheat flour for part of the flour to add more fiber.
The smell and taste of cinnamon can also feel warm and calming. Many people connect cinnamon with comfort and happy memories. That emotional connection makes this recipe even more special.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
Use fresh ground cinnamon if possible. Fresh cinnamon has a stronger and sweeter smell and gives better flavor to your muffins.
Do not over mix the batter. Mix just until combined. A slightly lumpy batter gives softer muffins.
If you want extra richness, replace two spoons of milk with fresh cream or yogurt. This makes the muffins more moist.
You can add a small pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a deeper bakery style taste. Nutmeg and cinnamon work very well together.
Try adding a small spoon of brown sugar to the cinnamon sugar coating. It gives a deeper caramel like flavor.
Serve the muffins warm. If they cool down, you can heat them in the microwave for about ten seconds. Then brush a tiny bit more butter and sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar again before serving.
For a fun twist, fill the center with a small spoon of jam or chocolate spread before baking. This creates a surprise filling inside.
Final Thoughts
This cinnamon sugar donut muffins recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a sweet homemade treat without stress. It is simple, quick, and uses basic kitchen ingredients. The taste is warm, sweet, and comforting, just like a classic donut from a bakery. You can make it for your family, your guests, or just for yourself with a cup of tea or coffee. Once you try it, you will see how easy and enjoyable baking can be. Many people make these muffins again and again because they are reliable and always delicious.
Nutrition Details
Approximate values for the full recipe and per serving. Recipe makes 12 muffins.
Nutrition for full recipe
Calories about 3200 kcal
Carbohydrates about 420 g
Protein about 48 g
Fat about 150 g
Sugar about 230 g
Nutrition per one muffin
Calories about 267 kcal
Carbohydrates about 35 g
Protein about 4 g
Fat about 12 g
Sugar about 19 g
Values are estimates and can change based on ingredient brands and exact quantities.