Looking for a cozy treat that's easy to make? These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are just what you need! With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. Enjoy warm, fluffy muffins rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this recipe brings comfort and joy to your kitchen. Let’s dive into this warm, delicious adventure!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Cozy: These muffins are the perfect blend of warm spices and sweet flavor, making them a comforting treat for any time of day.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick preparation, these donut muffins can be whipped up in no time, perfect for busy mornings.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm out of the oven or at room temperature, these muffins are delicious either way and can be paired with coffee or tea.
- Fun to Share: The cinnamon sugar coating makes them irresistible, making them a delightful addition to any gathering or brunch.
Ingredients
To make these delightful cinnamon sugar donut muffins, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Gathering these simple ingredients sets you on the path to cozy baking. Each item plays a key role. The all-purpose flour forms the base, while the baking powder and baking soda help the muffins rise. Salt enhances flavors, and cinnamon adds warmth and spice.
The sugars sweeten the muffins and contribute to the tasty coating. The egg binds everything together, while the milk keeps the muffins moist. The melted butter adds richness, and vanilla gives a nice aroma.
This list makes it easy for you to prepare and enjoy these muffins. You can also customize them with ingredients you love. Whether you add chocolate chips or nuts, each choice creates a unique flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set this aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix ⅓ cup of granulated sugar with ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter until well combined.
Mixing and Baking
4. Beat in 1 large egg, then add ½ cup of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay; do not overmix.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. The tops should be golden. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
8. While the muffins bake, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl for the coating.
9. Once the muffins are done, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
10. After cooling, remove the muffins and roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure they are fully coated.
11. Place the coated muffins on a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy them warm.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Success Tips
- Avoiding overmixing the batter: Overmixing makes muffins tough. Stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are fine.
- Ensuring the right consistency of the batter: The batter should be thick yet pourable. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk.
- Checking doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If it has wet batter, bake a few more minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation ideas for serving: Arrange muffins on a tiered stand. Use a colorful plate for a fun touch. Add a small bowl of extra cinnamon sugar for dipping.
- Pairing options (coffee, tea, etc.): These muffins pair well with coffee or tea. A warm cup of cocoa also complements their sweetness perfectly.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your egg and milk to come to room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor in your muffin batter.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your muffins are ready!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the taste of your cinnamon sugar donut muffins. Adding chocolate chips gives a sweet twist. Try using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich flavor. If you love nuts, walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. Chop them finely and mix them in the batter.
You can also shake things up by using different spices. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth to your muffins. Just replace some cinnamon with nutmeg. Ginger gives a zingy taste that brightens your treats. A little fresh ginger or ground ginger will work well.
Dietary Variations
If you need gluten-free muffins, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour, but adjust the liquid as needed.
For those who are dairy-free, substitute the whole milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter for the melted butter. These swaps keep the muffins moist and tasty without dairy.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. You can also use a zip-top bag. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, place them in the fridge for up to a week.
Long-Term Storage
If you want to save muffins for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy one, remove it from the bag. Let it thaw at room temperature or heat it in the microwave for about 15 seconds. For a crisp outside, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Enjoy your warm, tasty treat!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use non-dairy milk instead of whole milk? Yes, you can use non-dairy milk. Almond, soy, or oat milk work great. They keep the muffins moist and tender, just like whole milk.
How do I know when the muffins are done baking? Check the muffins after 15 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. They should look golden brown on top.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make them a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh and tasty.
Troubleshooting
Why are my muffins dense? Dense muffins can happen if you overmix the batter. Mixing too much adds extra air and makes them heavy. Mix until just combined.
How can I make the muffins less sweet? You can cut back on the sugar. Try using a little less granulated sugar in the batter. You can also reduce the cinnamon sugar coating to your taste.
In this post, we covered the essential ingredients and steps for baking delicious muffins. I shared useful tips for perfecting your batter and ideas for serving. We explored exciting flavor variations and dietary alternatives. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep your muffins fresh. Remember, baking is all about practice and creativity. Enjoy making these muffins and have fun experimenting!
