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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Soft and fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins with a crisp, sweet cinnamon-sugar coating – just like classic cake donuts, but baked instead of fried!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Servings 14 muffins
Calories 230 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Muffins:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk room temperature

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Pan

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
  • In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

  • Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
  • The mixture may look slightly curdled but will smooth out when combined with dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients, then ½ of the buttermilk – alternating until fully incorporated.
  • Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

  • Fill muffin cups ¾ full using a scoop or measuring cup.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

  • Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.

Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • Melt butter in a small bowl.
  • In another bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt (if using).

Step 9: Coat the Muffins

  • While muffins are still warm, dip tops in melted butter.
  • Immediately roll in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
  • Let set on a cooling rack before serving.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead Tip: Store muffins at room temperature for 2 days or freeze (without coating) for up to 3 months.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and buttermilk with plant-based milk + lemon juice.
  • Mini Muffin Option: Bake 10-12 minutes for 36 mini donut muffins.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSugar: 18g
Keyword baked donut muffins, cinnamon sugar donut muffins, cinnamon sugar muffins
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