Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

These Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are the perfect combination of soft, airy muffins and the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon sugar. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, they bring the nostalgic flavor of a donut in an easy-to-make muffin form. With a fluffy texture, a hint of sweetness, and a crisp cinnamon sugar coating, these muffins will quickly become a household favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a delightful twist on a classic donut. The soft, fluffy texture of the muffins makes them light and perfect for any time of day. Coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture, each bite offers that irresistible sweetness that will remind you of a warm donut fresh from the bakery. Plus, they’re quick to make and don’t require any frying, making them an easy yet indulgent treat.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder until well combined.

3. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients—milk, melted butter, and eggs—until smooth.

4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ of the way full.

6. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. While the muffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.

8. Once the muffins are baked and slightly cooled (about 5 minutes), brush them with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15-18 minutes

• Total time: 25-28 minutes

Variations

• Glazed Donut Muffins: After rolling the muffins in cinnamon sugar, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the top for an extra sweet touch.

• Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Add ½ cup of finely diced apples to the batter for a fruity variation.

• Chocolate Chip Muffins: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweet chocolatey twist.

• Spiced Donut Muffins: For a more complex flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser, and the muffins may have a slightly different flavor.

2. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes! These muffins can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container and enjoy them when you’re ready.

3. How do I prevent my muffins from becoming too dry?

Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dry muffins. Mix until just combined, and remember to keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking.

4. Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, you can freeze these muffins for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar, maple sugar, or another granulated sweetener. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

6. Can I add frosting to these muffins?

Sure! You can top them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or your favorite frosting.

7. Can I make these muffins without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) or another egg replacer for a vegan version.

8. Can I make mini versions of these muffins?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

9. Why are my muffins not rising?

If your muffins aren’t rising properly, it could be due to expired baking powder or overmixing the batter. Ensure your baking powder is fresh and mix the batter gently.

10. Can I make these muffins in a loaf pan instead?

Yes, you can bake this batter in a loaf pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are the perfect comforting treat, easy to make, and always satisfying. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or stored for a later snack, these muffins deliver that classic donut taste with the convenience of being a muffin. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a family favorite!