Introduction

Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a delicious recipe that never fails to satisfy my cravings: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins. These delightful treats are the perfect combination of fluffy muffins and sugary donuts. Trust me, once you try them, you won’t be able to resist their irresistible aroma and mouthwatering taste.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

I make these muffins when I want to treat myself to something special in the morning. The warm cinnamon flavor combined with the sweet sugary coating is simply divine. My family goes crazy for these because they are incredibly soft and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they are super easy to make and require ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins, you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup milk
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Optional: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of lemon zest to enhance the flavor even more. I sometimes use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a healthier twist, and it works just as well!

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix well.

4. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

5. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

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

7. While the muffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

8. Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While they are still warm, carefully roll each muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

9. Serve these delightful Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins warm and enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. They are best eaten the same day, but if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days.

Notes

I’ve found that using melted butter instead of oil gives these muffins a richer flavor and a tender crumb. However, if you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute the melted butter with vegetable oil.

Variations

I love experimenting with different flavors, and you can too! Here are a few variations you can try:

– Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist.

– Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, on top of the muffins before baking for some extra crunch.

– For a fruity twist, fold in some fresh blueberries or diced apples into the batter.

Remember, baking is all about creativity, so feel free to make these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins your own!

Equipment

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make these muffins. A standard muffin tin and some paper liners will do the trick. However, if you don’t have a muffin tin, you can use a mini bundt pan or even a regular cake pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Storage

Though honestly, in my house, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins never last more than a day! If you do happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, I find that they taste best when enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these muffins as a delicious breakfast treat or as an afternoon snack with a hot cup of coffee. They also make a great addition to brunch or potluck gatherings. If you want to take them to the next level, you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup. Yum!

Pro Tips

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned from my own baking adventures:

– Don’t overmix the batter. This can result in tough muffins. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.

– If you’re not sure if the muffins are done, you can perform the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, they are ready.

– When measuring the flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This will ensure you don’t end up with too much flour, which can make the muffins dry.

– Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon in the recipe to suit your taste. If you’re a cinnamon lover like me, you can even add a little extra!

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze these muffins?

A: Absolutely! These muffins freeze well. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick defrost.

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?

A: Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly deeper flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

Q: Can I use a different type of flour?

A: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer. The texture may be a bit denser, but the flavor will still be delicious.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give these mouthwatering Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy baking!