If you’ve never tried cinnamon sugar donut muffins, you’re in for a delicious surprise. These fluffy, golden treats combine the cozy flavor of cinnamon donuts with the ease of a muffin—perfect for a sweet breakfast or indulgent snack. Craving something warm, soft, and coated in sugary bliss? Keep reading to discover your new favorite recipe!
| Servings: | 12 |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 18 minutes |
| Total Time: | 33 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 muffin |
Ingredients
- 1 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
Equipment
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Pastry brush
- Wire rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin well or line with paper liners if you prefer less cleanup.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The nutmeg is key here—it brings out that unmistakable old-fashioned donut flavor.
- Whisk the wet ingredients: In a large separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. This mixture should look creamy and well blended.
- Combine gently: Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make muffins tough. A rubber spatula works best for folding gently from the bottom.
- Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. I like to use a cookie scoop for even portions and less mess.
- Bake: Place in the center of the oven and bake for 17 to 19 minutes. The muffins should be springy on top and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few tiny moist crumbs.
- Cool slightly: Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes. This step helps them set, making them easier to handle without falling apart.
- Make the coating: In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon. Melt the butter in another small bowl and get your pastry brush ready.
- Dip and roll: While the muffins are still warm, brush each one with melted butter on all sides, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Don’t rush this step—the butter helps the coating stick and creates that iconic donut crust.
- Serve and enjoy: These are best served slightly warm, but they are equally irresistible at room temperature.
Description
Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown muffin that tastes just like your favorite old-fashioned donut. These cinnamon sugar donut muffins have a light and tender crumb that melts in your mouth, with a buttery exterior rolled in sparkling cinnamon sugar that adds the perfect crunch and sweetness. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the soft, cake-like interior and the crisp sugary coating that mimics a classic donut shop treat.
They are just sweet enough to brighten your morning, yet simple and comforting like something your grandmother used to bake on lazy Sunday mornings. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen as they bake is pure magic—like the scent of a bakery nestled in your own home. Serve them with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, and you have a warm nostalgic hug disguised as a muffin.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cinnamon sugar donut muffins are the ultimate combination of indulgence and ease. No need to fuss with yeast, frying oil, or rolling pins—this recipe gives you that donut experience using your regular muffin tin and pantry staples. They are great for novice bakers or anyone who wants a quick treat that feels special.
Flexible and family-friendly, these muffins freeze well, can be made ahead, and are perfect for breakfast, brunch, school lunches, or simple desserts. Their classic flavor is beloved by kids and adults alike, and they are just as delicious fresh from the oven as they are the next day.
Serving and Storage Tips
Cinnamon sugar donut muffins are best served warm or at room temperature. To store, allow them to cool completely and place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 5 days and warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
For longer storage, freeze the muffins uncoated and reheat in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Once warm, brush with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture just before serving. This preserves the crisp coating and fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 230 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon directly into the melted butter before brushing. These muffins also make a thoughtful gift—wrap individually in parchment with twine for a rustic bakery touch.
FAQ
Can I use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, unsweetened almond or oat milk can be used as a substitute. The flavor will change slightly, but the muffins will still be moist and tender.
Is it okay to skip the nutmeg?
The nutmeg adds that signature donut warmth, but if you do not have any on hand, you can add an extra ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon instead.
How can I make mini donut muffins?
Use a mini muffin pan and reduce the baking time to about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them closely as they cook faster than standard size.
We hope you enjoyed this article about cinnamon sugar donut muffins! If it made you crave something sweet, let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you found it helpful or inspiring, please pin this article or any image from it on Pinterest, and don’t forget to like the pin! Your support means the world to us and helps us keep creating even better content for you. 💛
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling them about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 17 to 19 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- While the muffins are still warm, mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Brush each muffin with melted butter, then roll or dip in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
