Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a delicious recipe that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth – Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins. These delightful treats combine the best of both worlds: the fluffy texture of a muffin and the irresistible flavor of a cinnamon sugar donut. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
I make these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins whenever I want to treat myself or surprise my family with a special breakfast. They are incredibly easy to make and require simple pantry ingredients. The warm aroma of cinnamon fills the air as they bake, creating a cozy and comforting atmosphere in your kitchen. My family goes crazy for these muffins because they have the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. They are also incredibly versatile – you can enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert!
Ingredients
For 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 vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Optional: You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for an extra hint of warmth and flavor.
Feel free to experiment with substitutions! I sometimes use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nuttier taste. You can also swap the vegetable oil for melted butter if that’s what you have on hand. These muffins are forgiving, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
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. Make a well in the center.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 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, melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
8. Once the muffins are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, dip each muffin into the melted butter, making sure to coat all sides.
9. Immediately roll the butter-coated muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating.
10. Place the coated muffins on a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve these delectable Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered that these muffins taste even better the next day! The flavors have a chance to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious treat.
Variations
I love experimenting with different flavors and additions to these muffins. One variation I’ve tried is adding a handful of blueberries to the batter for a burst of freshness. Another time, I added a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce on top for an indulgent twist. However, I must admit that my attempt to incorporate chopped walnuts didn’t work out so well – they made the muffins a bit too dense. But hey, you live and learn!
Equipment
You’ll need a muffin tin and paper liners to make these muffins. If you don’t have a muffin tin, don’t worry! You can use a mini loaf pan or even a round cake pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly. Improvisation is part of the fun in the kitchen!
Storage
Although I provide storage instructions, I must confess that these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins never last more than a day in my house! They are simply too irresistible to resist. However, if you do manage to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions
When serving these muffins, I like to dust them with a little extra cinnamon sugar for an added touch of sweetness. You can also pair them with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. In my family, it has become a tradition to enjoy these muffins on lazy Sunday mornings, gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter.
Pro Tips
Based on my past experiences, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons:
– Don’t rush the baking time. It’s tempting to take the muffins out of the oven as soon as they look golden, but they might still be undercooked in the center. Trust the toothpick test!
– If you’re short on time, you can cheat a little by using store-bought cinnamon sugar instead of making your own. It will still give you that delicious coating.
– When dipping the muffins in the melted butter, make sure they are still warm. This will help the butter adhere better to the surface and create a delectable, buttery crust.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze these muffins?
A: Absolutely! These muffins freeze beautifully. Once they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar for the coating?
A: Yes, you can definitely experiment with different sugars. Brown sugar or a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon would work just as well!
Q: Can I make mini muffins instead?
A: Of course! Just adjust the baking time accordingly. Mini muffins will bake faster, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Alright, now you have all the information you need to whip up a batch of these scrumptious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins. Go ahead and give them a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy baking, my friend!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Delightful muffins that combine the fluffy texture of muffins with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon sugar donuts. Easy to make and versatile, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 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 vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
-
Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
-
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
-
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
While baking, melt unsalted butter in a small bowl. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for coating in another bowl.
-
Let the muffins cool slightly, then dip each into melted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
-
Place the coated muffins on a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Serve warm or at room temperature.
-
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.