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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins – Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistibly Cozy

If you love the warm, nostalgic flavor of classic cinnamon sugar donuts but want something easier to make at home, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are about to become your new favorite treat. They combine the soft, fluffy texture of muffins with the sweet, spiced coating of a traditional donut, giving you the best of both worlds—without frying. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack time, or even a cozy dessert. Each bite delivers a tender crumb on the inside and a buttery cinnamon sugar coating on the outside that melts in your mouth. They taste like something you’d pick up at a bakery on a crisp morning, yet they’re surprisingly simple to prepare in your own kitchen. What makes this recipe special is its balance: not too sweet, perfectly spiced, and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or just yourself, these cinnamon sugar muffins bring warmth, aroma, and happiness straight from the oven.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
bake time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Muffins
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • Before you start, gather these basic kitchen tools:
  • Muffin pan (12-cup)
  • Muffin liners or non-stick spray
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • small bowl (for cinnamon-sugar coating)
  • Pastry brush (optional)
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for perfectly fluffy muffins.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Make the Batter
  1. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix—this is key to keeping the muffins soft and tender.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
  1. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Step 7: Cool Slightly
  1. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack.
Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  1. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. In another bowl, keep the melted butter ready.
Step 9: Coat the Muffins
  1. Brush each warm muffin generously with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Let the coating set for a few minutes, then enjoy these donut-style muffins warm or at room temperature.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
Freezing
Freeze uncoated muffins for up to 2 months
Thaw at room temperature, then coat with butter and cinnamon sugar before serving
Reheating
Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds
This refreshes the soft texture and aroma
🥄 Variations
Extra Cinnamon Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter
Mini Muffins: Bake in a mini muffin pan for 10–12 minutes
Filled Version: Add a small spoon of cinnamon sugar inside the batter
Crunchy Top: Double-coat muffins in cinnamon sugar
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives
These variations let you customize the recipe while keeping the classic donut-muffin charm.
❓ 10 FAQs
Are these muffins fried like donuts?
No, they are baked, making them easier and lighter.
Do they taste like real donuts?
Yes, the cinnamon sugar coating gives a true donut-style flavor.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, they store well and stay soft.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing makes muffins dense instead of fluffy.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, slightly reducing sugar still gives great results.
Are these good for breakfast?
Absolutely, they’re perfect with coffee or tea.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, it’s simple and fun, especially the coating step.
Do I need liners?
Not required, but they make cleanup easier.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce the added salt slightly.
What makes these muffins special?
Their soft donut-like texture and irresistible cinnamon sugar finish.
🏁 Conclusion
These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are the definition of cozy baking. Soft on the inside, coated in buttery cinnamon sugar on the outside, and filled with warm, comforting flavors, they’re a treat everyone will love. Whether you bake them for a family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a sweet snack, they deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Once you make them, they’re guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.