Table of Contents
Description:
These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are soft, buttery, and coated in warm cinnamon sugar — the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert!
Introduction
If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the comforting flavor of a classic donut without the mess of frying, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are about to become your new favorite treat! 😋
They’re soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon — then rolled in a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that makes every bite melt in your mouth. These muffins taste just like a bakery-style donut but are baked instead of fried, making them a little lighter and easier to prepare at home.
Perfect for cozy mornings, Sunday brunches, or as a sweet afternoon snack, these easy cinnamon sugar muffins are sure to win hearts. Whether you serve them warm with coffee or pack them in a lunchbox, they bring that nostalgic donut shop flavor right to your kitchen — no deep fryer required!
Recipe Equipment
Before you start, here’s what you’ll need:
- Muffin pan (standard 12-cup)
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk and rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush or tongs (for coating in butter and sugar)
💡 Tip: Use non-stick spray or muffin liners to make cleanup super easy.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream (adds extra moisture and softness)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Ingredient Notes
- Butter: Gives richness and a soft crumb — don’t substitute with oil for this one!
- Sour cream: Keeps the muffins moist and adds a bakery-style texture. Greek yogurt works as a great alternative.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and that signature donut flavor — feel free to use a dash of nutmeg for extra depth.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose works best for a light but sturdy muffin.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a muffin pan with paper liners.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for getting that soft, donut-like crumb.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, milk, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Fill
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined — don’t overmix! Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let muffins cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In one bowl, melt the butter. In another, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Dip each warm muffin top into the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
Your kitchen will smell like heaven at this point — try not to eat them all at once! 😍
Pro Tips & Variations
- Mini Muffins: Make bite-sized versions by baking in a mini muffin pan for 10–12 minutes. Perfect for parties!
- Add a Filling: Inject a bit of Nutella, apple butter, or cream cheese into the center for a surprise twist.
- Make Them Healthier: Swap half the flour for almond flour and use coconut sugar for a lower-carb option.
- Don’t Skip the Coating: That buttery cinnamon sugar layer is what makes them taste like donuts — pure magic!
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins fresh out of the oven with a hot cup of coffee ☕ or a cold glass of milk. They’re also amazing with a drizzle of melted butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert idea.
Serve them at brunch gatherings, bake sales, or as a sweet addition to your breakfast spread. Kids and adults alike love them!
Storage Information
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days (reheat slightly before eating).
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp and reheat in the oven for 5 minutes.
💡 Pro Tip: Re-roll leftover muffins in fresh cinnamon sugar after reheating to restore that irresistible coating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Muffin)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 13g
Closing Thoughts / Call-to-Action
These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are everything you love about homemade donuts — warm, sweet, and comforting — but so much easier to make. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave something cozy and delicious.
✨ Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments how they turned out! Don’t forget to share your muffins on social media — tag us so we can see your amazing creations!