Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins Recipe

The Coziest Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins Recipe For Sweet Mornings

Warm, fluffy cinnamon doughnut muffins dance between pastry perfection and comfort food nostalgia.

Soft crumbs invite memories of weekend bakery visits.

Bakers adore this clever twist that blends two beloved treats into one delightful bite.

Cinnamon’s sweet warmth wraps around each tender morsel like a cozy morning hug.

Unexpected textures surprise you with every crumbly, sugary mouthful.

Rich ingredients promise a quick journey from mixing bowl to delectable result.

Bake these irresistible treats and watch smiles bloom around your kitchen.

Doughnut Muffins Rolled in Cinnamon Sugar

  • Quick Breakfast Hack: Whip up these doughnut muffins in under 30 minutes for a delightful morning treat that saves precious time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine the best of doughnuts and muffins in one irresistible recipe that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal skills and basic ingredients, ensuring success even for those with little baking experience.
  • Versatile Snack Solution: Enjoy these muffins as a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or sweet accompaniment to coffee, making them a flexible option for various occasions.

Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Base of the muffin with structure and texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Nutmeg: Provides warm, subtle background spice.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps create tender texture.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and soft crumb.
  • Milk: Adds liquid and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
  • Vanilla Essence: Provides delicate, sweet aroma.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Cinnamon, Sugar: Creates sweet, spicy exterior with classic doughnut-like flavor.
  • Melted Butter (Optional): Helps cinnamon-sugar coating stick better and adds richness.

How to Make Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 12-cup muffin pan and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a bowl and toss together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground nutmeg

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly mixed and free of lumps.

Step 3: Craft Wet Ingredient Mixture

In a separate larger bowl, start by beating sugar and egg until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Pour in:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Merge Ingredient Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan.

Each cup should be about two-thirds full for perfect rising.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-18 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a skewer into the center of a muffin – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Create Magical Cinnamon Coating

While muffins are still warm, prepare a coating of:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Granulated sugar

Brush each muffin with melted butter, then roll the tops in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that classic doughnut-like finish.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Transfer the muffins to a wire rack.

Let them cool slightly so the coating sets perfectly.

Enjoy these warm, fragrant treats with a cup of coffee or tea.

Muffin Tips That Channel Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

  • Stir the batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep muffins tender and avoid tough, dense texture.
  • Allow eggs and milk to sit at room temperature for better blending and smoother batter consistency.
  • Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean without wet batter to ensure perfect baking.
  • Experiment with different sugar coatings like maple sugar, coconut sugar, or add a dash of ground cardamom for unique flavor variations.
  • Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Keep Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins Soft

  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent staleness.
  • Keep muffins at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly, ensuring they remain covered to prevent drying out.
  • Warm refrigerated muffins in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture and revive the cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Quickly reheat individual muffins for 10-15 seconds on medium power, checking to avoid overheating and maintaining their delicate texture.

Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins Sweet Accompaniments

  • Perfect Beverage Companion: Brew a warm, spiced chai latte to complement the cinnamon's rich, sweet profile. The tea's cardamom and ginger notes will dance beautifully with the muffin's delicate texture.
  • Flavor-Boosting Coffee Match: Select a medium roast Colombian coffee with caramel undertones. Its smooth, slightly nutty flavor will enhance the muffin's warm cinnamon and subtle sweetness.
  • Dessert Wine Pairing: Choose a late harvest Riesling with its honeyed sweetness and slight acidity. The wine's delicate fruit notes will highlight the muffin's buttery, cinnamon-sugared exterior.
  • Artisan Milk Option: Enjoy a cold glass of vanilla almond milk. Its creamy, light sweetness will create a harmonious balance with the warm, spiced muffin, making each bite more indulgent.

Doughnut Muffins with Cinnamon Twists

  • Gluten-Free Doughnut Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure complete dietary compatibility.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Muffins: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use plant-based milk like oat or almond milk. Replace regular sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Reduce overall sugar content by half and add extra spices like nutmeg or cardamom for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Muffins: Fold in sugar-free or dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra indulgence and visual appeal.

FAQs

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture and added nutrition. Just ensure not to replace all the flour, as it might make the muffins too heavy.

  • What if I don't have nutmeg?

Nutmeg adds warmth, but if you don’t have it, simply skip it or use ground cinnamon as a replacement. The muffins will still taste delicious.

  • How do I know the muffins are fully baked?

Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean without wet batter, the muffins are done. They should also have a golden-brown top.

  • Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, replace milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any plant-based milk. Use vegetable oil instead of butter when coating the muffins to keep them dairy-free.

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Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins Recipe

Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm cinnamon doughnut muffins blend bakery comfort with homemade charm, creating a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. Rich spices and tender crumb invite you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible breakfast classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups plain flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup milk

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Coating:

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 180°C (350°F) and thoroughly coating a 12-cup muffin pan with a light layer of vegetable oil or spray.
  2. Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a compact mixing vessel.
  3. Craft a smooth wet mixture by vigorously beating sugar and egg until the color transforms to a pale, airy consistency.
  4. Introduce oil, milk, and vanilla essence to the sugar-egg blend, stirring until the liquid components integrate seamlessly.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, using minimal strokes to prevent overworking the batter, ensuring a tender texture.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly across the prepared muffin pan, filling each cavity approximately two-thirds full.
  7. Transfer the muffin pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, monitoring until a thin skewer emerges clean when inserted into the center of a muffin.
  8. Immediately after removing from the oven, extract the muffins while piping hot and quickly enrobe the tops with a decadent cinnamon-sugar coating.
  9. For enhanced flavor complexity, lightly brush each muffin with melted butter before rolling in the aromatic spice mixture.
  10. Allow the freshly coated muffins to rest and cool completely on a wire rack, permitting the cinnamon-sugar exterior to set delicately.

Notes

  • Prevent tough muffins by mixing the batter gently and only until ingredients are combined, which keeps the texture light and tender.
  • Swap regular milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.
  • Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the delicious cinnamon flavor.
  • For a healthier version, reduce sugar content and substitute some oil with unsweetened applesauce to lower calories while maintaining moisture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 163
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 74 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 18 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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