Name: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or ground nutmeg); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg (room temperature); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 27 reviews

There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar swirling through a kitchen, and that’s exactly what you get with this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe. These little bites of joy combine the soft, tender crumb of a muffin with the irresistible coating of cinnamon sugar, making them perfect for breakfast, snack time, or anytime you want a treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Light, fluffy, and bursting with warm spice, these muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large stainless steel bowl holds soft, creamy dough that is light yellow in color and spread evenly on the bottom. The dough looks smooth with a few swirled patterns on the surface. The inside edges of the bowl have small bits of dough sticking to them, showing it was recently stirred. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the perfect muffin texture or crafting the iconic cinnamon sugar coating that makes every bite magical. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start baking:

1 ½ cups all purpose flour: Provides the structure and delicate crumb that makes each muffin tender and soft.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise beautifully, giving them just the right fluffiness.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the batter.
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or ground nutmeg): Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the spice profile.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): Makes the batter rich and moist while adding incredible flavor.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins perfectly and helps with browning.
1 egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and contributes to the tender texture.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Injects a lovely aromatic sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
½ cup whole milk: Adds moisture and helps create that soft, fluffy interior.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for coating): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully to each muffin.
½ cup sugar (for coating): The sweet base for the irresistible cinnamon sugar crust.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice giving these muffins their classic, cozy flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and take a moment to grease your mini muffin pan well – silicone pans work wonderfully for easy release. Having everything ready upfront makes the baking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and freshly grated or ground nutmeg. This combination will create the perfect base for the batter, ensuring every muffin is perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter until it’s soft and creamy (about 1 to 2 minutes). Then add in the granulated sugar and continue to beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for the muffins’ tender texture and flavor.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and creamy. This adds moisture and richness that help the muffins bake up soft and delicious.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

On low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until the flour disappears into the batter to keep it light and tender. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so be gentle.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Pan

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan. These smaller pastries bake faster and have that perfect bite-sized quality that calls for seconds.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the muffins for about 12 minutes until the tops are firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool just enough for the next step — the delicious cinnamon sugar coating.

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the muffins cool, melt the remaining butter in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple mixture transforms these muffins into memories with every bite.

Step 9: Coat Each Muffin

Dip each warm muffin first into the melted butter, then roll it generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the cinnamon sugar stick and seep into the muffin’s surface for that authentic donut feel.

Step 10: Let Flavors Develop

Place the coated muffins on a cooling rack and let them rest for about 20 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the coating set so that each nibble is perfectly sweet and spicy.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe

The image shows a small stack of golden brown muffins coated with sugar crystals that sparkle slightly. There are six muffins in total, arranged on a white plate with textured lines. The muffins have a rough, slightly crunchy texture with rounded tops that are darker than the sides. A cinnamon stick lies near the plate on a white marbled surface. In the background, a woman's hand holds a white napkin. The light is soft, creating gentle shadows and highlighting the sugary coating on the muffins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe beauties shine well on their own, but if you want a little extra touch, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. A few chopped nuts sprinkled on top add delightful crunch to the soft muffin.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with some fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to balance the sweetness. They also complement a hot cup of coffee or chai tea perfectly, making them a wonderful breakfast or brunch option.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these muffins on a pretty tiered stand at your next gathering for a charming presentation. Or serve them alongside a bowl of cinnamon spiced cream cheese or yogurt for dipping — it’s a delicious, unexpected way to enjoy every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but storing them properly will keep them soft and tasty for snacking later.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy them longer, these muffins freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, reheat muffins in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also microwave them for 15 seconds, but the oven helps keep the cinnamon sugar coating crisp and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of a mini muffin pan?

Absolutely! Just increase the baking time to about 18–20 minutes and watch carefully so they don’t overbake. The flavor remains just as delightful.

Can I substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk you prefer. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Is it okay to use ground nutmeg instead of freshly grated?

Definitely. Freshly grated nutmeg adds a bit more vibrant flavor, but ground nutmeg works perfectly well in this recipe.

Can I make these muffins larger or in a different shape?

Yes! These muffins are versatile. You can bake them in standard muffin tins or even use donut pans. Just adjust the baking time accordingly to avoid under or overbaking.

Why do the muffins need to rest after coating?

Allowing the muffins to rest gives the butter and cinnamon sugar mixture time to soak slightly into the muffin, amplifying that signature cinnamon sugar donut flavor and making every bite wonderfully moist and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe has got you covered. The combination of tender muffin and crunchy cinnamon sugar coating is pure comfort in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly these muffins become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!