These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are soft, fluffy treats bursting with warm cinnamon goodness! Coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Who can resist the smell of these baking? It’s like a cozy hug for your nose! I love having them with a cup of coffee – a simple way to brighten my day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your muffins, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you might try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works well but may need slight adjusting of liquids!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have it, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to sour – a perfect substitute!
Vegetable Oil: Using vegetable oil keeps the muffins moist, but you can substitute melted butter for a richer flavor. Coconut oil works too for a unique touch!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the muffins and adds to the crisp cinnamon sugar topping. For a healthier twist, you might try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you’re watching calories.
What’s the Best Way to Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
When making muffins, avoiding overmixing is vital for the fluffiest texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing together.
- Once you combine them, stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Stop mixing while the batter is still slightly lumpy.
- Remember, it’s normal to have some small flecks of flour! More mixing leads to denser muffins.
By keeping it light, you’ll achieve that perfect tender crumb. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake, plus an additional 5 minutes to cool. Altogether, you’ll spend around 30-35 minutes enjoying the process of creating these delightful muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure your muffins bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with some cooking spray.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until everything is well blended. This will help the leavening agents work uniformly in the batter.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients.
In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined, creating a deliciously creamy mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients.
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is thick and has a few lumps. This ensures your muffins stay light and fluffy!
5. Fill the Muffin Cups.
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This will give them just enough room to rise beautifully in the oven.
6. Bake the Muffins.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
7. Cool the Muffins.
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set and makes it easier to remove them without breaking.
8. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar.
While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter. In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each muffin in this cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re evenly coated on all sides. This step is what gives them that authentic donut taste!
9. Enjoy!
Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with a cup of your favorite beverage. Enjoy the fluffy texture and delicious cinnamon flavor!
These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime. Enjoy every soft, sugary morsel!
Can I Substitute Buttermilk in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using it in your recipe.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and a denser texture to your muffins. You may need to add a little extra liquid to keep the muffins moist, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter or buttermilk to compensate.
How to Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Mix-Ins Like Chocolate Chips or Nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to the batter for a delicious twist. Just fold them in gently with the wet and dry ingredients to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
