Deliciously fluffy and perfectly spiced, Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a delightful treat that captures the essence of homemade goodness. With their tender crumb and sweet cinnamon-sugar topping, these muffins are the ultimate comfort food, ideal for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Tastes Like Donuts: These muffins deliver all the flavors of classic cinnamon sugar donuts without the need for frying.
- Versatile: Serve them warm, pair them with coffee, or enjoy them as a dessert.
- Family Favorite: A nostalgic recipe that will remind you of grandma’s warm kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- While the muffins are baking, prepare the topping by mixing ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Once baked, brush the tops of the warm muffins with melted butter and dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Let the muffins cool slightly before serving. Enjoy their fluffy, donut-like texture and delightful cinnamon flavor!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Variations
- Glazed Muffins: Instead of the cinnamon sugar topping, drizzle the muffins with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a hint of chocolate flavor.
- Apple Cinnamon: Mix in small chunks of fresh apple for a fruity touch.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, the butter with coconut oil, and the egg with a flax egg.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser. Consider using a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a balance of health and fluffiness.
2. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
3. What type of milk works best?
Any milk, including dairy-free options like almond or oat milk, works well in this recipe.
4. Can I skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
Yes, the muffins are delicious on their own, but the topping adds a delightful sweetness and texture.
5. How do I know when the muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the muffins are ready.
6. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
7. Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make great additions.
8. Are these muffins freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
9. What’s the best way to ensure fluffy muffins?
Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to prevent dense muffins.
10. Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
Yes, simply use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the comfort of homemade muffins with the indulgence of classic donuts. Perfect for any occasion, these muffins are easy to make, endlessly versatile, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later, they’re a recipe worth keeping in your collection!
Print
Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins, a delightful treat that’s irresistibly fluffy and topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast or an anytime snack!
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Add the Topping: Once muffins are warm, brush the tops with melted butter and dip each into the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow muffins to cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature for a donut-inspired treat!
Notes
- These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra flavor boost.
- Use cupcake liners to make cleanup easier.
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