Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe

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Indulge in the nostalgic warmth of Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins—soft, tender muffins with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that melts in your mouth. These irresistible baked treats combine the best of cinnamon donuts and classic muffins for a quick and easy breakfast or snack that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re searching for cozy, crowd-pleasing easy breakfast recipes or comfort food ideas, this cinnamon muffin recipe will quickly become your go-to.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Cuisine: American

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

• Super fluffy and tender with a soft crumb texture

• Coated in classic cinnamon sugar for that nostalgic donut flavor

• Quick and easy to whip up — perfect for busy mornings

• Great for family breakfasts, brunches, or afternoon snacks

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing — always disappears fast!

Ingredient Breakdown

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and softness.

• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.

• Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents for a light, fluffy rise.

• Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, comforting spice.

• Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness.

• Unsalted butter: For richness and flavor.

• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.

• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth.

• Additional cinnamon sugar topping: Gives that signature donut-like crunch and sweetness.

Ingredients

• 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

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Additional melted butter for brushing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pans:
   Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Mix dry ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.

3. Combine wet ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

4. Blend wet and dry:
   Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins light and fluffy.

5. Fill muffin cups:
   Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.

6. Bake:
   Bake for 15–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Prepare cinnamon sugar coating:
   While muffins bake, mix ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.

8. Coat muffins:
   As soon as muffins come out of the oven, brush tops generously with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

9. Cool and enjoy:
   Let muffins cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture!

Pro Tips for Perfect Muffins

• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and rise.

• Don’t overmix the batter to avoid dense muffins.

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or substitute half the milk with buttermilk.

• Make sure to brush the muffins with melted butter immediately after baking for the cinnamon sugar to stick perfectly.

• Muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

• Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor.

• Use almond milk or any dairy-free milk to make this dairy-free.

• Add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.

• Sprinkle with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar for a sweeter finish.

• Add a drizzle of vanilla glaze for a bakery-style treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these muffins alongside:

• A steaming cup of coffee or chai tea

• Fresh fruit or berries for a balanced breakfast

• A dollop of Greek yogurt or cream cheese spread

• A glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort combo

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Prepare batter and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh in the morning.

• Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Freezing: Freeze cooled muffins in a freezer bag up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a similar texture.

Can I make these vegan?
Swap butter for coconut oil, milk for almond or soy milk, and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

How do I keep muffins moist?
Avoid overbaking and mix ingredients gently. Adding sour cream or yogurt can also boost moisture.

Can I add fruit?
Absolutely! Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped apples, or mashed bananas for a fruity twist.

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