If you love the flavor of classic cinnamon sugar donuts but want the convenience of a muffin, this recipe is going to be your new favorite. Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are soft, pillowy, and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, making them taste just like a bakery-style donut—without the frying.
These cozy treats are perfect for weekend breakfasts, easy brunch ideas, or even as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. They’re made with simple pantry staples, come together quickly, and fill your kitchen with the warm, nostalgic aroma of cinnamon sugar. Every bite is tender, sweet, and comforting—just the way Grandma used to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Donut flavor without frying: All the taste of a cinnamon sugar donut, baked instead of fried.
-
Quick + easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with basic ingredients you already have.
-
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these bite-sized cinnamon muffins.
-
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prepping snacks or breakfasts for the week.
-
Customizable: Easy to swap flavors, toppings, or add-ins.
-
Perfect for gatherings: Ideal for brunch buffets, potlucks, or bake sales.
Ingredient Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the muffins, providing structure and tenderness.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter and helps create a caramelized coating.
Baking Powder + Baking Soda: Work together to give the muffins a tall rise and fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and that signature donut-shop flavor.
Milk: Keeps the muffins soft and moist. Whole milk works best, but any milk will do.
Unsalted Butter (melted): Provides richness in the batter and helps the cinnamon sugar topping stick.
Egg: Binds the batter and adds structure.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a touch of warmth.
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: The finishing touch that makes these taste just like classic donuts.
Pro Tips
-
Don’t overmix: Stir just until ingredients come together—this keeps the muffins light instead of dense.
-
Use room-temperature ingredients: Ensures the batter blends smoothly and evenly.
-
Brush generously with butter: The coating sticks best when muffins are still warm.
-
Work quickly with cinnamon sugar: Roll the muffins right after brushing with butter for maximum coverage.
-
Enjoy warm: They taste the most like donuts when freshly baked and slightly warm.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
-
Nutmeg: Add a pinch to the batter for a classic donut-shop flavor.
-
Mini muffins: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized donut holes (reduce bake time to 10–12 minutes).
-
Glaze instead of cinnamon sugar: Dip cooled muffins in a simple vanilla or maple glaze for a frosted twist.
-
Whole wheat flour: Swap half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier muffin.
-
Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped apples, or blueberries for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are incredibly versatile and can be served in different ways:
-
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte for a cozy breakfast.
-
Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fruit for a balanced brunch.
-
Add to a holiday breakfast spread with casseroles and pastries.
-
Enjoy as an afternoon snack with milk or hot cocoa.
-
Pack into lunchboxes for a kid-approved sweet treat.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
-
Make ahead: Bake muffins the night before and coat them with cinnamon sugar the next morning for the freshest taste.
-
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
-
Reheat: Warm muffins in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving to restore that fresh-baked taste.
-
Freezing: Freeze uncoated muffins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw, warm slightly, then brush with butter and coat in cinnamon sugar before serving.
A Touch of Nostalgia
Cinnamon sugar donuts have long been a bakery classic, often found at diners, fairs, and coffee shops. This recipe takes that timeless flavor and transforms it into a baked muffin that’s easier, faster, and less messy than frying. Many home bakers grew up enjoying recipes like this from their grandmothers, passed down through family kitchens—simple, reliable, and delicious. Baking these muffins is more than just making a treat—it’s bringing a little piece of comfort food history into your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these muffins without paper liners?
A: Yes, just grease your muffin tin well with butter or cooking spray.
Q: Do these muffins taste exactly like donuts?
A: They capture the same fluffy texture and cinnamon sugar flavor of donuts, but without frying. Think of them as a baked donut hybrid.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Butter provides the best flavor and richness, but margarine will work in a pinch.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe doubles well, making it perfect for parties or holiday baking.
Q: How do I make them extra fluffy?
A: Be careful not to overmix the batter and bake just until a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking will dry them out.
Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While muffins bake, mix ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
- As soon as muffins come out of the oven, brush tops with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Let muffins cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture!
