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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Soft, buttery baked muffins coated in cinnamon sugar for a cozy donut-inspired treat without frying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 238
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Muffins
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • 1 12-cup muffin pan standard size
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 rubber spatula or spoon for mixing batter
  • 1 wire rack for cooling

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan well or line with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until combined and no dry streaks remain.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
  6. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack while still warm.
  8. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
  9. Brush each warm muffin all over with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
  10. Serve warm or let cool completely before storing.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter or the muffins may turn dense. Coat the muffins while they are still warm so the butter and cinnamon sugar stick evenly. For mini muffins, reduce the baking time and check early.