Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins

There’s something inherently delightful about waking up to the smell of freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins. I remember the first time I made them; the sun was just peeking through the kitchen window, and the aroma filled the whole house. It was a chilly fall morning, the kind that makes you crave something comforting yet indulgent. These little muffins are perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple breakfast treat. As the muffins baked, their tops browned beautifully, and I couldn’t help but sneak a taste before they were even fully cooled. The crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating contrasted perfectly with the soft, fluffy interior, making each bite a little piece of heaven.

Ingredient List for Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins

The ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins are simple yet foundational to creating delightful flavors. Each component plays a key role in ensuring the muffins are soft, sweet, and ultimately satisfying. The combination of the dry and wet ingredients creates a rich batter that puffs up beautifully during baking. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients.

• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, adding richness and moisture.
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy texture and buttery flavor.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins, balancing the spices.
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds depth and moisture to the muffins.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise, creating a fluffy texture.
• ¾ cup buttermilk: Contributes to the muffins’ tenderness and adds a slight tanginess.
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the muffins, providing structure.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Infuses warm, aromatic flavors into every bite.
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Pinch of salt, optional and to taste: Balances the sweetness.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Used for coating the muffins in cinnamon sugar.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: For the cinnamon-sugar coating, providing that sweet crunch.
• 1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Additional for the coating, amplifying the flavor.

Cooking Method for Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins

Making Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins is a delightful adventure in the kitchen. With each step, you’ll be filled with anticipation as the aroma begins to fill your space. Let’s dive into the method, ensuring your muffins come out perfectly fluffy and delicious!

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab two 12-count mini muffin pans and spray them with floured cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will ensure your muffins pop out easily when they’re done baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the egg, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes light and fluffy – this should take about 3 minutes. The color will lighten and the texture will become airy.
3. Next, stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed. Now, add the buttermilk and beat for a moment until just combined. You’re looking for a smooth batter at this point.
4. Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients. To the bowl, incorporate the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and optional pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until just incorporated – be careful not to overmix, as this will make your muffins dense. The batter should be thick and somewhat lumpy.
5. Using a spoon that’s been sprayed with cooking spray, drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the prepared muffin pans, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. For even portions, I recommend dividing the batter among 24 wells to ensure a consistent size.
6. Place the muffins in the oven and bake for about 9 to 11 minutes, or until the tops are domed, springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watch them closely, as they cook quickly!
7. Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This is a crucial step, as it helps set their shape. Meanwhile, you can prepare the coating.
8. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for the coating, which will take about 1 minute on high power. Set this aside. In another small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will create the sweet, crunchy coating!
9. Once the muffins have cooled slightly, dip each muffin top into the melted butter briefly, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, roll or dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat until all muffins are coated. This step is what gives them that signature donut feel!
10. To enjoy the muffins at their best, serve them immediately. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the cinnamon-sugar coating might lose some of its crunch.

Change It Up

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore variations on the classic Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins, you’re in for a treat! These tips will help you customize your muffins and keep things exciting.

• Add chocolate chips: Incorporating chocolate chips into the batter can give these muffins a delightful surprise.
• Try different spices: Swap out some of the cinnamon for cardamom or ginger to give them a new flavor profile.
• Mix in fruits: Add some mashed bananas or even diced apples for a fruity twist.
• Use whole wheat flour: For a healthier option, substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Top with glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled muffins for a sweet finish.

What to Serve Alongside Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins

Serving Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins can be as fun as making them! Here are some suggestions to elevate your serving experience:

• Pair with coffee: Enjoy these muffins with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Great for brunch: Serve them at brunch alongside fresh fruits and yogurt for a balanced meal.
• Best with milk: A glass of cold milk goes perfectly with these sweet treats, enhancing the experience.
• Ideal for parties: Present them on a platter at gatherings and watch them disappear! They’re a crowd-pleaser.
• Seasonal appeal: These muffins make a lovely addition to fall-themed gatherings or holiday brunches.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins truly embody the essence of comfort baking. Their soft texture and sweet cinnamon coating make them irresistible to all who taste them. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. You won’t regret it; these muffins are sure to brighten any day and bring smiles to faces!

Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins. These bite-sized treats are soft, fluffy, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, making them perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, you'll want to make these again and again!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 24 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 130

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 large Egg
• 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
• ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
• ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder
• ¾ cup Buttermilk
• 1 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• Pinch of Salt, optional and to taste
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
• ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Cinnamon

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab two 12-count mini muffin pans and spray them with floured cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. 2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the egg, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes light and fluffy – this should take about 3 minutes.
3. 3. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the buttermilk and beat until just combined.
4. 4. Add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and optional pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until just incorporated.
5. 5. Using a spoon sprayed with cooking spray, drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the prepared muffin pans, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
6. 6. Place the muffins in the oven and bake for about 9 to 11 minutes, or until the tops are domed and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. 7. Allow the muffins to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the coating.
8. 8. In a small bowl, melt the butter. In another bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
9. 9. Dip each muffin top into the melted butter, then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat until all muffins are coated.
10. 10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Notes

• Watch the baking time: Since these muffins are mini, they bake quickly. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.
• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a touch of allspice or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
• Cooling time matters: Allow the muffins to cool before dipping them to prevent them from falling apart.

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Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.