Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins (a.k.a. Muffin Tin Donuts)
These irresistible hybrids capture the spiced, tender crumb of a cake donut and the cozy cinnamon-sugar coating—all baked in a muffin tin. Perfect with coffee or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
· 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
· 1 ½ tsp baking powder
· ½ tsp baking soda
· ½ tsp salt
· 2 tsp ground cinnamon
· ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but classic)
· ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar
· ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
· 2 large eggs, room temperature
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or ¾ cup milk + 2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar, rested 5 mins)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
· ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
· 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
· 4–6 tbsp (55–85g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prep & Mix Dry Ingredients:
· Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
· In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
· In a large bowl, whisk sugar and oil until combined.
· Whisk in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
· Alternate additions: Add ⅓ of the flour mixture, then half the buttermilk, repeating until just combined. Do not overmix—small lumps are fine.
- Bake:
· Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about ¾ full).
· Bake 15–18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
· Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until just warm.
- Coat:
· In a shallow bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for coating.
· Brush each warm (not hot) muffin all over with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar to coat generously.
· Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
· Room temperature ingredients ensure even mixing and a tender crumb.
· Don’t overmix—stir until the flour just disappears.
· Coating while warm helps the sugar adhere, but cool enough to handle.
· Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Rewarm briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.
Variations
· Add-Ins: Fold ½ cup blueberries, diced apple, or ¼ cup sprinkles into the batter.
· Glaze Option: Skip coating and drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk).
· Sugar Swap: Use turbinado sugar for a sparkly, crunchy coating.
Why These Work
The buttermilk and oil create a moist, tender texture reminiscent of a cake donut, while the high oven temperature gives a slight “crust” that holds up to the butter and cinnamon sugar. Baking instead of frying makes them easy and less messy.
Enjoy these delightful, cozy treats with a hot cup of coffee or tea!