Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins (Easy, Baked & Buttery!)

These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are the perfect cross between a soft, fluffy muffin and a classic cinnamon donut — but without the frying!
Baked to golden perfection and rolled in buttery cinnamon sugar, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack anytime.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Frying Required: All the donut flavor, none of the mess.
• Soft & Fluffy Texture: Light and moist with a cakey crumb.
• Coated in Sweetness: Buttery cinnamon sugar on every bite.
• Perfect for Any Time: Great with coffee, tea, or as a dessert.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, and egg until combined.
Add buttermilk and vanilla and mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine & Bake

Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined — do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let muffins cool slightly in the tin.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon.
Dip each muffin in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite beverage — coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk! ☕🧁

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap uncoated muffins in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Muffins

• Use Fresh Leaveners: Baking powder and soda lose effectiveness over time.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: A few lumps are okay — this keeps the texture light.
• Mini Version: Use a mini muffin pan and bake for 10–12 minutes for bite-sized treats.
• Add Fillings: Try spooning in jam, Nutella, or fruit preserves before baking for a surprise center.

📊 Nutrition (Per Muffin – Approx.)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 13g
• Carbs: 30g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg

❓ FAQs

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes — add 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar to ¾ cup milk and let sit 5 minutes.

Do I have to coat them in cinnamon sugar?
Not at all! They’re delicious plain or topped with powdered sugar.

Can I freeze them?
Yes — freeze baked (uncoated) muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat when ready to serve.

What’s the texture like?
Soft, cakey, and moist — like a classic cake donut in muffin form.

✅ Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a sweet, satisfying treat that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
With their buttery coating and warm cinnamon flavor, they’ll disappear fast — so you might want to make a double batch! 😋🧁

Try them today and enjoy all the cozy flavor of a cinnamon sugar donut in muffin form!