Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a nostalgic treat that combine the sweet warmth of cinnamon sugar with a soft, buttery muffin interior. These muffins are a perfect breakfast or snack, and they evoke fond memories of cozy mornings in Grandma’s kitchen. With a golden, crispy cinnamon-sugar topping and a soft, fluffy texture inside, they’re a treat that anyone can’t resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy this recipe is to make yet it delivers a bakery-style muffin that’s perfect for any occasion. The cinnamon sugar topping gives these muffins a donut-like sweetness, while the fluffy interior stays moist and soft. What’s great is that they come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack. Plus, the smell of cinnamon and sugar filling the kitchen as they bake is simply irresistible. If you’re like me and love nostalgic, homemade treats, these muffins will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners or grease it well.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fill the muffin cups about ¾ full with the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
While the muffins are baking, mix the ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. While they are still warm, dip the tops of the muffins into melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Let them cool slightly before enjoying them warm!
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 muffins
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Glazed Version: Instead of the cinnamon sugar topping, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the muffins once they’ve cooled slightly.
Add-ins: For a twist, add chopped apples or berries to the batter before baking. The fruit adds extra flavor and moisture to the muffins.
Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out some or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, more wholesome version.
Pumpkin Spice: Replace the ground cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a seasonal flavor change.
Storage/Reheating
These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, you can also freeze them. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until heated through.
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FAQs
How can I make these muffins even fluffier?
To make the muffins extra fluffy, make sure to avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
Can I use almond milk or another dairy-free milk?
Yes, you can substitute almond milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free milk in place of the regular milk. Just make sure to use a variety that has a similar consistency to cow’s milk.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
I recommend using unsalted butter, but if you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by half.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, you can freeze the muffins! Simply let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can also bake these as mini loaf cakes or use a cupcake pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as the size of the muffins will affect the cooking time.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a nostalgic, comforting treat that combines the best of a muffin and a donut. Whether you’re baking them for breakfast, a snack, or just because, their warm, soft interior and sugary coating are sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries them. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation, they’re a great way to enjoy the homemade goodness of a classic treat right in your own kitchen. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe:
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Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the warm, sugary goodness of cinnamon sugar with the soft, fluffy texture of a muffin. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these homemade muffins are easy to make, filling your home with the irresistible scent of cinnamon. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting, nostalgic treat loved by all.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup milk
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners or grease it well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fill the muffin cups about ¾ full with the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the muffins are baking, mix the ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. While they are still warm, dip the tops of the muffins into melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Let them cool slightly before enjoying them warm.
Notes
For a glazed version, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the muffins once they’ve cooled slightly.
You can add chopped apples or berries to the batter for a flavor twist.
Swap out some or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a denser version.
Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a seasonal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 muffins
- Calories: 210 kcal
