Imagine the irresistible aroma of fresh doughnuts wafting through your kitchen, but with the ease and simplicity of a muffin—this is exactly what you get with the Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe. These golden, fluffy treats are rolled in cinnamon sugar for a nostalgic finish that channels the best of a bakery doughnut, without the hassle of frying. It’s a little bit of magic for your morning routine or an afternoon pick-me-up, and you won’t believe how quickly they disappear from the plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe lies in its pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the rich butter to the classic cinnamon sugar topping, coming together to create muffins with a perfectly tender crumb and a sweet, spiced finish.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and classic muffin texture, giving these treats their signature bite.
- Granulated sugar (for batter): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the muffin base.
- Baking powder: The secret to that lovely rise and fluffy interior.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (for batter): Lends warmth and subtle spice that hints at classic doughnuts.
- Unsalted butter, melted (for batter): Infuses richness and keeps the crumb moist and tender.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
- Whole milk: Delivers moisture and a soft, tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma that enhances the doughnut illusion.
- Granulated sugar (for coating): Creates that iconic sugary crust on top.
- Ground cinnamon (for coating): Brings the doughnut flavor home with a sweet, spicy kick.
- Unsalted butter, melted (for brushing): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully and adds a touch of decadence.
How to Make Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give each cup a light greasing. This step ensures your muffins pop right out after baking, keeping their perfect shape and texture intact.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This combination creates a solid base for the Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe, ensuring every bite is sweet, spiced, and tender.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. This mixture is what gives the muffins their dreamy, doughnut-like richness.
Step 4: Make the Muffin Batter
Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold them together just until combined—overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour. The batter should look thick and lumpy (that’s a good thing!).
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the batter evenly among your muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This ensures every muffin bakes up beautifully domed, just like a doughnut.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Slide your tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for golden tops and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about five minutes—this helps set their structure.
Step 7: Prepare the Coating
While your muffins are baking, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This sweet, spicy mixture is the finishing touch that transforms these muffins into something special.
Step 8: Brush the Muffins with Butter
Once the muffins have cooled slightly but are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter. This step adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar to cling to every bite.
Step 9: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar
Immediately dip each muffin top into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating generously. This is when the Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe really lives up to its name—it’s pure breakfast treat bliss!
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the muffins warm for the ultimate doughnut-muffin experience, and watch as they disappear in a flash. Each bite is soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced.
How to Serve Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Keep things simple with a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar, or add a playful flair with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For a special occasion, top each muffin with a tiny swirl of cinnamon glaze or a few colorful sprinkles to brighten up your plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a steaming mug of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic breakfast treat. If you’re hosting brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a crisp green salad for a satisfying, balanced spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe into a brunch showstopper by arranging them on a tiered platter like a bakery display. For a fun twist, thread mini muffins onto skewers and serve as “muffin pops,” or package a few in a gift box with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Place a paper towel in the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep the muffins tasting freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe on hand for future cravings, freeze them! Place cooled muffins in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked doughnut experience, reheat muffins in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for about five minutes. This revives their soft texture and makes the cinnamon sugar topping even more fragrant.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Absolutely! While whole milk gives the richest texture, you can use 2%, skim, or even a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and you’ll still get delicious results with the Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe.
What’s the best way to prevent dry muffins?
The key is not to overmix the batter and not to overbake the muffins. Check them early, and stop mixing as soon as the wet and dry ingredients are combined. This helps ensure every muffin is moist and tender.
Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
Definitely! Simply divide the batter among mini muffin cups and start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark. They’re perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a quick snack.
Is it possible to skip the cinnamon sugar coating?
Of course! While the cinnamon sugar topping is what gives this Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe its signature flavor, you can skip it for a more classic muffin or experiment with different toppings, like powdered sugar or a vanilla glaze.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sweet treat with all the nostalgic flavors of a doughnut but want something quick and fuss-free, you can’t go wrong with the Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and the perfect excuse to bake up something special any day of the week. Give it a try and let a little bakery magic fill your kitchen!
Print
Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts blend the fluffy, moist texture of classic muffins with the sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating reminiscent of your favorite doughnut. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these treats offer all the indulgence without the deep frying.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract until well blended and smooth, creating a cohesive wet mixture.
- Make the Muffin Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and gently fold together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and tender.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin—it should come out clean. Allow muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing.
- Prepare the Coating: While the muffins bake, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl for the flavorful coating.
- Brush the Muffins with Butter: After baking and cooling for about 5 minutes, lightly brush the tops of each muffin with the melted butter to help the cinnamon-sugar stick.
- Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: Immediately dip or sprinkle the muffin tops generously into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even and flavorful coating that mimics doughnuts.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the muffins warm to best enjoy their doughnut-like texture and flavors. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack anytime.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and fluffy.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative.
- These muffins are best eaten warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can add a teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for extra warmth and spice.
- Use fresh cinnamon for the coating for the most vibrant flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
