Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

📜 Description:

These Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins combine the best of both worlds—soft, cake-like muffins with a nostalgic cinnamon sugar coating reminiscent of classic cake donuts. Perfectly sweet, lightly spiced, and easy to make without frying!

📝 Ingredients for Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Muffins:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

🧁 Instructions:

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

2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

3. Add the egg, milk, yogurt, and vanilla; mix until combined.

4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about 3/4 full).

7. Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Let muffins cool for 5 minutes, then remove from tin.

9. While still warm, dip each muffin top (or whole muffin) in melted butter, then roll or sprinkle in cinnamon sugar.

10. Serve warm or store in an airtight container.

🧠 Notes:

• Yogurt adds moisture and lightness to the texture.

• Using both white and brown sugar deepens flavor.

• Muffins are best served warm or fresh, but reheat well.

💡 Tips:

• For extra cinnamon flavor, add a pinch to the batter.

• Don’t overbake—check around the 16-minute mark.

• Use a mini muffin pan for bite-sized donut holes (reduce baking time to 10–12 mins).

• Coat only the tops if you want a less sweet version.

🍽️ Servings:

Makes 12 standard muffins
Can be doubled for a crowd or halved for small batches.

🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Muffin – Approximate):

• Calories: 220

• Carbs: 30g

• Fat: 10g

• Protein: 3g

• Sugar: 16g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 160mg

Values will vary based on exact ingredients used.

✅ Benefits:

• No frying required – healthier than traditional donuts

• Quick & easy – ready in about 30 minutes

• Versatile – great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

• Kid-friendly – fun to eat and help make

❓ Q&A:

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?
A: Yes, Greek yogurt works great and adds extra protein!

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: What if I don’t have sour cream or yogurt?
A: Substitute with buttermilk or increase milk slightly and add 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar.

Q: Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?
A: Yes, but it’s what gives these muffins their donut-like appeal!

Q: How do I reheat them?
A: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel.