Bite into a Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffin and you’ll discover the ultimate marry-up of cozy, freshly-fried donuts and fluffy homemade muffins. Each muffin is wonderfully soft and pillowy inside with a shimmer of crisp cinnamon-sugar coating on top, making them taste like a treat straight from the bakery yet easy enough to whip up at home on a whim. Whether you need a show-stopping breakfast, an easy snack for busy afternoons, or a dessert that will disappear in minutes, this recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins promises instant comfort and pure joy in every bite.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins bring together simple pantry classics that each play a starring role. Every ingredient has a purpose: creating that dreamy softness, a golden crumb, and the irresistible donut shop flavor you crave.

All-purpose flour: Gives the muffins their tender, cakey structure without being too dense or heavy.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the batter and the signature crunchy topping.
Baking powder: Provides the lift that creates the fluffy, muffin-like crumb.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers that classic warmth and aroma in both the batter and the sugary finish.
Whole milk: Ensures a rich, moist texture and helps everything blend smoothly.
Large egg (room temperature): Binds the ingredients together, giving lift and a bit of richness.
Unsalted butter (melted, in the batter): Adds that unmistakable buttery softness and flavor.
Vanilla extract: Deepens and rounds out the classic bakery flavor profile.
Unsalted butter (melted, for topping): Acts as the sticky glue that lets the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully to each muffin top.
Additional granulated sugar (for topping): Creates that iconic sweet crunch with every bite.
Ground cinnamon (for topping): Intensifies the donut appeal and completes the flavor party on top.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line or grease your muffin tin generously, because the last thing you want is one of these beauties sticking! Getting the pan ready before you mix keeps the batter from sitting too long and ensures those muffins rise perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and that all-important cinnamon. Whisk just until everything looks evenly speckled—this spreads the rising power and cinnamon flavor throughout every bite.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, your room-temperature egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mixing the wet ingredients separately prevents over-mixing once the wet meets dry, which means softer muffins in the end.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir gently—just until the big streaks of flour disappear. Don’t worry if the batter looks a little runny or has a few lumps; over-mixing at this point can turn your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Pan and Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. For bite-size treats, use a mini muffin tin and bake 12 to 14 minutes; for classic full-size muffins, bake 20 to 24 minutes. They’re done when the tops spring back and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Take the muffins out of the oven and let them rest in the pan for about 5 minutes. This short rest helps them finish setting. Afterwards, transfer each delicate muffin onto a wire rack to cool completely so the cinnamon sugar sticks just right.

Step 7: Topping Time!

Once cooled, melt the butter for the topping and combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Dip the tops of each muffin into the melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them generously for that iconic, sparkling finish. Place them back on the rack and bask in their beauty—your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are ready to steal the show.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Garnishes

For a little extra dazzle, add a dusting of powdered sugar, a swirl of fresh whipped cream, or even a tiny cinnamon stick on each plate. A drizzle of warm caramel or a pinch of orange zest on top can take these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins from delicious to unforgettable, no matter the setting.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with fresh fruit—think berries, sliced apples, or citrus segments—to balance out the sweetness. For a true bakery-style brunch, serve with creamy Greek yogurt, scrambled eggs, or your favorite breakfast sausage. And of course, nothing beats a steamy mug of coffee or hot chai right alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the muffins high on a tiered cake stand for maximum “wow” factor at brunch or special gatherings. You can also slip mini Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins into parchment-lined treat bags for a fun, portable snack. For holidays, nestle them into a big basket with a few cinnamon sticks tucked in for a rustic, gift-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep them at their fluffiest, line the container with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture. This keeps that sugar topping crisp and the crumb impossibly soft.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Once they are completely cooled (and before dipping in butter and cinnamon sugar), place them in a single layer in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and finish with the buttery sugar topping for that just-baked taste.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy them warm, simply pop a muffin (or two!) into the microwave for about 10 seconds. You can also reheat in a low oven for a few minutes—just keep an eye out, so the sugar topping doesn’t melt. They’ll taste like they’ve just come out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The results will still be soft, fluffy, and full of cinnamon donut magic.

What’s the best way to prevent my muffins from sticking to the pan?

Grease your muffin tin really well, or use parchment or quality paper liners for easy removal and quick clean-up. If you do use liners, give them a light spritz of baking spray just to be safe.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can lower the sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet muffin, but keep the cinnamon sugar topping for the full donut experience. Less sugar in the topping can result in a less pronounced “donut” finish.

How do I know when my muffins are perfectly baked?

The tops of the muffins should spring back gently when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. For extra confidence, look for a pale golden color at the edges and a light, cakey smell wafting from your oven.

Can I add mix-ins to these muffins?

Definitely! A handful of mini chocolate chips, diced apples, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add a fun twist—just keep total additions to about 1/2 cup so you don’t weigh down the batter.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins in your own kitchen! They’re the kind of treat that brings smiles at breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up. Simple to make and impossible to resist, these muffins might just become your new go-to recipe for sharing (or sneaking straight from the rack!). Enjoy every bite—you deserve it!