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To make delicious cinnamon sugar donut muffins, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar (plus 1/4 cup for coating) - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus 1 tablespoon for coating) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating) Each ingredient plays a key role. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the muffins rise. Ground cinnamon brings warmth, and salt enhances flavor. Unsalted butter adds richness, while eggs bind everything together. Buttermilk keeps the muffins moist and tender. Finally, vanilla extract infuses a lovely aroma. Using fresh ingredients matters. They ensure your muffins taste their best. Check your pantry before you start. If you need more tips, look at the Full Recipe for guidance! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. I like to prepare my muffin tin by greasing it lightly or using paper liners. This makes removing the muffins easy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing well ensures a fluffy texture in your muffins. In a separate medium bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 cup of buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and flavor. Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. With a spatula, gently fold them together. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined. Some small lumps are fine. Over-mixing can make muffins tough. Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about 3/4 full. This gives the muffins room to rise. I like to use an ice cream scoop for even portions. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check if they are ready, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they are done. Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a sweet finish, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating while they bake. Mix 1/4 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This adds an amazing crunch to your muffins. For the full recipe, refer back to the ingredients list mentioned earlier. Enjoy your delicious and soft cinnamon sugar donut muffins! Over-mixing can make muffins tough. You want them soft and fluffy. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Use a spatula and fold until just combined. A few lumps are okay. This keeps the muffins light. To bake perfect muffins, watch the time closely. Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Remember, each oven is different. You might need more or less time. The cinnamon sugar coating is key for flavor. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Once the muffins are warm, brush them with melted butter. Roll them in the cinnamon sugar mix. Make sure they are fully coated. This adds a sweet crunch that everyone loves. For the complete baking experience, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make these donuts even better by adding chocolate chips. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich taste. Just fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. This addition will bring a wonderful sweetness to each bite. Plus, the melted chocolate will blend nicely with the cinnamon sugar outside. These muffins become a treat for both chocolate and cinnamon lovers! If you want a unique taste, try adding nutmeg. Nutmeg gives a warm, spicy flavor that pairs well with cinnamon. Simply replace half of the cinnamon in the recipe with nutmeg. For example, if you use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. This small change can make your muffins stand out. It adds a cozy feel, perfect for chilly mornings. If you need a gluten-free option, it’s easy to adapt this recipe. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best results. This will help keep the muffins soft and fluffy. Just swap the flour in the recipe, and follow the same instructions. You’ll still enjoy the same great taste without the gluten! Check the Full Recipe to see the original ingredients. To keep your cinnamon sugar donut muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb extra moisture. This will keep the muffins soft and tasty. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider the next steps. Reheating your muffins is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This will warm them up quickly. Just be careful not to overheat; you want them soft, not tough! Freezing is a great way to save your muffins for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped muffins in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or reheat them straight from the freezer. Enjoy the softness and flavor of these muffins any time! For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section. You can check if the muffins are done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. This usually takes about 18-20 minutes of baking. I always recommend keeping an eye on them during the last few minutes. Oven times can vary. Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time! You can bake them and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about two days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them. Just let them cool completely before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute. Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor and acidity. It works perfectly in this recipe! You can find these delightful muffins at many local bakeries. Some grocery stores may also carry them in their bakery section. If you want fresh ones, try making them at home using the Full Recipe. It’s fun and easy! In this article, we explored how to make delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins. We detailed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfect results. I also shared variations to suit your taste and storage methods to keep your muffins fresh. Make these muffins for a tasty treat at any time. You can enjoy them fresh or save some for later. Baking at home can be fun and rewarding. Now, it’s your turn to try this great recipe!

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins that are perfectly fluffy and coated with a sweet crunch! This easy recipe will delight your taste buds and fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy these delicious treats at home.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar (plus 1/4 cup for coating)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus 1 tablespoon for coating)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard muffin tin by greasing it lightly or lining each cup with paper liners for easy removal.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and salt. Ensure that everything is well combined to create a uniform dry mixture.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract with a whisk until smooth and well blended.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the combinations together using a spatula, just until incorporated. Avoid over-mixing; it’s perfectly fine if a few small lumps remain.

          Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup approximately 3/4 full to allow room for rising.

            Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean when they are ready.

              Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the muffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until evenly combined.

                Cool Muffins: Once the muffins are done, allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the muffins from the tin and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.

                  Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops of each muffin with the melted butter. Then, roll each muffin generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring that they are fully coated for an irresistible sweet crunch.

                    Final Cooling: Allow the coated muffins to cool completely on the wire rack before serving, ensuring all those delicious flavors settle in.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins

                        - Presentation Tips: Arrange the muffins on a decorative plate, dust with a little extra cinnamon sugar for allure, and serve with a side of cream cheese frosting for dipping!