Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins – The Sweetest Way to Start Your Morning

If you’ve ever stood in front of a bakery window debating between a fluffy muffin or a sugary donut—this recipe is your dream come true. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are soft, tender muffins with the nostalgic taste of old-fashioned cinnamon sugar donuts, minus the deep frying. Instead, these are baked until golden, then brushed with butter and rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture that crackles with each bite.

Whether it’s a crisp autumn morning, a lazy weekend brunch, or just a Tuesday that needs brightening, these muffins deliver comfort, warmth, and a little bit of magic in every bite. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make with pantry staples, no mixer needed.

Let’s dive into the delicious world of donut-muffin hybrids—you’ll want to bake these again and again.

Recipe Overview

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Serving Size: 12 muffins
• Total Calories: ~190 per muffin
• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18–20 minutes

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

These muffins are far more than just sweet breakfast treats. Here’s why they’ve become a favorite in kitchens everywhere:

• No Frying, No Fuss: Get that indulgent donut flavor without a pot of hot oil.
• Tender and Buttery: Each muffin is moist with a delicate crumb, thanks to buttermilk and butter.
• That Classic Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Sweet and just the right amount of spicy, the coating is what makes them unforgettable.
• Quick to Make: From bowl to oven in 15 minutes flat.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a batch, freeze, and enjoy anytime.

Ingredient Line-Up

For the Muffins:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup whole milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

What Makes These Ingredients Shine

• Buttermilk: The not-so-secret ingredient that makes muffins super soft and tender.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture, balancing the sweetness with a slight molasses warmth.
• Cinnamon: Used in both the batter and coating for full-bodied flavor.
• Melted Butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar cling and adds that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease well with butter to keep the edges crisp.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until creamy and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or go old-school with a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry

Add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour in the buttermilk and milk, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Stir gently—don’t overmix!

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling about ¾ of the way full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar Goodness

Step 7: Cool Slightly

Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack while still warm.

Step 8: Mix the Topping

In one bowl, melt the butter. In another, stir together the cinnamon and sugar.

Step 9: Dip and Roll

Brush the tops (and sides, if you want full coverage) of each warm muffin with melted butter, then immediately roll or sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar mixture. The result? A muffin that looks—and tastes—just like your favorite donut.

How to Serve These Muffins

These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are best enjoyed warm, but they’re delightful any time of day. Try them:

• With your morning coffee for an easy breakfast.
• On a brunch board alongside fruits, eggs, and crispy bacon.
• As dessert, paired with vanilla bean ice cream.
• Packed for school or work snacks.
• On holiday mornings, served with hot cocoa or cider.

Baker’s Tips for Perfect Muffins

• Use Room Temp Ingredients: Butter, milk, and egg should be at room temperature for even mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter leads to tough muffins. Stir until the flour just disappears.
• Brush While Warm: Warm muffins absorb the butter and hold the cinnamon sugar better.
• Double Dip: For an extra thick coating, repeat the butter and sugar steps after a few minutes.
• Go Mini: Use a mini muffin pan for bite-sized versions. Bake just 10–12 minutes.

Fun Variations to Try

Want to shake things up? Here are some playful spins on the classic recipe:

1. Chocolate Chip Donut Muffins – Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter.
2. Apple Cinnamon Muffins – Add diced apples for fall vibes.
3. Pumpkin Spice Version – Sub in ¼ cup pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
4. Nutella-Stuffed Muffins – Add a spoonful of Nutella to the center of each cup.
5. Lemon Zest Glaze – Skip the sugar coating and drizzle with a lemon glaze.
6. Coconut Cinnamon Crunch – Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking.
7. Jelly-Filled – Use a piping bag to fill cooled muffins with raspberry or strawberry jam.
8. Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
9. Vegan – Use almond milk, coconut oil, and a flax egg.
10. Cinnamon Swirl Inside – Swirl a cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter before baking.

How to Store and Freeze Muffins

Storage:
Keep your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid the fridge—it dries them out.

Freezing:
Let muffins cool completely. Freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. To serve, microwave for 20 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven until warm.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools

• 12-cup Muffin Tin – For perfectly shaped muffins.
• Mixing Bowls – You’ll need at least two.
• Whisk – For dry ingredients and eggs.
• Rubber Spatula – Great for mixing without overworking the batter.
• Pastry Brush – Essential for coating with melted butter.
• Cooling Rack – Allows muffins to cool evenly and avoids sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without buttermilk?
Yes! Mix ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. Bake and coat, then store and reheat as needed.

Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?
You can, but that’s what gives them their donut-like flair. Try a glaze instead!

Can I add fruit?
Yes! Blueberries or diced apples work beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are always the first to disappear at breakfast tables. They’re quick, cozy, and taste like something from your favorite bakery—without ever leaving your kitchen. With the rich aroma of cinnamon filling the house, you’ll have everyone wandering in asking, “What smells so good?”

They’re the perfect baking project whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade treats that feel like a warm hug.

Snap a photo of your muffins and tag me—I’d love to see how they turn out in your kitchen. Happy baking!