Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

$Here’s what you need to make these tasty muffins: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping) - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup buttermilk - ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating) Using high-quality ingredients matters. Fresh flour gives better texture. Choose unsalted butter for control over salt. Always use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Fresh spices, like cinnamon, enhance taste. Buttermilk should be fresh for the best results. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar. For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk. You can swap unsalted butter for coconut oil if you prefer. If you want to cut sugar, use a sugar alternative, but adjust the amount since they vary in sweetness. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your muffin tin with butter or oil. You can also use paper liners for easy cleanup. This step helps your muffins release smoothly after baking. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, ½ cup of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they blend well. This ensures even flavor and helps your muffins rise perfectly. In another bowl, mix the melted butter, large egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Whisk them until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your muffins. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the batter together. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Once combined, spoon the batter into the muffin tin. Fill each cup about ¾ full to allow room for rising. Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before removing them. To keep your muffins light and fluffy, mix just enough. Overmixing makes the muffins dense. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion. It's okay if some lumps remain in the batter. These lumps help create a soft texture. For a great cinnamon-sugar coating, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Use equal parts sugar and cinnamon for the best flavor. Once your muffins cool for five minutes, roll them in the mixture while they are still warm. This helps the coating stick well and adds that sweet crunch. Baking muffins requires a few simple tricks. First, preheat your oven to the right temperature. This ensures even baking. Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full for the best rise. Avoid opening the oven door too soon; this can cause your muffins to deflate. Lastly, use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, your muffins are ready! {{image_2}} If you love chocolate, add some chocolate chips to the batter. About a half cup works well. You can also mix in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. This adds a nice crunch and rich flavor to each bite. Just fold them in gently when you mix the batter. You can change up the flavor of your muffins easily. Try using nutmeg instead of cinnamon for a warm twist. Pumpkin spice is another great option, especially in the fall. Just swap out one teaspoon of cinnamon for the same amount of your chosen spice. This keeps your muffins fun and fresh. To make these muffins vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for five minutes. Use almond milk instead of buttermilk. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the almond milk to mimic buttermilk. These changes keep the muffins moist and delicious. To keep your cinnamon sugar donut muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help keep them soft and yummy. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture. This tip makes sure the muffins stay fluffy and don't get soggy. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy your muffins later, freezing is a great option. First, let the muffins cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just take them out and thaw them at room temperature. Reheating your muffins is easy and quick. You can use the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This warms them nicely. If you want a crispier outside, heat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins inside for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps them soft inside and gives a nice crust. Enjoy your treats warm! Yes, you can use regular milk. If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for five minutes. This will make a good substitute. It gives a nice tang to the muffins. Buttermilk makes them more moist and fluffy. To check if your muffins are done, use a toothpick. Stick it in the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake a bit longer. Muffins usually bake for about 15-18 minutes at 350°F. These muffins are great on their own. You can serve them with melted chocolate for dipping. A fruit compote also pairs well. Feel free to stack them on a dessert stand for fun. They make a lovely treat for breakfast or snacks! We covered everything you need to make delicious cinnamon sugar donut muffins. You learned about the best ingredients and their quality. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide your baking. We explored tips to help you get the perfect muffins every time. You can also try fun variations and learn how to store your treats. Remember, a great muffin starts with the right methods and ingredients. Enjoy your baking journey and savor every bite!$

Indulge in the delightful taste of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins, a perfect treat for any occasion! With a warm, fluffy texture and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, these muffins are easy to make and absolutely scrumptious. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a dozen delicious muffins that are sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your baking game with these mouthwatering treats!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)

⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup buttermilk

½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined.

In another bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined – be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

While the muffins are baking, combine the ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a shallow bowl for coating.

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, remove them from the tin.

While they are still warm, roll each muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Allow to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins

- Presentation Tips: Stack the coated muffins on a tiered dessert stand for a delightful visual presentation, and serve with a side of melted chocolate or a fruit compote for dipping!