Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy muffin, perfectly moist and tender, coated in a shimmering blanket of warm cinnamon sugar. That’s the irresistible experience awaiting you with these Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut Muffins. More than just a breakfast treat, they are a sweet promise of comfort, a delightful fusion of two beloved classics – the humble muffin and the iconic sugared doughnut – all without the fuss and mess of deep-frying. Prepare to fall in love with their fluffy texture and heavenly spiced crust.

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Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut Muffins: Your Sweet Escape

Let’s be honest, as the seasons shift, so do our cravings. Up here in the northern climes, the thought of warm weather and swimsuits might still feel a distant dream. But that’s precisely why we need moments of pure, unadulterated joy in our kitchens and on our plates. Forget the strict diets for a moment and embrace the sheer delight of these Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut Muffins! They are more than just a meal; they are an invitation to indulge, to find happiness in simple, homemade goodness. And trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I’m already having so much fun!

Embracing Comfort: A Cure for the Winter Blues

I genuinely appreciate the beauty of a fresh snowfall, the quiet hush it brings to the world outside my window. But, much like many of you, I’m more than ready to bid farewell to winter’s icy grasp. O-V-E-R it! Aren’t you? My recent escape to sunny Florida, where I basked in a glorious 82 degrees with family, certainly didn’t help my acclimatization back to sleet, freezing rain, and yet another looming snowstorm. It’s simply too much for the soul!

Desperate times, indeed, call for desperate measures – and delicious comfort food is always the answer. These incredible Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut Muffins are our rallying cry! Not only can we come together in spirit to create these wonderfully moist and tender treats, but we can also revel in the fact that we can enjoy as many as our hearts desire without a single worry about “bathing suit season” for a good long while. It’s a glorious, comforting thought, isn’t it? YAY for indulgence!

The Magic of a Doughnut, Without the Deep Fry

What truly sets these Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut Muffins apart is their uncanny ability to capture the essence of a classic sugared doughnut, all without the inevitable mess and hassle of frying. This means you get all the delightful flavor and texture you crave, but with significantly less effort and cleanup. The magic happens post-baking: after they’ve cooled slightly, each warm muffin is first lovingly dipped in melted butter, then generously coated in a shimmering mixture of granulated sugar and aromatic cinnamon. The butter acts as the perfect adhesive, ensuring every crevice of the muffin is blanketed in that irresistible sweet, spiced goodness.

It genuinely doesn’t get any better than this. Well, perhaps it does, if you decide to take a cue from my book: slice one of these beauties in half and spread on a dollop of your favorite fruit jelly. The combination of the sweet, warm muffin, the spiced sugar crust, and a burst of fruity jam creates an unparalleled taste sensation that elevates a simple breakfast into an extraordinary culinary moment. This ingenious method ensures a consistently perfect result every time, making it a go-to recipe for busy mornings or indulgent weekend brunches.

Welcoming Spring with Sweet Indulgence

With Daylight Savings Time just around the corner and the official start of spring peeking over the horizon, it’s time to shift our focus towards brighter days and lighter spirits. And what better way to usher in the new season than with a batch of these delectable muffins? They are the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee, a comforting snack on a chilly afternoon, or a delightful treat to share with loved ones.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fill your home with the enchanting aroma of baking cinnamon and sugar. Stock up on these magnificent muffins, and with every sweet bite, envision the warmth of the sun, the blossoming flowers, and the joy of warmer weather to come. These Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut Muffins aren’t just food; they’re a little ray of sunshine in every bite, helping us bridge the gap between winter’s chill and spring’s gentle embrace. Please, join me in this delicious anticipation!

Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut Muffins

Author: Mary Ann Dwyer

Yield: 8-10 muffins

Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20-22 minutes

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Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (one stick, room temperature)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
pinch of ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 cup buttermilk (room temperature for best results)
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Topping:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare an 8-10 cup standard muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or spraying generously with a non-stick cooking spray. This ensures easy removal and perfect muffins every time.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the muffins’ light texture. Add the room temperature large egg and continue to beat until it is fully blended into the mixture.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture, preventing clumps and ensuring a consistent rise.
In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Ensure these liquid ingredients are also at room temperature to prevent the butter in your batter from seizing.
Gradually add half of the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Next, add half of the buttermilk mixture and stir until moistened. Repeat this process with the remaining dry and wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough muffins. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine.
Using a large ice cream scoop, portion the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full. This leaves room for the muffins to rise beautifully without overflowing.
Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the muffin pan for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly further.
For the Topping: While the muffins are cooling, prepare your irresistible topping.
In a small, shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
In another small, shallow bowl, melt the unsalted butter.
Once the muffins are warm (not hot, not cold), dip the top of each muffin first into the melted butter, ensuring the entire top is evenly coated. Then, immediately dip the buttered top into the cinnamon sugar mixture, rolling it gently to achieve a thorough coating. Place the coated muffins back on the wire rack to set.
These delightful muffins freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep or quick breakfast options. To freeze, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. When you crave one, simply remove it from the freezer and let it defrost on a plate at room temperature. For an extra warm and fresh taste, pop it into the microwave for 10-15 seconds and enjoy it with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Pro Tips for Perfect Doughnut Muffins:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature is crucial. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth batter and a more tender, even crumb in your muffins.
Don’t Overmix: This is the golden rule for muffins! Mix the batter until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Lumps are okay; overmixing develops the gluten, leading to tough, chewy muffins instead of light, fluffy ones.
Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk on hand? No problem! You can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest of the cup with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy) to reach 1/2 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
Even Scooping: Use an ice cream scoop to ensure each muffin is the same size, promoting even baking.
Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and delicious texture.
Variations: Feel free to experiment! A tiny pinch of cardamom with the cinnamon and nutmeg can add another layer of warm spice. You could also try a maple glaze instead of the cinnamon sugar coating for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions:

These Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut Muffins are incredibly versatile. They shine brightest as a comforting breakfast alongside your morning coffee or tea. They also make an excellent addition to a brunch spread, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a simple, sweet dessert. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve them warm with a side of fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or as mentioned, a smear of your favorite fruit jelly or marmalade.

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut Muffins, Doughnut Muffins, Easy Muffin Recipe, Homemade Muffins, Sweet Breakfast Treat, Fluffy Muffins, Cinnamon Sugar Coating, No-Fry Doughnuts, Winter Comfort Food, Spring Baking

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