Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

For a treat that feels indulgent without derailing your goals, these muffins use smart swaps like Greek yogurt and whole wheat flour. The warm, spiced aroma of these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins baking is a reward in itself. It’s a smell that pulls everyone into the kitchen, promising something special is moments away. I love recipes like this one, where simple ingredients come together to create something that feels like a weekend bakery trip, but happens right on your own counter. These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are the perfect bridge between a cozy breakfast and a sweet afternoon snack. They capture all the nostalgic charm of a fresh donut—that tender crumb, the crackly cinnamon sugar coating—but in a fuss-free, muffin-shaped package that’s perfect for busy mornings or a last-minute dessert. It’s comfort food, made easy, and proof that the best baking ideas often come from combining two beloved classics.

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Ingredients List for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins start with a straightforward list of pantry staples, which is why they’re one of my favorite easy desserts with few ingredients. You likely have most of this in your cupboard right now.

For the Muffins:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier twist)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated is wonderful)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% for best texture)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted

Smart Swaps: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter and a thick, plain dairy-free yogurt. Gluten-free? A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works beautifully here. The Greek yogurt is the star for moisture, so if you swap it, aim for a similarly thick and tangy substitute.

Timing

One of the best parts of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. From bowl to bliss in under an hour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: About 35 minutes, plus a brief cooling period.

That’s nearly 50% faster than making and frying actual donuts, with all the same cozy satisfaction. It’s a regular kitchen, regular time, great results kind of recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins is a joyful, straightforward process. Follow these steps for that incredibly tender crumb.

1. Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures your spices are evenly distributed for that perfect spiced flavor in every bite.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes, until it’s light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for creating a soft texture. Don’t rush it!

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract. The batter might look a little curdled at this point—that’s perfectly fine.

4. Combine Wet and Dry. With the mixer on low speed, add about one-third of the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Follow with half of the Greek yogurt. Repeat with another third of the flour, the rest of the yogurt, and finally the remaining flour. Mix only until the last streaks of flour disappear. Overmixing is the enemy of a tender muffin!

5. Bake to Perfection. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Coat While Warm. While the muffins bake, mix the ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the butter for coating in another bowl. As soon as the muffins are cool enough to handle (but still warm), carefully dip the top of each muffin in the melted butter, then roll or dunk it in the cinnamon sugar to coat generously. Place on a wire rack to set.

Nutritional Information

Per Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffin (approximate): Calories: 280 | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Protein: 4g. The Greek yogurt adds a boost of protein and creates a wonderfully moist crumb, while the spices offer more than just flavor—cinnamon is known to help balance blood sugar.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any specialty tools for these mini desserts. A standard muffin tin, a couple of mixing bowls, a whisk, and a hand mixer or stand mixer will get the job done. A sturdy silicone spatula is helpful for folding and scraping the bowl. That’s it! Simple tools for a simply delicious result.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins Recipe

1. The Ultimate Texture: The combination of creamed butter and Greek yogurt guarantees a muffin with an unbelievably soft, tender crumb that truly mimics a cake donut.
2. Speed and Simplicity: No yeast, no proofing, no frying. This is a quick-bread method that delivers donut flavor in a fraction of the time.
3. Family-Friendly Fun: The hands-on coating step is a joy for kids (and adults!). It’s a recipe that invites participation and creates warm memories.
4. Versatile for Any Time: They’re equally welcome as a special weekend breakfast, a packed lunch treat, or a comforting after-dinner dessert with a cup of coffee.
5. Pantry-Friendly: It uses ingredients you probably already have, making it the perfect spontaneous baking project.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily tweak this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins recipe to fit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant-based butter and a thick, unsweetened coconut or soy yogurt.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the muffin batter to ½ cup and use a sugar substitute like monk fruit blend in the coating. The spices will still shine through.
• Higher Protein: Stick with full-fat Greek yogurt or even use a scoop of vanilla protein powder in place of ¼ cup of the flour (add a splash more yogurt if the batter seems thick).

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are glorious all on their own, still slightly warm from the oven. For a next-level treat, serve them with a side of homemade jam for dipping or a dollop of softly whipped cream. They pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a hot latte, or a cup of tea. For a festive brunch spread, arrange them on a platter alongside other baked favorites like my Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake or a batch of Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies. They’re the ideal portable sweet for picnics, potlucks, or a lunchbox surprise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overworking the gluten will lead to dense, tough muffins instead of a light, tender crumb.
2. Using Cold Ingredients: Room temperature butter, eggs, and yogurt emulsify better, creating a smoother, more voluminous batter. Take the extra 30 minutes to let them warm up.
3. Skipping the Creaming Step: Don’t just stir the butter and sugar together. Properly creaming them for 2-3 minutes incorporates air, which is essential for the perfect rise and texture.
4. Coating When Too Hot or Too Cold: If the muffins are piping hot, the coating butter will slide off. If they’re completely cool, the sugar won’t stick as well. Aim for that sweet spot of warm-to-the-touch.
5. Overbaking: Set a timer! Check at 18 minutes. An overbaked muffin will be dry. You want that toothpick to come out with a moist crumb or two, not completely clean.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins tasting fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The sugar coating may soften slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
• Freezer Prep: These muffins freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled and coated, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
• Reheating: For that just-baked feel, warm a muffin in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are about more than just a tasty snack. They’re about creating a little moment of warmth and sweetness in your day with minimal fuss. They prove that you don’t need fancy techniques or obscure ingredients to make something truly special. Simple ingredients, warm memories. I hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation of easy desserts with few ingredients and becomes a new favorite. If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Share your results and tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest. And if you’re looking for more simple, satisfying treats, be sure to check out my recipes for rich Brown Butter Blondies, no-bake Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats, or the protein-packed fun of Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies. Happy baking.

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