What if you could capture the magic of biting into a classic cinnamon sugar doughnut — but in a cozy, easy-to-make muffin form? That’s exactly what you get with this Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe! Each bite is springy and moist, rich with warm spices and a buttery, cinnamon-kissed topping that melts on your tongue. Whether you’re serving these at brunch, as a sweet snack, or simply treating yourself to a bit of nostalgic comfort, this recipe is sure to win over doughnut lovers and muffin fans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward — everything comes together to create the signature pillowy interior, crispy exterior, and addictive cinnamon sugar finish. Each item has its own special role, offering flavor, texture, or a golden hue.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps make the muffins tender and flavorful right from the base batter.
- Granulated sugar: Provides structure and sweetness, and doubles as the star of the classic cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Gives depth and a slightly caramel-y note for that extra “doughnut shop” taste.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and keep your muffins fluffy and moist.
- Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and brings out all the other flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Makes the crumb extra soft and keeps the muffins moist for days.
- Whole milk: Adds richness while keeping the muffins light — skim or non-dairy swaps just can’t mimic this texture.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of your muffins, giving just the right density without making them heavy.
- Baking powder: Ensures your muffins rise beautifully and have an irresistible dome.
- Baking soda: Teams up with the baking powder for an extra lift and a tender crumb.
- Ground nutmeg: A classic doughnut spice — just a touch gives an authentic old-fashioned flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for both the batter and the sparkly topping.
- Salt: Balances all the sweet notes and heightens each flavor.
- Additional granulated sugar (for topping): Delivers that signature doughnut sparkle on top.
- Additional ground cinnamon (for topping): Intensifies the warm, spiced aroma in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (melted for topping): The secret glue that helps all that cinnamon sugar stick (and adds a luscious sheen!)
How to Make Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring a golden bake from the very start. Line your muffin tin with paper liners for easy cleanup and perfectly shaped muffins, or lightly grease the cavities for classic edges.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air, giving your Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe their irresistible pillowy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Oil
One at a time, beat in the eggs, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, mixing gently until smooth — this medley keeps your muffins moist and rich.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents and that cozy doughnut spice!
Step 5: Bring Batter Together
Alternate adding the dry mixture and whole milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter — a light touch here leads to fluffier, more tender muffins.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among your muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with that signature cinnamon doughnut aroma!
Step 7: Prepare the Topping
While the muffins bake, stir together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl for the topping, and melt the additional butter in another. This duo is the secret to that perfect doughnut-like finish.
Step 8: Dip, Roll, and Serve
Once the muffins are out of the oven and just cool enough to handle, brush the tops generously with melted butter and immediately dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them thoroughly. Enjoy your Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe warm for the ultimate treat!
How to Serve Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
These muffins are stunning with their cinnamon sugar crowns, but if you want to take them over the top, try a second dip in butter and sugar for an extra-thick crust. You can also sprinkle a tiny bit of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze for added flair.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, a creamy café latte, or even a spiced chai for a quintessential bakery experience at home. For brunch spreads, a bowl of fresh berries, honey yogurt, or crispy bacon pairs beautifully with these sweet, spiced muffins.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the muffins high on a rustic wooden board, nestle them in a basket lined with a gingham napkin, or place them on a tiered cake stand for an elegant tea party. For parties or potlucks, pop each muffin in decorative paper liners and arrange them on a platter — they’ll disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The topping will stay crisp, and the inside remains deliciously moist. Just be sure the muffins have cooled completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, the Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe freezes beautifully! Arrange cooled muffins in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep for up to two months. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw at room temperature or gently reheat as below.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked aroma and slightly warm, doughnut-like bite, pop a muffin in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. If you like the topping extra-crispy, re-roll in a bit more cinnamon sugar right before serving!
FAQs
Can I make the Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe with non-dairy milk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or soy milk. While the texture may be a touch different, you’ll still get a delightfully soft crumb and delicious results.
Do I really need both baking powder and baking soda?
Absolutely! Using both gives these muffins their signature lift and lightness. The baking soda reacts with the acidic brown sugar and helps balance the flavor.
How do I prevent dry muffins?
Be careful not to overmix the batter once you combine wet and dry ingredients, and don’t overbake. Start checking your muffins at the 18-minute mark for perfect moisture every time.
Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
Definitely! Just scoop the batter into a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 10–12 minutes. They’re perfect bite-sized treats for parties or lunchboxes.
Can I double coat the muffins in cinnamon sugar?
Yes! For a thicker, crunchier, doughnut-style topping, dip each muffin in melted butter and cinnamon sugar twice. It’s a decadent twist that truly takes these Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe muffins over the top.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving bakery nostalgia or a cinnamon-sugar treat to brighten your day, this Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe is pure comfort and fun. Easy enough for any baking level and guaranteed to bring smiles, it’s one to return to again and again — so get baking, and enjoy every sweet, doughnut-y bite!
Print
Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of muffins that taste like doughnuts with this easy-to-follow recipe. These cinnamon sugar-coated treats are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a muffin tin with liners or grease it lightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and oil.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Alternate adding dry mixture and milk to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Fill muffin cups, bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare Topping: Mix sugar and cinnamon. Brush muffin tops with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Best when fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, double coat by dipping in butter and cinnamon sugar twice.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
