CINNAMON SUGAR DONUT MUFFINS

These bakery-style cinnamon sugar donut muffins deliver the irresistible flavors of fried donuts, but in a quick, easy homemade muffin package. With a soft, fluffy vanilla muffin base swirled with cinnamon and coated in crispy toasted sugar, every bite mimics that melty cinnamon roll taste you crave without all the work. The streusel topping adds crunch and even more cinnamon goodness. Keep reading for the simple recipe and pro tips for donut muffin perfection.

A Cushy Donut-Style Muffin Base

Start with a basic vanilla muffin batter as the foundation. To achieve an ultra-fluffy crumb that mimics donuts, use a combo of all-purpose and cake flours.

This base strikes the ideal balance between structure from the all-purpose flour and soft tenderness from the cake flour.

Be sure not to overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients come together. Just until combined.

Double the Streusel

Add even more cinnamon crunch by reserving half the streusel topping and sprinkling over muffins right after baking.

Load Up on Cinnamon Spice

No cinnamon sugar donut would be complete without ample warming cinnamon spice. Add a generous amount of ground cinnamon - at least 1 tablespoon for a standard 12-cup muffin batch.

When swirling the cinnamon mixture into the batter, leave plenty of streaks and swirls for bites of intense cinnamon in every muffin.

A pinch of nutmeg enhances the cinnamon as well. Cinnamon toast in muffin form!

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

For even more decadence, coat hot muffins right out of the oven in cinnamon butter then cinnamon sugar for a crunchy shell.

Sweeten to Taste

Since traditional donuts are super sugary, feel free to sweeten these cinnamon donut muffins generously. Granulated and brown sugars both add wonderful molasses-like flavor.

Maple syrup or honey lend sweetness too with darker color. Just adjust liquids if using wet sweeteners.

Vanilla extract enhances the sugar flavor. Add 1-2 teaspoons.

Streusel Sprinkle

A crunchy cinnamon streusel topping mimics the crispy outer coating on classic donuts. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon until crumbly.

Sprinkle the streusel generously over the batter in muffin tins so every muffin gets topped.

For bonus texture, reserve half the streusel to sprinkle over just-baked muffins too.

Finish with Flavor

Don’t stop at cinnamon in the topping! Add nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cardamom or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mix.

Citrus zest provides bright flavor too. Try orange, lemon or lime zest.

Even a pinch of cayenne adds slight heat similar to hot sugared donuts. Get creative!

Conclusion

With a moist, tender crumb, swirls of cinnamon, sugar crusting and crispy streusel topping, these donut muffins replicate classic fried donut shop flavor in muffin form. Easy to whip up using pantry staples, they satisfy sweet cravings any time of day. The aroma of baking cinnamon muffins fills the kitchen with happiness. Enjoy this smiling treat!

FAQs

1. How long do these muffins keep?

Store airtight at room temp up to 5 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week. Freeze for longer storage.

2. What add-ins work well?

Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, raisins or dried fruit are all perfect additions.

3. Can I use Greek yogurt?

Definitely! Sub in an equal amount of yogurt for any oil.

4. How do I get the cinnamon swirl effect?

Drop cinnamon sugar batter by spoonfuls onto plain batter. Swirl with a knife or chopstick.

5. What kind of flour is best?

Use a combination of all-purpose and cake flours for an ultra-tender crumb.