Donut Muffins: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Baked Donut Perfection

Donut muffins – the perfect marriage of two beloved treats! Imagine the tender, cakey texture of a muffin, infused with the comforting flavors of a classic donut. These little delights are incredibly easy to make, far less messy than traditional fried donuts, and bake up beautifully every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to enjoy warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated donut muffins in under an hour!

## Why You’ll Love This Donut Muffin Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** No yeast, no proofing, no deep frying! This recipe comes together in minutes using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Less Mess:** Baking instead of frying means no hot oil splatters and a much easier cleanup.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Get the kids involved in mixing, dipping, and decorating. They’ll love helping create these delicious treats!
* **Versatile:** The basic recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Experiment with different spices, glazes, and toppings to create your own signature donut muffins.
* **Perfect for Brunch or Dessert:** These muffins are equally delicious for a weekend brunch or a sweet after-dinner treat.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

### For the Muffins:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 cups (250g) – Provides the structure for the muffins. Make sure to measure accurately using the spoon and level method (spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level off with a knife).
* **Granulated Sugar:** ¾ cup (150g) – Adds sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
* **Baking Powder:** 2 teaspoons – Leavens the muffins, giving them a light and airy texture.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon – Adds that classic donut flavor.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** ¼ teaspoon – Enhances the cinnamon flavor and adds a warm, subtle spice.
* **Salt:** ¼ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Milk:** 1 cup (240ml) – Adds moisture and helps to bind the ingredients together. You can use any type of milk you prefer (dairy or non-dairy).
* **Vegetable Oil:** ¼ cup (60ml) – Adds moisture and contributes to the tender texture. You can also use melted butter or coconut oil.
* **Eggs:** 2 large – Bind the ingredients and add richness.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon – Enhances the flavor of the muffins.

### For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

* **Melted Butter:** ¼ cup (60ml) – Used for dipping the muffins, allowing the cinnamon sugar to adhere.
* **Granulated Sugar:** ½ cup (100g) – The base for the coating.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 2 teaspoons – Adds the classic cinnamon flavor to the coating.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Muffin Tin:** 12-cup muffin tin – To bake the muffins.
* **Muffin Liners (Optional):** For easy cleanup, but not necessary.
* **Mixing Bowls:** One large and one medium bowl.
* **Whisk:** To combine the dry ingredients.
* **Spatula:** To fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurement.
* **Small Bowl:** For the melted butter.
* **Shallow Dish or Plate:** For the cinnamon sugar mixture.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps for perfect donut muffins every time.

**Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin**

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well with cooking spray. This will prevent the muffins from sticking and make them easier to remove.

**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed and the baking powder is well incorporated, leading to a more consistent rise.

**Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients**

In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are well beaten to create a smooth and consistent batter.

**Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few streaks of flour are okay.

**Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups**

Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with batter. Using an ice cream scoop or a measuring cup can help ensure even distribution.

**Step 6: Bake the Muffins**

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

**Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating**

While the muffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, melt the butter. In a shallow dish or plate, combine the sugar and cinnamon.

**Step 8: Dip and Coat the Muffins**

Once the muffins are out of the oven, let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes. Then, gently remove them from the tin and dip each muffin into the melted butter, followed by the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure to coat all sides of the muffin for maximum flavor!

**Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!**

Place the coated muffins on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. These donut muffins are best enjoyed warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature.

## Tips for Perfect Donut Muffins

* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Use the spoon and level method to avoid adding too much flour. This will ensure a light and tender texture.
* **Use Fresh Baking Powder:** Baking powder loses its potency over time. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked muffins will be dry and crumbly. Check for doneness using a toothpick.
* **Let Muffins Cool Slightly Before Dipping:** If the muffins are too hot, the butter will melt too quickly and the cinnamon sugar won’t adhere properly.

## Variations and Additions

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize your donut muffins:

* **Chocolate Chip Donut Muffins:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
* **Apple Cinnamon Donut Muffins:** Add ½ cup of diced apples and ¼ teaspoon of apple pie spice to the batter.
* **Maple Glazed Donut Muffins:** Instead of the cinnamon sugar coating, drizzle the muffins with a maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.
* **Lemon Glazed Donut Muffins:** Create a lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice and lemon zest.
* **Sprinkled Donut Muffins:** Dip the muffins in melted chocolate and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cardamom, ginger, or allspice to the batter for a more complex flavor profile.
* **Extract Exploration:** Experiment with different extracts like almond, butter, or even a hint of rum extract.

## Serving Suggestions

Donut muffins are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving:

* **Brunch Board:** Include donut muffins as part of a larger brunch spread with fruit, yogurt, and other breakfast pastries.
* **Dessert Platter:** Arrange donut muffins on a dessert platter with other treats like cookies and brownies.
* **Coffee Pairing:** Serve donut muffins with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
* **Ice Cream Sundae:** Top a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a warm donut muffin for a decadent dessert.
* **Gift Giving:** Package donut muffins in a cute box or bag as a thoughtful homemade gift.

## Storage Instructions

Donut muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. Here’s how:

* **Room Temperature:** Store donut muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze donut muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

To refresh slightly stale muffins, microwave them for a few seconds or warm them in a low oven.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use a different type of flour?**

A: While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

**Q: Can I use a sugar substitute?**

A: Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Adjust the amount according to the package instructions.

**Q: Can I make these muffins vegan?**

A: Yes, you can make these muffins vegan by using plant-based milk, oil, and egg replacer.

**Q: Why are my muffins dry?**

A: Dry muffins can be caused by overbaking, using too much flour, or not enough liquid. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and bake for the recommended time.

**Q: Why are my muffins not rising?**

A: Muffins that don’t rise can be caused by using old baking powder, overmixing the batter, or not preheating the oven properly. Make sure your baking powder is fresh and follow the recipe instructions carefully.

**Q: Can I make these ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can bake the muffins ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Dip them in the butter and cinnamon sugar coating just before serving.

## Donut Muffin Recipe Card

**Yields:** 12 muffins
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

### Ingredients:

**For the Muffins:**

* 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
* ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (240ml) milk
* ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:**

* ¼ cup (60ml) melted butter
* ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

### Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.
5. Fill each muffin cup ¾ full with batter.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by melting butter in one bowl and mixing sugar and cinnamon in another.
8. Let muffins cool slightly, then dip each muffin in melted butter, followed by the cinnamon sugar mixture.
9. Place on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

## Conclusion

These donut muffins are a delicious and easy way to satisfy your donut cravings without the hassle of deep frying. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can enjoy warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated muffins in no time. So, grab your mixing bowls and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible treats! Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these donut muffins are sure to be a hit.
Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!