There’s nothing quite like the nostalgic taste of Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins—soft, buttery, and coated in a delightful layer of cinnamon sugar. These muffins bring the comforting flavor of classic old-fashioned donuts but with the ease of a muffin.
They’re light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, making them an irresistible breakfast, snack, or dessert. Whether served warm with a cup of coffee or packed into lunchboxes, these muffins are always a hit. Best of all, they come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients!
Let’s dive into this irresistible homemade muffin recipe!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
No frying needed – Get all the flavors of a classic donut without the mess of frying!
Light and fluffy texture – These muffins are moist and soft with a tender crumb.
Perfectly spiced – The warm cinnamon sugar coating adds an extra layer of cozy flavor.
Quick & easy – No special equipment needed, just mix and bake!
Great for any occasion – Enjoy them as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup buttermilk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1: Prepare the Muffin Batter
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
2: Bake the Muffins
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Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the muffins cool slightly before coating them in cinnamon sugar.
3: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
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In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
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Brush each warm muffin with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
4: Serve & Enjoy!
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Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-spiced flavor in every bite.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing Leftovers
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Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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If storing longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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To reheat, microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the fresh-baked taste!
Freezing Instructions
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Allow muffins to cool completely before freezing.
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Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
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Freeze for up to 3 months.
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To reheat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These muffins are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even better:
With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or spiced tea.
Dipped in Warm Milk: A fun treat for kids and adults alike!
Drizzled with Glaze: Try a vanilla glaze or caramel drizzle for extra sweetness.
With Fresh Fruit: Pair with berries or sliced apples for a balanced snack.
As a Dessert: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Tips & Notes
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For extra moisture, substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for half of the buttermilk.
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No buttermilk? Mix ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
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Want a deeper flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for an old-fashioned donut taste.
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For mini muffins, reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes.
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Prefer a crunchier topping? Sprinkle a cinnamon streusel on top before baking.
Conclusion
These Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a nostalgic treat that combines the light texture of muffins with the warm, sweet flavor of cinnamon sugar donuts. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and they taste even better when served warm!
Try them out today, and let us know—do you prefer them plain, with glaze, or dunked in coffee?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different coating instead of cinnamon sugar?
Yes! You can coat the muffins with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or a vanilla glaze instead.
2. Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar instead of buttermilk.
3. Why are my muffins dry?
Overmixing the batter can lead to dry muffins. Mix until just combined, and don’t overbake!
4. Can I make these into baked donuts?
Yes! You can bake the batter in a donut pan at 350°F for 12–14 minutes instead of using a muffin tin.
5. How do I make them extra fluffy?
For extra fluffiness, whisk the egg separately until frothy before adding it to the batter.