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To make these tasty cinnamon sugar donut muffins, gather the following: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ⅓ cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - ½ cup whole milk - ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating) You can swap out some ingredients if you need to: - For all-purpose flour, use whole wheat flour for added fiber. - Instead of whole milk, use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. - Applesauce can be replaced with mashed banana for a different flavor. - Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free treat. - If you lack baking powder, combine ¼ teaspoon baking soda with ½ teaspoon vinegar. Measuring ingredients correctly is key to success. Here are some tips: - Use a dry measuring cup for flour and sugar. Spoon the ingredient into the cup, then level it off with a knife. - For sticky ingredients like applesauce, use a liquid measuring cup for ease. - When measuring brown sugar, pack it into the cup for accuracy. - Always check the expiration dates on baking powder and baking soda for the best rise. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, grease a muffin tin or use muffin liners. Using liners makes cleanup easier. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mixing these well ensures that your muffins rise perfectly. In a separate large bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, ½ cup of whole milk, ⅓ cup of unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay to have a few lumps; this keeps the muffins light. Overmixing can make them tough, so be careful here. Now, evenly divide the batter into the muffin tin. Fill each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Once baked, cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, gently remove them and roll each muffin in a cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm. Finally, let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy! To get the best muffin texture, mix gently. Overmixing makes muffins tough. You want to combine the wet and dry ingredients until they just come together. A few lumps are fine. This keeps the muffins light and fluffy. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend better. Applesauce adds moisture and sweetness. It also acts as a fat substitute. You can replace oil or butter with applesauce. This makes the muffins healthier. Use unsweetened applesauce for less sugar. It keeps the muffins soft and tasty. Plus, it pairs well with cinnamon. Vanilla and cinnamon boost the flavor of your muffins. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste. It adds warmth and depth. For cinnamon, use fresh ground if you can. It has a stronger flavor than store-bought. Mixing these two ingredients makes each muffin a treat. Don't skip these steps; they make a big difference! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your egg and milk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and contributes to a lighter texture in your muffins. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so keep it gentle! Check for Doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking your muffins a couple of minutes before the timer goes off. They should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted should come out clean. Coat While Warm: Rolling the muffins in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm allows the sugar to adhere better, creating an irresistible sweet crust. {{image_2}} You can add chocolate chips to your donut muffins for a sweet twist. Use about ½ cup of mini chocolate chips. Mix them into the batter before you fill the muffin cups. Each bite will burst with chocolate goodness. Kids and adults alike love this variation. The chocolate pairs well with cinnamon, making each muffin a real treat. For a fall-inspired treat, try pumpkin spice cinnamon muffins. Replace half of the applesauce with ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree. Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dry mix. This gives the muffins a warm, cozy flavor. These muffins are perfect for cool autumn days or holiday gatherings. They smell great while baking and taste even better. You can make your muffins healthier by using whole wheat flour. Swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour in the same amount. This adds fiber and nutrients. The muffins may be a bit denser, but they will still taste delicious. You can also reduce the sugar slightly or use a natural sweetener. These changes keep the flavor while making them a better choice. To keep your cinnamon sugar donut muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and keeps them soft. You can leave them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider refrigerating them. Just remember, they might dry out a bit in the fridge. If you want to save some muffins for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the muffins cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap. Next, place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature. For the best taste, reheat your muffins in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps revive their warm, soft texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat each muffin for 15 to 20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might get tough. Enjoy your warm muffins with a fresh sprinkle of cinnamon sugar! Yes, you can use self-rising flour. Just skip the baking powder and salt. Self-rising flour already has these mixed in. Your muffins will still rise well and taste great. To make these muffins vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. Use plant-based milk instead of whole milk. You can also replace melted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. If your muffins turn out dense, check your mixing method. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Make sure to mix until just combined. Also, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. If they are old, they may not work well. You can find cinnamon sugar donut muffins at many bakeries and coffee shops. Stores like Dunkin’ and Starbucks often have similar treats. Check your local grocery stores too; they may have fresh muffins in the bakery section. To sum up, we covered key muffin ingredients, step-by-step baking, and clever tips for success. You learned about ingredient substitutions and proper measurements. We shared techniques for great texture and flavor enhancements. I also discussed fun variations and how to store muffins for freshness. Finally, enjoy your baking journey. With these ideas, you can make delicious muffins that everyone loves. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Delicious muffins with a cinnamon sugar coating, reminiscent of classic donuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 0.33 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line with muffin liners.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
  • In a separate large bowl, combine ⅓ cup of sugar, egg, milk, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  • Evenly divide the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • While the muffins are baking, mix together the remaining ½ cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
  • Once the muffins are out of the oven, allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently remove them and roll each muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm.
  • Let the muffins cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Arrange the muffins on a decorative platter and dust lightly with extra cinnamon sugar for an aesthetic touch. Serve warm for the best flavor experience!
Keyword cinnamon, dessert, donut, muffins