Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins have always been a favorite in my kitchen, and there's something special about sharing them with loved ones. These little muffins are the perfect blend of sweet, comforting, and oh-so-simple to make.
They bring a sense of warmth and joy, whether you're making them for a family breakfast or just because you deserve a treat.
Why I Love These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
There's something nostalgic about the flavor of cinnamon sugar that takes me back to simpler times. These muffins are not only easy to whip up, but they also deliver that familiar, comforting taste that everyone loves.
I’ve made these muffins countless times, (the first time for this post with TexanErin) and each time, they disappear almost as quickly as they come out of the oven.
These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are also a great way to use ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. With wholesome ingredients like applesauce and white whole wheat flour, they’re a treat you can feel good about sharing with your family.
Tips for the Best MUFFINS
To make sure your muffins turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:
- Don't Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, and we want them to be light and fluffy.
- The Butter Dip: After baking, dipping the muffins in melted butter before rolling them in cinnamon sugar gives them that classic donut taste and texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can skip the butter and just sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Make Them Your Own: Feel free to get creative with add-ins. A handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts can take these muffins to the next level, making them even more irresistible.
Baking these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins is more than just making a sweet treat—it's about creating moments of comfort and joy.
Whether you're enjoying them fresh out of the oven or sharing them with someone special, these muffins are sure to bring a smile to your face.
If you love these muffins, you be thrilled for these Pumpkin Donut Holes!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup (219 grams) white whole wheat or all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 grams) unrefined or granulated sugar (use ¾ cup if you like things on the sweeter side)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (230 grams) applesauce
- ½ cup (118ml) warm milk
- ½ cup (112 grams) melted refined coconut oil or canola oil
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- ⅓ cup butter, melted (or coconut oil for a vegan version)
- 3 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the applesauce, milk, oil and maple syrup.
- Add the dry mix to the wet and stir just until combined! Over-stirring will result in tough muffins.
- Fill the liners almost completely full and bake for 6-8 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- While the muffins are baking, mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Immediately turn the muffins out onto a wire rack and dip each muffin in the melted butter and then roll in the cinnamon sugar.
- Place on the wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve immediately and refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Adapted from Vegan cinnamon sugar doughnut muffins from Baker By Nature
Suzann
Monday 22nd of April 2019
Its was super ! I did not roll in the cinnamon sugar. I put blueberry in the mussfins. Its took 20 min to cook but after 15 minutes I put aluminum foil because the muffins turned brownish color I was scared the muffins burn, i I let cooking 5 min more or until toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. its a delicous muffins moist and crispy around the muffins ! pephap dont need to put aluminum foil then i think the muffins will be a little more crispy (hopely not burn need to check) and brown crispy result. This was a success ! And you can make this in version vegan if you want. For the milk i use plain soy milk ( not the unsweetened soy milk. For applesauce was ordinary not unsweetened.
Suzy
Monday 20th of November 2017
I am making these to take to a meeting and I'd hate them to be cold. What if I left them on the counter overnight like a regular muffin??
Holly
Monday 1st of June 2015
Hi! I LOVE this recipe and I make it all the time, usually double. I was just wondering if you've ever made this as a cake? I'm not sure if that would work and I'd love your opinion!
Thanks!
Betsy Eves
Tuesday 2nd of June 2015
Nope, never made it as a cake. Try it and let me know how it turns out!! :) Happy Baking!
Alecia
Saturday 14th of February 2015
Loved them. They would be amazing with apple cider, but they were perfect with a cup of tea as well. I don't have mini muffin tins so I used a donut tray and made a few regular sized muffins with the extra batter.
Betsy Eves
Thursday 19th of February 2015
Mmmmm dunking in cider would be divine!! Thanks for the feedback, Alecia!
Sherie Lynn Vela
Saturday 17th of January 2015
Fabulosos, Deliciosos! I made them 3 times!
Betsy Eves
Sunday 18th of January 2015
Wonderful! So glad you like this recipe!