Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the comforting, sweet flavors of classic doughnuts without the fuss of frying, then you are going to absolutely love this Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe. These muffins capture that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating and soft, tender crumb we adore in doughnuts but come together so simply and bake in under 20 minutes. It’s like magic in muffin form, bringing the best of breakfast pastry and home-baked goodness into one easy treat you can whip up any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and moistness, all wrapped up with a golden cinnamon-sugar crust. The beauty here is in the simplicity—just pantry basics, but each one contributes to turning simple muffins into doughnut delights.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the muffins structure and that soft crumb we love.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter, balancing the cinnamon spice perfectly.
• 1 tbsp baking powder: The leavening agent responsible for light, fluffy muffins.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness pop.
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the muffins with that warm, spicy scent essential to the doughnut vibe.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture for tender muffins.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds a hint of richness.
• 3/4 cup whole milk: Provides moisture and tenderness thanks to its fat content.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the sweetness with a subtle fragrant note.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Combined with cinnamon for that classic doughnut crust.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating): Dusts the muffins with essential spicy sweetness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing): Ensures the cinnamon-sugar sticks and creates a luscious glaze.

How to Make Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by warming up your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give the cups a good grease to prevent sticking. This sets the stage for perfectly baked muffins with ease.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend of dry ingredients is where the doughnut magic begins, especially thanks to that hint of cinnamon.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the melted unsalted butter, egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This liquid mixture will add richness and moisture, key to that tender, fluffy crumb you want in your muffins.

Step 4: Bring Batter Together

Pour your wet ingredients into the dry mix and gently fold until combined. The trick here is to mix just until you no longer see dry flour; overmixing can make muffins tough, and that’s the last thing we want.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin wells, filling each about 3/4 full. This ensures the muffins have room to rise gloriously without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean, they’re ready! Let them cool just a bit to firm up before moving on.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

While the muffins are baking, mix together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This sugary spice blend will give your muffins that iconic doughnut crunch.

Step 8: Brush with Butter

Once your muffins have cooled for around five minutes, brush the tops generously with the melted butter. This step helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a gorgeous buttery sheen.

Step 9: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar

Immediately after brushing, dip each muffin top into your cinnamon-sugar mixture. Don’t be shy here—the more coating, the better, for that mouthwatering doughnut effect.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

These muffins are best enjoyed warm when their cinnamon sugar coating is still slightly melty. Grab one with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy a fabulous treat that tastes just like a freshly made doughnut.

How to Serve Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe

Garnishes

Though they’re delicious on their own, topping these muffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar can enhance that doughnut vibe. You can also drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or even a bit of melted chocolate for a decadent twist that feels indulgent yet effortless.

Side Dishes

Pairing these muffins with a fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt makes for a balanced breakfast or brunch. The fruity brightness cuts through the sugary richness perfectly, while yogurt offers a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm cinnamon spiced muffin.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, serve these muffins on a tiered cake stand surrounded by bowls of various toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or flavored butters. Turning this Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe into an interactive breakfast station is a fun and playful idea that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their delightful texture, avoid refrigerating since this can dry them out.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag and store for up to three months. When you want that doughnut goodness again, just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm muffins in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. This brings back the soft crumb and slightly crisp cinnamon-sugar coating nicely.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best here for that perfect muffin texture, but you can substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, and you may need to adjust the liquids.

Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. The flavor will still be delicious with those soft, doughnut-like qualities.

Can I add fillings or toppings inside the muffins?

For sure! Adding ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or berries to the batter before baking can elevate the muffins in exciting ways while keeping that irresistible doughnut flavor.

Why do these muffins taste like doughnuts?

The magic lies in the cinnamon-sugar coating brushed with melted butter right after baking, mimicking the classic doughnut glaze. Plus, the cinnamon in the batter gives them that warm, familiar spice.

How long will these muffins stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these muffins stay moist and tasty for up to two days at room temperature, perfect for enjoying fresh breakfasts or snacks.

Final Thoughts

This Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone who loves a sweet breakfast treat but wants something quick, easy, and less messy than fried doughnuts. It’s simple to make, yields a dozen tender, flavorful muffins, and brings a little bit of doughnut magic straight to your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that joyful, cozy feeling with your family or friends!

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