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Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 63 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 28-30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These muffins offer the perfect combination of fluffy, tender crumb and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that mimics the delightful flavor and texture of classic doughnuts. Ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack, they deliver the comforting taste of doughnuts in an easy-to-make muffin form.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Muffins

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coating

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter, large egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Make the Muffin Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
  5. Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow for proper rising during baking.
  6. Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  7. Prepare the Coating: While the muffins bake, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the cinnamon-sugar coating.
  8. Brush the Muffins with Butter: After baking, let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes. Then, brush the tops of each muffin generously with the melted unsalted butter to help the coating stick.
  9. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: Immediately dip the butter-brushed muffin tops into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even and thorough coating for that authentic doughnut flavor.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the muffins warm to enjoy their soft texture and sweet, cinnamon-sugar topping that mimics traditional doughnuts perfectly.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense muffins; mix until ingredients are just combined.
  • Using paper liners makes cleanup easier and keeps muffins from sticking.
  • The muffins are best enjoyed warm for optimal doughnut-like texture and flavor.
  • You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative though texture might vary slightly.
  • Brush the muffins with butter while still warm to help the cinnamon-sugar stick perfectly.