Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

I have always loved the comforting smell of cinnamon and sugar baking in the kitchen. Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins bring back those warm memories of Sunday mornings spent with family. This recipe has been passed down through generations, and every time I make it, it fills the house with a delightful aroma that no one can resist. The muffins are soft, tender, and coated with a perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar, making them a wonderful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

You will love this recipe because it is incredibly easy to make, yet delivers bakery-quality results at home. The texture is light and fluffy, almost like a donut but with the simplicity and convenience of a muffin. It’s the kind of treat that appeals to all ages and can brighten up any day. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or warmed with a little butter, these muffins never disappoint.

These muffins are versatile. You can enjoy them plain or add nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of glaze if you want to get creative. They make a fantastic portable snack for school lunches or office breaks. Also, because they freeze well, you can prepare a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you want without any hassle.

This recipe is affordable. It uses simple pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon, so there is no need for expensive or hard-to-find items. You probably already have everything you need at home, which makes it perfect for last-minute baking.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Preparing these muffins is straightforward and perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. The recipe combines basic ingredients in a way that produces soft, fluffy muffins coated with a delicious cinnamon sugar crust. Here is how to make Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins step by step.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. This step ensures your muffins bake evenly and come out cleanly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients to combine well. This ensures the baking powder and cinnamon are evenly distributed, which is important for the muffins’ texture and flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is well blended.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make muffins tough rather than fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This amount allows the muffins to rise properly without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the muffins bake, mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with the tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will be used to coat the muffins.

Step 8: Coat the Muffins
As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, allow them to cool for 2 minutes. Then, while still warm, lightly brush the tops with vegetable oil or melted butter and dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating evenly on all sides. This step gives the muffins their signature cinnamon sugar “donut” finish.

This recipe is quick and easy, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish. It is also highly customizable. You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or swap the vanilla extract for almond extract to change the flavor profile. The cinnamon sugar coating can be adjusted to taste by increasing or decreasing the cinnamon ratio.

Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or a simple everyday treat. Their soft texture and sweet coating make them irresistible to both kids and adults alike. The best part is that you can whip them up with ingredients you likely have in your pantry, making this recipe both convenient and popular.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use a dairy-free milk alternative?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk without affecting the texture much.

Q: How should I store the muffins?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best to bake the muffins right after mixing for the fluffiest texture, but you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Give it a gentle stir before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have ground cinnamon?
A: You can use ground nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice as an alternative, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
A: Yes, chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips work well. Fold them gently into the batter before filling the muffin cups.

Q: How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan?
A: Use paper liners or grease the muffin tin well with oil or butter before pouring the batter.

Q: Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?
A: Absolutely! They are a delicious and satisfying breakfast option, especially when paired with a cup of coffee or tea.