These Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are everything you crave in a nostalgic, bakery-style treat tender, cakey muffins with that soft donut-like bite, finished with a buttery dip and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. They’re warm, cozy, and just the kind of recipe that reminds you of homemade love straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

Old-Fashioned Flavor: Like cinnamon sugar donuts but easier and baked, not fried.

Quick & Simple: No mixer or yeast, just basic pantry ingredients and one bowl.

Perfect Texture: Soft, fluffy, and light with that classic donut crumb.

Crowd-Pleaser: A family favorite for breakfast, brunch, or snacking anytime.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

These use simple, familiar ingredients you likely already have:

– All-Purpose Flour: Gives the muffins their soft, cakey structure
– Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and the cinnamon-sugar coating
– Baking Powder + Baking Soda: For that perfect fluffy rise
– Salt: Balances the sweetness
– Ground Nutmeg: Adds that nostalgic donut-shop flavor
– Egg: Binds everything and adds richness
– Milk: For moisture and tenderness
– Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds tang and keeps the muffins extra soft
– Butter: Both in the batter and for dipping the tops
– Cinnamon + Sugar (for coating): The final touch that makes them irresistible

Suggested Measurements:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• ¼ cup melted butter (for batter)
• Additional ¼ cup melted butter (for dipping)
• ½ cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin (12-cup standard size).

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, yogurt (or sour cream), and melted butter. Add to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined don’t overmix.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Pan
Spoon batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

Step 5: Bake
Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Slightly & Coat
Let muffins cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then remove. While still warm, dip the tops in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

18 minutes

Total Time:

28 minutes

Servings:

12 muffins

How to Serve These Muffins

– Warm from the oven with a hot cup of coffee or tea
– As a sweet brunch addition alongside eggs or fruit
– With a drizzle of glaze for a donut shop vibe
– In a gift box or basket for holidays or gatherings

Extra Tips

– Don’t skip the nutmeg! It gives these that authentic donut flavor.
– Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
– Double the coating if you love a thick cinnamon-sugar crust.
– Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make these in a mini muffin pan?
Yes! Reduce baking time to about 10–12 minutes and watch closely.

2. Can I use buttermilk instead of yogurt?
Absolutely substitute an equal amount of buttermilk for similar tenderness.

3. How do I keep the muffins moist?
Don’t overbake and store them in a sealed container once cooled.

4. Can I skip the butter dip?
You can, but it helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds flavor. You can brush the tops instead if preferred.

5. Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze after coating and reheat gently in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.

6. What makes them taste like donuts?
The combo of nutmeg, soft cake-like crumb, and cinnamon sugar mimics that old-school cake donut flavor.

7. Can I add fillings or mix-ins?
Try folding in a handful of mini chocolate chips or a dollop of jam in the center before baking.

8. What type of yogurt is best?
Plain Greek yogurt or regular whole milk yogurt both work great. Sour cream is also a perfect substitute.

9. Can I use oil instead of butter?
You can in the batter, but butter gives better flavor. Stick with butter for dipping.

10. Can I make these vegan?
You can try using dairy-free milk, vegan yogurt, and a plant-based butter substitute. Use a flax egg in place of the egg.

Conclusion

These Grandma’s Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are a heartwarming classic easy to make, hard to resist, and filled with that bakery-fresh flavor you crave. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or sneak one as a midnight snack, they’ll take you straight back to cozy mornings and the smell of fresh-baked goodness. Try a batch today and taste the nostalgia!

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