Have you ever craved the irresistible sweetness of a doughnut but wanted something a little more breakfast-friendly? Well, let me introduce you to Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts. These little treats are soft, fluffy, and packed with that classic doughnut flavor you love—without the deep frying. Imagine the joy of biting into a warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated muffin that reminds you of your favorite bakery doughnuts but in muffin form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just a sweet afternoon snack, these muffins are guaranteed to hit the spot. Get ready to indulge in the perfect combination of convenience and flavor!
Why You’ll Love Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts
Here’s why these muffins are a must-try:
- Doughnut Flavor Without the Frying: These muffins capture the nostalgic taste of a freshly baked doughnut but without the need for a deep fryer or all the mess. They’re baked, not fried, so they’re a little lighter but still oh-so-delicious.
- Cinnamon Sugar Bliss: These muffins are coated in cinnamon sugar, making each bite feel like you’re indulging in something special. They’re not just muffins—they’re an experience.
- Quick and Easy: They come together in no time! Whether you’re in a rush in the morning or baking for a weekend brunch, these muffins are straightforward and easy to make.
- Perfect for Sharing: These muffins are perfect for sharing with family, friends, or co-workers. They’re the kind of treat that brings people together.

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Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card.)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups. This will ensure your muffins come out easily.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps with the rise of the muffins.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This ensures your muffins will bake up nice and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 15-minute mark.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
While the muffins are baking, mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Melt the remaining butter in a microwave-safe dish or on the stove.
Step 8: Coat the Muffins
Once the muffins are done baking and have slightly cooled (about 5 minutes), dip the tops of each muffin into the melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will give them that irresistible doughnut-like coating.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these warm for the best flavor! Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly comforting treat.
How to Serve Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts
- For Breakfast: These muffins are a great breakfast option. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of orange juice for the perfect morning combo.
- For Brunch: Serve them alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a yogurt parfait for a delicious brunch spread.
- As a Snack: They’re the perfect snack for when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite iced drink!
Additional Tips
- Try Different Flavors: Want to make these muffins even more exciting? Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a little lemon zest to the batter for a fun twist.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can lead to dense muffins, and we want them light and fluffy!
- Make Them Ahead: You can make these muffins ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 210 kcal
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 6% DV
Vitamin C: 0% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 6% DV
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A1: Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the muffins may be a bit denser. Consider using a mix of both for a lighter texture.
Q2: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A2: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just be sure to follow the instructions on your gluten-free flour packaging for best results.
Q3: How can I make these muffins dairy-free?
A3: To make these muffins dairy-free, substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of the melted butter.
Q4: Can I freeze these muffins?
A4: Yes, these muffins freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to the muffin batter?
A5: Absolutely! Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for an extra indulgent treat.
Q6: Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar coating?
A6: If you prefer, you can skip the cinnamon-sugar coating, but it really adds to the doughnut-like flavor and texture. You can also use powdered sugar for a lighter coating.
Q7: How can I make these muffins lower in sugar?
A7: You can reduce the sugar in the muffin batter by using a sugar substitute or lowering the amount of granulated sugar. For the cinnamon-sugar coating, you can also use a sugar alternative.
Q8: Can I make these muffins without eggs?
A8: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer. This will keep the muffins just as fluffy and delicious.
Q9: Can I add fruit to these muffins?
A9: Yes, you can add fruit like blueberries or diced apples to the muffin batter for a fruity twist. Just be sure not to add too much liquid fruit, as it may affect the texture.
Q10: How do I know when these muffins are done?
A10: The best way to test if these muffins are done is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the muffins are ready!
Conclusion
These Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts are a perfect blend of sweet, cinnamon-sugar goodness and fluffy muffin texture. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, serving them at a brunch, or just craving something sweet, these muffins will hit the spot every time. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious—what’s not to love? Make a batch today, and get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds!
Print
Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
These muffins have all the delicious flavor of your favorite doughnuts—light, fluffy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture! Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
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3/4 cup whole milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
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For the Muffins:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
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Make the Muffin Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
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Fill the Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 of the way full.
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Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
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Prepare the Coating: While the muffins are baking, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
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Brush the Muffins with Butter: Once the muffins are done baking and have cooled for about 5 minutes, brush the tops of each muffin with the melted butter.
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Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: Immediately dip the muffin tops into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them generously.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the muffins warm for the best flavor, and enjoy the doughnut-like goodness!
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Notes
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These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
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For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients to enhance the “doughnut” flavor even more.
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You can make a glaze instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating if you prefer a sweeter touch. Simply whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg