🛒 Ingredients
For the Muffins:
1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground nutmeg (warmth + depth)
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted + cooled
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup (½ stick / 56g) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
🔥 Pro Tip: Use real butter — it adds richness and helps the sugar cling perfectly.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a muffin tin well with butter or non-stick spray (or use paper liners — but greasing is best for browning).
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Nutmeg & cinnamon
3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk:
Melted butter
Granulated + brown sugars
Eggs
Milk
Vanilla
Mix until smooth and slightly frothy (~1 min).
4️⃣ Combine Gently
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring just until combined.
❌ Don’t overmix! A few lumps are fine — overmixing = tough muffins.
5️⃣ Fill & Bake
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups — fill each ¾ full.
Bake 15–18 minutes, until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool Slightly
Let cool in pan 5 minutes — this sets the structure.
7️⃣ Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix sugar + cinnamon.
Brush tops of warm muffins with melted butter.
Dip or roll tops in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
Fresh out of the oven — best when warm!
With coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
Packaged in a basket as a sweet gift
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌱 Gluten-Free? Swap flour for 1:1 GF blend — works beautifully
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Batter keeps 2 days in fridge — stir before baking
❄️ Freeze It! Freeze unbaked — bake from frozen (+3–5 mins)
🍯 Maple Twist: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup + add ¼ tsp extra cinnamon
🧁 Mini Muffins: Bake at 375°F for 10–12 mins — great for parties or lunchboxes
🥛 Dairy-Free? Use plant-based butter + almond or oat milk
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Brown + granulated sugar = balanced sweetness with caramel notes
Nutmeg + cinnamon = warm, nostalgic spice blend
Brushing with butter first = sugar sticks better and adds richness
Slight overfill = domed tops perfect for dipping
It’s not magic — it’s bakery-level brilliance in home-kitchen form. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Things Are Simple & Sweet
You don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good butter, real sugar, and love.
These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins prove that the most memorable treats are often the simplest — where every bite tastes like comfort, care, and childhood joy.
So next time you want to bake something beautiful…
Grab that mixing bowl.
Whip up this easy recipe.
And let your kitchen fill with the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and home-baked happiness.
Because sometimes, happiness comes dusted in sugar. 💛