Soft, buttery, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these Donut Muffins capture everything you love about a classic donut — without the frying! They’re the kind of sweet little treat that feels instantly nostalgic, perfect for cozy mornings or easy celebrations.
With a tender crumb and rich flavor, these little treats bake up light and fluffy, ready to be dipped in melted butter and rolled in sweet cinnamon goodness. If you enjoy simple, crowd-pleasing bakes, you might also love our Milk Chocolate Muffins, another soft and satisfying favorite that’s perfect with coffee.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these easy donut muffins are a cozy hug in muffin form. And if you’re planning a festive spread, don’t miss our Christmas Cookies, perfect for adding a little extra joy to the table.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (220g)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (80ml)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup whole milk (180ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
For the Coating:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (57g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (8g)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line or grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan. - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk the oil, sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Do not overmix. - Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly. - Dip each warm muffin into melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar to coat completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter — gentle folding keeps the muffins tender. Coat while the muffins are still warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly. Use fresh nutmeg for the best warm flavor.
Variations & Add-ons
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a deeper spice note. Fill muffins with a small spoonful of jam before baking for a surprise center. Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a different twist.
Nutrition Information (Per Muffin)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
Background Story
Donut muffins first became popular in American home kitchens as a clever shortcut to classic cinnamon sugar donuts without the need for deep frying.
By baking instead of frying, these treats capture all the buttery richness and sugary sparkle of donuts in a lighter, quicker-to-make form.
The texture is beautifully tender — somewhere between a fluffy muffin and a soft cake donut — making them perfect for cozy mornings, family brunches, or lazy weekend treats.
These Donut Muffins offer a little nostalgic magic in every bite, combining old-fashioned donut shop flavors with the simple comfort of homemade baking.
They’re a reminder that sometimes the best things are the simplest — and that a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can brighten any day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Donut Muffins slightly warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Pair them with a hot coffee, chai latte, or even a tall glass of cold milk for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.
They also make a wonderful addition to brunch buffets and bake sales!
FAQs About Donut Muffins
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil in the batter?
Yes!
Melted butter will make the muffins even richer, though slightly denser.
Can I make these muffins in mini muffin tins?
Absolutely.
Just reduce the baking time to about 10–12 minutes.
Can I freeze donut muffins?
Yes.
Freeze without coating, then reheat slightly and roll in fresh cinnamon sugar before serving.
What if I don’t have nutmeg?
You can substitute with extra cinnamon or leave it out — but nutmeg adds that classic donut flavor!
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter — they’ll still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
Soft, sweet, and full of cozy spice, these homemade Donut Muffins are a heartwarming treat that feels like a little celebration in every bite.
Simple, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible.
