Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins Recipe

If you’re craving that cozy, nostalgic flavor of sugary donuts but want a quick, fuss-free way to enjoy it at home, you’re in the right place. This Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins Recipe is seriously fan-freaking-tastic — easy to whip up, perfectly bite-sized, and coated in that dreamy cinnamon sugar you know and love. Trust me, once you try these little gems, you’ll want to keep a batch ready for breakfast, snack time, or a sweet treat anytime the craving hits.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins Recipe is all about using simple, familiar ingredients that come together effortlessly. I love that the melted margarine adds moisture and richness, while the cinnamon sugar topping gives you that crispy, sweet coating that’s impossible to resist.

• White sugar: This adds the obvious sweetness and helps give the muffins a tender crumb.
• Margarine (melted): For moisture and richness; melting it ahead helps mix everything smoothly.
• Milk: Brings the batter together and keeps the muffins soft and tender.
• Baking powder: This little leavening magic makes sure your muffins rise nicely and stay light.
• All-purpose flour: The base for your muffins—easy to work with and just perfect in texture.
• Ground cinnamon (for topping): Essential for that warm, spicy flavor that pairs so well with sugar.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, so feel free to get creative with this Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins Recipe! Whether you like a bit of a twist or need a dietary swap, it’s super flexible.

• Use butter instead of margarine: Butter gives the muffins a richer, more traditional flavor—my personal favorite when I want that classic homemade vibe.
• Gluten-free version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend; just check that your blend includes baking powder for best rise.
• Add vanilla extract: A teaspoon or two mixed into the batter can amp up the flavor and make these even more irresistible.
• Cinnamon sugar variations: Try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a more complex spice flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Mini Muffin Pan

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grease your mini muffin cups really well—this is key so your tiny donuts pop out easily later. I use a quick spray or brush them with melted margarine to be sure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the white sugar, melted margarine, milk, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. The batter will look simple and smooth—make sure you don’t overmix it! A few small lumps are totally fine and help keep the muffins tender. Overmixing just makes them dense, which nobody wants.

Step 3: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, fill each mini muffin cup about halfway. They’ll puff up nicely while baking. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tops turn a light golden color. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. I usually peek around the 10-minute mark so I don’t overbake—these little muffins dry out quickly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the muffins bake, melt the margarine for the coating in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon. These will be your “icing” step so don’t skip it—it’s what transforms these muffins into mini donut magic.

Step 5: Coat the Muffins

Once the muffins come out of the oven, let them cool just enough to handle, maybe 5 minutes. Remove them from the muffin tin carefully to avoid breaking. Dip each muffin first into the melted margarine, then roll it around in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it’s fully coated. This step is so satisfying—I love how the sugar clings for that perfect crunch.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the coated muffins cool completely on a wire rack before serving. They’re delightful warm, but cooling means the sugar coating sets up nicely without being sticky. These also store well if you want to prepare ahead.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—just that classic cinnamon sugar coating does the trick—but sometimes, I sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness and a pretty finish. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or melted chocolate adds a fun twist.

Side Dishes

These mini donut muffins are perfect with a warm cup of coffee or a big mug of hot cocoa. For a brunch spread, I love pairing them with fresh fruit or yogurt—it balances out all the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I arranged them on a tiered dessert stand stacked high, like little doughnut towers. You can also place them in mini cupcake liners with cute picks for easy grab-and-go snacks that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cinnamon sugar mini donut muffins in an airtight container at room temperature and they stay soft and fresh for 2 to 3 days—if they last that long! Sometimes I’ll line the container with a paper towel to absorb any moisture.

Freezing

If I want to keep them longer, I freeze the cooled muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully and thaw quickly when you want a sweet treat on hand.

Reheating

To warm them up, I pop the muffins in the microwave for about 15 seconds. If you want that fresh-baked crispness, a quick 3-4 minute bake in a 350°F oven works wonders too—just watch them closely so they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Muffins Recipe hits all the right notes—quick prep, nostalgic flavors, and that sweet cinnamon sugar crunch that reminds me of fairgrounds. When I first tried baking these, I was surprised at how simple it is to get donut vibes without all the frying mess. My family goes crazy for these, and I bet yours will too. So grab your muffin tin, mix up this batter, and enjoy a batch of warm, cozy mini donut muffins fresh from your oven. You deserve this little sweet indulgence!

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