Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite

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Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts Recipe: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’re craving the sugary, cinnamon-kissed flavor of a freshly made doughnut but don’t want the hassle of frying, you’re going to fall in love with these muffins that taste like doughnuts. Light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, these baked beauties offer the best of both worlds—the softness of a muffin with the nostalgic flavor of an old-fashioned doughnut. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, they’re quick to whip up and even quicker to disappear!

Why You’ll Love These Doughnut Muffins

These muffins are the perfect solution when you want that classic doughnut flavor without the mess or calories of deep-frying. Rolled in a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating, they mimic the texture and taste of your favorite cake doughnuts while being super easy to make in your oven. This recipe is great for busy mornings, casual gatherings, or when you simply want something sweet without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make these irresistible doughnut-inspired muffins:

  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for that classic doughnut flavor)
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line with paper liners.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Nutmeg is the secret to getting that authentic doughnut flavor, so don’t skip it!

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar and egg until light and slightly frothy. Add in the oil, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

4. Combine and Mix

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy, which helps create soft, fluffy muffins.

5. Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.

6. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

While the muffins are baking, prepare the topping. In one bowl, melt the butter. In another bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.

8. Dip and Roll

While the muffins are still warm (but not too hot to handle), dip the tops in melted butter, then roll or sprinkle them generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. For extra indulgence, you can coat the entire muffin!

Tips for the Best Doughnut Muffins

Use Fresh Nutmeg

For a more intense, bakery-style flavor, grate fresh nutmeg directly into the batter.

Don’t Overmix

Mixing too much can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until the flour disappears into the batter.

Double the Coating

If you’re a cinnamon-sugar fan, make extra topping and coat the muffins twice for a doughnut-shop level finish.

Add a Filling

Feel free to get creative! Add a spoonful of fruit jam or chocolate spread in the middle of each muffin before baking for a filled doughnut muffin experience.

How to Store and Reheat Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts

These muffins taste best fresh, but they can be stored and enjoyed later too.

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unfrosted muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and coat with cinnamon-sugar after warming.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked taste.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

These doughnut muffins pair beautifully with a hot drink like coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk. Serve them alongside eggs and fruit for a complete breakfast, or pack them in lunchboxes as a sweet surprise. They also make a charming addition to brunch tables, baby showers, or birthday breakfast spreads.

Delicious Variations to Try

  • Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin pan and reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes for bite-sized treats.
  • Maple Glazed: Skip the cinnamon-sugar and dip the tops in a maple glaze for a doughnut shop-style twist.
  • Apple Cinnamon: Add ¼ cup finely chopped apples to the batter for a fall-flavored version.

A Muffin Recipe You’ll Bake Again and Again

Whether you’re a doughnut lover, a muffin fan, or somewhere in between, this recipe brings out the best of both treats. The buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, the tender, fluffy center, and the irresistible doughnut taste make these muffins a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and so good you’ll be tempted to make a double batch. Once you try these, you’ll never look at regular muffins—or doughnuts—the same way again.

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