Homemade Fluffy Donut Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar
These donut-inspired muffins remind you of classic cinnamon sugar donuts. They offer the ease of a simple homemade muffin. The muffins are soft and buttery. A cinnamon sugar coating gives you that classic donut flavour. You get this without the mess or fuss of deep frying.
They’re perfect for baking at home when you want something special but still simple. These muffins are light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious served warm, especially with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great lunchbox treat or an easy bake to share.
Watch the Video
Homemade Donut Muffins Soft, Fluffy & Coated in Cinnamon Sugar
In the video, I walk you through how to make these donut-inspired muffins. We go through the process step by step. This includes getting that lovely cinnamon sugar coating just right.
Other Recipes To Enjoy
These delicious Mint Slice Choc Bombs | Easy No-Bake Christmas Treat are perfect for any time of the year. So easy and quick to make, and very few ingredients. You could also try one of my favourite recipes: The Good Old Aussie Lamington | The Farmer’s Wife Way. Perfect to make ahead and pop in the freezer. They will thaw quickly and are the perfect weekend treat.
Homemade Fluffy Donut Muffins
Ingredients
Muffins
- 160 g butter, soft and at room temperature
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs (approx. 95 g total)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups plain flour, sifted
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 cup of milk (to loosen batter slightly) add extra if too thick
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 30 g butter, melted
Method
Preheat your oven to 170°C fan bake.
Prepare the Muffin Tray
I use non-stick muffin trays. You can use muffin papers if you prefer. If using papers, skip the tray-coating cinnamon sugar step.
Grease the sides of each muffin cup well with butter. Add 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mix to one muffin cup. Tip the tray around so the sugar coats the base and sides. Tip out any excess sugar and repeat for all muffin cups.
Make the Muffin Batter
In a mixing bowl, beat the soft butter, brown sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the remaining dry ingredients and milk, and gently fold everything together. The batter should be nice and thick. If it feels too thick, add a little milk until you reach a soft, scoopable consistency.
Using an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and the muffins are cooked through.
Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the tray. Place them onto a cooling rack.
Cinnamon Sugar Finish
Once the muffins have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the melted butter, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
For a donut-style finish, dip the entire muffin into the butter. Then roll it in the cinnamon sugar. You’ll just need a little extra melted butter for this.
Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container.
Stacey’s Kitchen Tips
- These muffins are especially good slightly warm — just pop one into the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- Make sure your butter is properly softened; this helps give you that light, fluffy texture.
- Don’t overmix once the flour goes in — gentle folding keeps the muffins soft.
Variations & Ideas
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a more classic donut flavour
- Swap brown sugar for white sugar for a lighter crumb
- Add a simple vanilla glaze instead of cinnamon sugar
- Turn them into mini muffins for bite-sized treats
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Fluffy Donut Muffins are one of those recipes that feel a little bit special. They are still easy enough to make any day of the week. They’re a lovely alternative to fried donuts and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how you enjoy them. Also, don’t forget to watch the video for all the tips along the way.
Happy baking,
Stacey 🤍
Homemade Fluffy Donut Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients
Muffins
- 160 g butter soft and at room temperature
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs approx. 95 g total
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups plain flour sifted
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 cup Milk add extra if too thick (to loosen batter slightly)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 30 g butter melted
Instructions
Method
- Preheat your oven to 170°C fan bake.
Prepare the Muffin Tray
- I use non-stick muffin trays, but you can use muffin papers if you prefer (if using papers, skip the tray-coating cinnamon sugar step).
- Grease the sides of each muffin cup well with butter. Add 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mix to one muffin cup at a time, tipping the tray around so the sugar coats the base and sides. Tip out any excess sugar and repeat for all muffin cups.
Make the Muffin Batter
- In a mixing bowl, beat the soft butter, brown sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients, milk and gently fold everything together. The batter should be nice and thick. If it feels too thick, add a little milk until you reach a soft, scoopable consistency.
- Using an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and the muffins are cooked through.
- Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tray and placing them onto a cooling rack.
Cinnamon Sugar Finish
- Once the muffins have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the melted butter, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- For an extra decadent, donut-style finish, you can dip the entire muffin into the butter and roll it in the cinnamon sugar — you’ll just need a little extra melted butter if doing this.
- Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container.
