Creamy, cinnamon-kissed, and delightfully bite-sized, these Donut Muffins are the kind of treat that makes a weekday morning feel like a celebration. With a tender interior, a warm nutmeg note in the batter, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that clings to every curve, they hit all the comfort-food marks. Fun fact: mini muffin pans were once sold as a way to make perfectly portioned donuts without frying — genius, right? If you enjoy quick, cozy bakes that taste like a bakery at home, these are for you.

This recipe is special because it’s simple, fast, and family-friendly. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in under an hour, and kids love dunking and rolling the warm muffins in the cinnamon sugar. If you like classic donut-style breakfasts, you might also enjoy our spin on old-fashioned flavors found here: Old-Fashioned Donut Muffins. Try these for a crowd-pleasing morning or an easy dessert — you’ll be excited to bake them again.

What is Donut Muffins?

Why call them Donut Muffins? Think of them as a cheeky mash-up: the tender crumb of a muffin combined with that crunchy, buttery, cinnamon-sugar coating you expect from a donut. Who decided a muffin could dress like a donut and still be polite about it? Maybe someone who loved both, or someone who didn’t want to stand over a fryer at dawn. Is it a muffin wearing a donut costume? Possibly. As the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these little rounds are designed to charm. Give them a try and decide what to call them — donut muffins, muffin-donuts, or simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This:

These Donut Muffins are irresistible for three big reasons:

• Comforting texture and flavor: Nutmeg in the batter and the buttery cinnamon-sugar coating create a warm, familiar profile that tastes like a bakery treat fresh from the oven. The contrast of a soft interior and a lightly crisped exterior makes every bite satisfying.
• Cost-effective and homemade: Making these at home saves money compared with store-bought donuts and lets you control ingredients. No special equipment or frying oil needed — just a mini-muffin pan and basic pantry staples.
• Versatile toppings and simplicity: The classic cinnamon-sugar finish is timeless, but you can swap toppings or add small mix-ins (like a touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of powdered sugar) to vary the flavor without complicating the method.

If you love the idea of donut-style baked goods, you may also enjoy experimenting with other glazed cake-style versions such as our chocolate-glazed option found here: Cake Donuts with Chocolate Glaze. Now go make a batch — these are begging to be shared.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward: a simple batter, a quick bake in a mini-muffin pan, and a roll in melted butter and cinnamon-sugar while warm. Expect a tender, slightly cake-like interior, a lightly spiced aroma from nutmeg, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust that adds crunch and sweetness. Total time: about 35–45 minutes including prep and baking, making it ideal for breakfasts, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients

1/2 cup white sugar — measured and ready
1/4 cup butter, melted — allow to cool slightly before mixing
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg — fresh or pre-ground
1/2 cup milk — room temperature is best for even mixing
1 teaspoon baking powder — ensures lift
1 cup all-purpose flour — spooned and leveled for accuracy
1/4 cup butter, melted (for coating) — extra for dipping warm muffins
1/2 cup white sugar (for coating) — plain granulated
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating) — mixed with sugar for rolling

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease 24 mini-muffin cups or line them with mini paper liners. Make sure the oven rack is in the center position for even baking.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the 1/2 cup white sugar and 1/4 cup melted butter until the mixture is light and slightly fluffy; about 1–2 minutes with a hand mixer or 3–4 minutes by hand. This step helps create a tender crumb.
3. Add the 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 cup all-purpose flour to the bowl. Gently fold or stir until just combined — do not overmix. A few small lumps are okay; overworking the batter can make the muffins dense.
4. Fill each mini-muffin cup about halfway with the batter. This helps the muffins bake into the right small, donut-like shape. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven runs unevenly.
5. While the muffins bake, prepare the coating: in a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup white sugar (for coating) and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating). In another small bowl, place the 1/4 cup butter, melted (for coating).
6. As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for 1–2 minutes so they’re safe to handle but still warm. Working quickly, dip each muffin in the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until thoroughly coated. Place the coated muffins on a wire rack to cool and let the coating set. Serve warm for best flavor.

What to Serve With:

• Fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad to add brightness and balance sweetness.
• A creamy yogurt or cottage cheese for a protein boost.
• Hot beverages: freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a latte complement the warm spice notes.
• Cold milk or a simple iced coffee for kids and adults alike.
• For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or a green salad to create a varied spread.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

• Ingredient swaps: You can use half-and-half or a splash of cream instead of milk for a richer batter. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and margarine.
• Don’t overmix: Mix until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten and makes muffins tougher.
• Baking time: Mini muffins bake quickly. Start checking at 15 minutes. A toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs means they’re done.
• Coating technique: Roll while still warm for the best adhesion of butter and sugar. If you wait too long, the coating won’t stick as well.
• Flavor boosts: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom to the batter for a subtle flavor lift.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

• Room temperature: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: You can refrigerate for up to 4 days, but let them come to room temperature or briefly reheat before serving.
• Freezing: Arrange muffins in a single layer on a tray to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly in an oven or microwave.
• Reheating: Warm muffins in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave one muffin for 10–15 seconds to recapture that just-baked feel. If the coating softens, pop them in the oven for a couple minutes to crisp up.

FAQs

Can I make these in a regular muffin pan instead of mini muffins?
Yes. Use a standard muffin tin and increase the baking time to about 18–22 minutes. The texture will be similar but larger in size, so check doneness with a toothpick.

Can I use a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option?
You can substitute with a granulated sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup, but texture and browning may differ slightly. The coating relies on sugar for that classic crunch.

Are these safe to freeze after coating?
Yes — freeze once fully cooled. To refresh, thaw and warm briefly in the oven to restore texture.

Can I replace nutmeg with cinnamon in the batter?
Absolutely. Swap the nutmeg for 3/4 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a stronger cinnamon flavor throughout.

How do I make them dairy-free?
Use a non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat) and a dairy-free butter substitute for both the batter and the coating. The method stays the same.

Conclusion

These Donut Muffins are a quick, nostalgic treat that combine the best of muffins and donuts without the fuss of frying. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for sharing with family or serving at a casual brunch. If you want a trusted variation to compare or expand your repertoire, see this classic Donut Muffins Recipe for another take on this favorite treat: Donut Muffins Recipe. For a no-mixer, quick-version option that’s also beginner-friendly, take a look at this helpful guide: Easy Old-Fashioned Donut Muffins Recipe (No Mixer, 45 Minutes). Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share a plate — happiness multiplies when these are passed around.