Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

If you’ve ever wished for the cozy flavor of a cinnamon sugar donut but prefer the ease of baking, Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are here to satisfy that craving. These fluffy, golden muffins are perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, then coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture that melts in your mouth.

Not only are they completely vegetarian, but they also come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings, family gatherings, or a sweet afternoon treat. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these muffins are baked, which means less mess and a quicker cleanup.

The best part is their versatility. You can enjoy them as-is, or add your personal twist with fun toppings or flavor variations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is simple enough to follow yet impressive enough to wow anyone who takes a bite.

Ready to bring the joy of donuts into muffin form? Let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need to get started!

Nutrition Facts (Per Muffin)

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	210	10%
Total Fat	10g	15%
Saturated Fat	6g	30%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	190mg	8%
Total Carbohydrates	28g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	16g	–
Protein	3g	6%
Vitamin D	5mcg	25%
Calcium	40mg	3%
Iron	1mg	5%
Potassium	80mg	2%

Ingredients for Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Gather these simple ingredients to create fluffy, delicious muffins that capture the essence of cinnamon sugar donuts. Each ingredient plays an essential role in delivering perfect texture and flavor:

Muffin Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the batter, creating structure and fluffiness.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the muffins rise beautifully for a light texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Enhances the leavening process and balances acidity from the buttermilk.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Brings out the sweetness and depth of flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warm, aromatic spice to the batter.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) – Enhances the cinnamon for a more complex flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled – Provides richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the muffins without overpowering the spices.
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature – Helps bind the ingredients and gives structure.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the muffins soft. (Substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the muffins.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – Delivers that iconic cinnamon sugar flavor.

Instructions for Making Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Follow these easy steps to create soft, fluffy muffins with a delicious cinnamon sugar coating. Each step is designed to ensure the perfect texture and flavor:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with non-stick spray. This prevents the muffins from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures they are evenly distributed, which helps the muffins bake consistently.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding them together gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense. The batter should be slightly thick and lumpy.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the muffins are still slightly warm, prepare the coating. Melt the butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together until evenly combined.

Step 8: Coat the Muffins

Take each muffin and dip the top into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. For a thicker coating, repeat the process. Let the muffins sit for a few minutes to allow the coating to set.

Tips for Success for the perfect Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

For the best texture, ensure the eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter combine more evenly and results in fluffier muffins. If you’re short on time, place the eggs in warm water for a few minutes and warm the buttermilk slightly in the microwave.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, fold them together gently. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins as it develops too much gluten in the flour. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain.

Fill Muffin Cups Evenly

To ensure uniform baking, use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to distribute the batter evenly. Filling each muffin cup about three-quarters full gives the perfect rise without spilling over the edges.

Coat While Warm

For the cinnamon sugar to stick well, coat the muffins while they’re still slightly warm. If they cool too much, the butter and sugar may not adhere as effectively.

Customize the Spice Level

If you love a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the amount in the batter or coating. For a unique twist, try adding a pinch of cardamom, allspice, or even ginger to enhance the warm spice profile.

Make Ahead for Convenience

These muffins are perfect for preparing in advance. Bake them the night before, and store them in an airtight container. Coat them with cinnamon sugar just before serving for a fresh finish.

Freeze for Longer Storage

Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins freeze beautifully. Freeze uncoated muffins in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the cinnamon sugar coating just before serving for best results.

Variants of Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

These muffins are incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt the recipe to fit different tastes or occasions. Here are some exciting variations to try:

Flavor Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Add ½ cup of finely chopped or grated apples to the batter. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture, pairing perfectly with the cinnamon sugar topping.
• Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Replace the buttermilk with ¾ cup of pumpkin puree and increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons. Add ½ teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a cozy fall twist.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Muffins: Stir ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a rich chocolatey addition. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the finished muffins for an indulgent touch.

Topping Variations

• Glazed Donut Muffins: Instead of cinnamon sugar, dip the muffins in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. The glaze adds a classic donut-inspired sweetness.
• Maple Cinnamon Muffins: Substitute half the granulated sugar in the batter with brown sugar and drizzle the finished muffins with maple syrup or a maple glaze.
• Crunchy Streusel Topping: Skip the cinnamon sugar coating and top the muffins with a crumbly streusel before baking. Mix 3 tablespoons of butter, 3 tablespoons of flour, and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar with a pinch of cinnamon for a golden, crunchy topping.

Dietary Variations

• Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Muffins: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and swap buttermilk with almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
• Gluten-Free Muffins: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Ensure all other ingredients, including baking powder and baking soda, are certified gluten-free.
• Lower-Sugar Option: Reduce the sugar in the batter by ⅓ and use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or stevia for the coating.

Themed Muffins

• Holiday Muffins: Add festive sprinkles to the batter or coating for special occasions like Christmas or Easter.
• Cinnamon Raisin Muffins: Stir ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries into the batter for a classic cinnamon-raisin flavor.
• Carrot Cake Muffins: Incorporate ½ cup of grated carrots and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts into the batter for a spiced, hearty variation.

FAQs About Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

What’s the difference between a donut and a muffin?

The main difference lies in the texture and cooking method. Donuts are typically fried, resulting in a light, airy texture with a crispy exterior. Muffins, on the other hand, are baked and have a denser, cake-like texture. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins combine the spiced flavor of donuts with the soft, fluffy texture of muffins for the best of both worlds.

Can I bake donuts in a muffin tin?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin to bake donut-inspired treats like these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins. While traditional donuts are often fried or baked in donut-shaped pans, a muffin tin works perfectly for creating soft, round muffins with donut flavors. Simply coat the finished muffins with cinnamon sugar or glaze to complete the effect.

How do I get powdered sugar to stick to donuts?

To make powdered sugar stick to donuts (or muffins), ensure the surface is slightly moist. Lightly brushing the donuts with melted butter or a simple syrup helps the powdered sugar adhere evenly. For best results, coat the donuts when they’re still warm but not hot, as this prevents the sugar from melting.

Is an old-fashioned donut a cake donut?

Yes, an old-fashioned donut is a type of cake donut. Unlike yeast-raised donuts, cake donuts are made with a thicker batter, resulting in a denser texture. Old-fashioned donuts are often fried with a craggy exterior and finished with a glaze or powdered sugar, giving them their distinct appearance and rich flavor.

Conclusion: Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins offer the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. With their soft, spiced interiors and buttery cinnamon sugar coating, they deliver all the indulgence of classic donuts without the need for frying. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins are guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

What makes these treats even better is their versatility. With endless variations and customization options, you can create a version that fits any occasion or craving. Plus, their simple preparation means anyone—from novice bakers to seasoned pros—can whip up a batch in no time.

Now it’s your turn to try this delicious recipe. Share your creations with family and friends, or savor them all yourself. One thing’s for sure—these muffins will disappear as quickly as you make them!