If you’ve ever wished for the perfect blend of a cozy muffin and the sweet, nostalgic bite of a classic carnival treat, I am beyond excited to share this Muffins that Taste Like Donuts Recipe with you. These delightful muffins capture all the warm spices, sugar-dusted charm, and melt-in-your-mouth texture of a donut, but in a soft, tender muffin form. Each bite brings a little smile, whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or alongside your morning cup of coffee. Honestly, this recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for gatherings, cozy breakfasts, or whenever that sweet tooth calls.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Muffins that Taste Like Donuts Recipe is charmingly simple, relying on a handful of pantry staples that come together to create magic. Each ingredient plays its role — from the fragrant nutmeg and cinnamon adding that signature donut spice, to the neutral oil keeping the muffins tender and moist, and finally, a luscious jam center that surprises your palate with every bite.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The perfect foundation for soft yet structured muffins.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps your muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Freshly ground if possible, for that warm, comforting aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice that’s essential to the donut-like flavor.
- 1/3 cup neutral-flavored oil: Grapeseed, vegetable, or canola oil keeps the crumb soft without overpowering.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 3/4 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess that balances the sugar.
- 12 tablespoons jam of your choice: Bursting pockets of fruity goodness in every muffin.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: For dipping the muffins post-baking, adding indulgent richness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The classic donut-style coating that creates a sweet, crunch-sugar shell.
How to Make Muffins that Taste Like Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit — this ensures your muffins will bake evenly and come out with that soft yet cooked-through texture we love. In a medium bowl, gently whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. This step is key because these dry ingredients form the flavorful base of your donut-inspired muffins.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the oil, sugar, egg, and milk thoroughly. I usually whisk these together until smooth. This mixture brings moisture, sweetness, and that rich texture which sets these muffins apart from ordinary ones.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined — a few lumps are totally okay here. Overmixing can toughen the muffins, and we want them tender and soft, like a donut’s perfect crumb.
Step 4: Fill Your Muffin Tins
Grab your muffin tin and either grease it lightly or use liners. Spoon in a small scoop of batter to cover the bottom, then add a full tablespoon of your favorite jam on top. I love using raspberry or strawberry for that classic vibe, but feel free to experiment with whatever jam speaks to you! Top the jam with the rest of the batter, filling each cup almost to the top but not overflowing.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Slide your muffin tin into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn a light golden color and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The smell at this point? Pure happiness.
Step 6: Coat Your Muffins for That Donut Finish
While your muffins bake, mix together the half cup of sugar and teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once the muffins come out of the oven, immediately shake them out of the tin and while they’re still warm, dip the tops into the melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This simple step transforms your muffins into the star of any breakfast or snack time.
How to Serve Muffins that Taste Like Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
To make your muffins extra special, sprinkle a small pinch of powdered sugar on top right before serving, or drizzle with a simple homemade glaze using powdered sugar and milk. Fresh fruit, especially sliced strawberries or raspberries, pairs beautifully with the jam center and adds a splash of vibrant color.
Side Dishes
These muffins shine alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a robust black tea that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. For a heartier breakfast, serve with scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad to balance textures and flavors. They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt if you’re in the mood for something creamy and tangy.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange the muffins on a beautiful tiered cake stand and scatter edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint leaves around them. You can also create a donut-themed brunch spread with these muffins complemented by mini milk bottles, colorful jams, and cinnamon sticks as décor. It’s a delightful way to turn your kitchen creations into a festive celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these Muffins that Taste Like Donuts Recipe left after that first enthusiastic round, no worries! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week to keep them fresh and moist.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
When you want to enjoy the muffins again, simply pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then, if you wish, re-dip them quickly in melted butter and cinnamon sugar to revive that unforgettable coat of sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of jam in this Muffins that Taste Like Donuts Recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with raspberry, apricot, blueberry, or even savory jams for a unique twist. Just remember to use about a tablespoon per muffin to keep the filling balanced.
Are these muffins gluten-free friendly?
This particular recipe relies on all-purpose flour for its texture, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, preferably one formulated for baking, but expect some variance in texture.
Can I make these muffins without the jam filling?
Yes, but the jam is a key component that gives the muffins their donut-like surprise center. If you skip the jam, consider adding a bit more cinnamon and sugar or a drizzle of glaze on top for added flavor.
What type of oil works best?
Neutral oils such as grapeseed, vegetable, or canola work best because they don’t overpower the delicate spices. Olive oil is generally too strong for this recipe’s flavor profile.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just be sure to use two muffin tins or bake in batches so your muffins have enough space to rise properly. Baking time will remain about the same, but always check doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
Making these Muffins that Taste Like Donuts Recipe has truly been a joyful experience for me, and I hope it brings that same happiness to your kitchen. They capture the best of both worlds — the comfort of a muffin and the sweet indulgence of a donut — so why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this simple yet extraordinary delight? Go ahead and whip up a batch; I promise they will vanish fast and leave you craving more.
Print
Muffins that Taste Like Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Muffins that Taste like Donuts capture the sweet, comforting flavor of classic donuts in a moist, easy-to-make muffin form. Filled with your choice of jam and coated in cinnamon sugar, they offer a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or snack time, baked to golden perfection and finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly ground if possible)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup neutral-flavored oil (grapeseed, vegetable or canola)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup whole milk
Filling and Coating
- 12 Tablespoons jam of your choice
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the muffins evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon thoroughly to distribute the spices and leavening agents evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the neutral oil, granulated sugar, egg, and whole milk until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Fill Muffin Tins – First Layer. Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin tin, filling it about halfway to create a base.
- Add Jam Filling. Place 1 tablespoon of your chosen jam on top of the batter in each tin to create a fruity center.
- Top with Remaining Batter. Cover the jam with the remaining batter, filling each muffin tin nearly to the top.
- Bake the Muffins. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the muffins are fully cooked and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating. While the muffins bake, mix together 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl, and have the melted butter ready for coating.
- Coat Muffins. Immediately after removing the muffins from the oven and while they are still hot, shake them out of the muffin tins. Dip the tops of the muffins in melted butter, then roll or sprinkle them generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture for that classic donut finish.
Notes
- Use freshly ground nutmeg for the best flavor impact in the batter.
- Choose your favorite jam flavor for the filling such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot to match your taste preference.
- Dipping the muffins while hot ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks well for a crispy coating.
- Allow muffins to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning from hot jam centers.
- These muffins are best enjoyed the same day for optimal texture and flavor.
