Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Remember that first, glorious whiff of a bakery case filled with cinnamon sugar donuts? The promise of fluffy, sweet indulgence is almost impossible to resist. But what if you could capture that same magic in a vegetarian-friendly treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a late-night craving? These vegetarian cinnamon sugar donut muffins are surprisingly simple to whip up, but can they really live up to the irresistible allure of their deep-fried cousins? Are they moist and tender, or do they fall flat? Most importantly, will they satisfy that craving for a warm, comforting, cinnamon-sugar hug?

Let’s face it, finding a delicious, quick, and vegetarian-friendly breakfast or snack option can feel like searching for a unicorn in a grocery store. We’re constantly bombarded with complicated recipes or options that just don’t quite hit the spot. This leaves many of us settling for bland, unsatisfying choices, wondering if a truly delicious and convenient vegetarian treat exists.

Get ready to toss those doubts aside! In this post, we’re sharing a recipe for vegetarian cinnamon sugar donut muffins that are so good, no one will suspect they’re baked not fried. We’ll guide you through each step, sharing insider tips and tricks to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly fluffy, bursting with flavor, and coated in that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating.

The Reasons You’ll Love These Muffins :

Before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you why these muffins are about to become your new favorite go-to treat. I’m talking about the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again, the one you’ll share with friends and family (or maybe keep all to yourself!).

• Quick and Easy: Life is busy! Who has time for complicated recipes? These muffins come together in a flash, making them perfect for those mornings when you’re short on time but still crave a special treat.
• Budget-Friendly: Let’s be real, gourmet ingredients are great, but sometimes our wallets need a break. These muffins use pantry staples, proving that deliciousness doesn’t have to break the bank.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Cinnamon and sugar are a match made in heaven, and these muffins take that classic combination to the next level. These muffins will be gone before you can say “doughnut!” I promise you!
• Versatile Treat: Breakfast? Brunch? Afternoon snack? Midnight craving? These muffins have got you covered. They’re the perfect treat for any time of day.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Baking is a science, but that doesn’t mean you need a chemistry degree to master it! Let’s break down the key ingredients and explore some handy substitutions:

Dry Ingredients : The Foundation

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our muffins. Think of it as the blank canvas upon which we’ll build our flavor masterpiece. Substitution: While all-purpose flour works best, a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend can be used for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Sugar: Ah, sugar, the ingredient that makes everything sweeter – literally! It not only adds sweetness but also helps with browning and creates a tender crumb. Substitution: Granulated sugar is classic, but other sweeteners like coconut sugar or brown sugar can add a hint of caramel flavor.
• Baking Powder: The secret ingredient behind those light and airy muffins we all know and love. It’s the magic that makes them rise! Substitution: Make sure it’s fresh for optimal rise!

Wet Ingredients : Adding Moisture and Flavor

• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the muffins, ensuring they’re not dry or crumbly. Substitution: Any plant-based milk will work, like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
• Oil: Keeps the muffins tender and moist, preventing them from drying out. Substitution: Use your favorite neutral oil, like vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil.
• Cinnamon: The star of the show! Cinnamon adds warmth and that classic donut flavor we all crave.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding a touch of sweetness and depth.

Ingredients at a Glance:

Preparation Tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your milk and eggs to room temperature before mixing ensures they incorporate evenly into the batter, leading to a smoother texture. This might seem like a small detail, but trust me, it makes a difference!

Supplies : Gathering Your Baking Arsenal

Before we embark on our muffin-making adventure, let’s gather our trusty tools:

• Two large mixing bowls: One for the wet ingredients and one for the dry ones.
• Whisk: For combining the dry ingredients and whisking the wet ingredients until smooth.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To guarantee consistent results when baking, precise measurements are essential.
• Muffin tin: The vessel in which our muffin masterpieces will bake to perfection.
• Muffin liners or cooking spray: To prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Rubber spatula: For gently incorporating the wet and dry ingredients and scraping down the sides of the bowl.

The Step-by-Step Guide : From Batter to Bliss

Alright, baking enthusiasts, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty – or should I say, doughy? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to muffin heaven:

Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will give it ample time to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare the batter.
• Use paper liners or cooking spray to line a 12-cup muffin pan. By doing this, the muffins won’t adhere to the tin.
• Mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a big bowl. This guarantees the uniform distribution of all the dry components.

Step 2: Combining the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients until it’s thoroughly blended and smooth.

Step 3: Creating the Muffin Batter

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Overmixing can produce tough muffins, so be careful.

Step 4: Baking the Muffins

• Fill each muffin cup about ¾ filled with batter, dividing it evenly.
• A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean after 18 to 20 minutes of baking.

Step 5: The Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• While the muffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping by combining the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl.
• Once the muffins are out of the oven, let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully dipping each muffin top into the melted butter, then rolling them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Delish Guru’s Tips for Muffin Mastery

Here are a few tricks of the trade to ensure your muffins are absolutely perfect:

• Mix Master, Not Mix Monster: Overmixing leads to tough muffins. Mix until just combined—light and fluffy is the goal!
• Temperature Tango: Room temperature ingredients (especially milk and eggs) are key for smooth, even baking.
• Baking Time Bliss: Don’t overbake! Keep a close eye on the timer and use the toothpick test.
• Cooling Cradle: Let muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent crumbling.
• Crunchy Top Cravings: Use turbinado or sanding sugar for an extra-crunchy topping. Their larger crystals hold up beautifully in the oven.
• Moisture Mania: Accurate measurements and avoiding overbaking are essential for moist muffins. A dollop of sour cream or applesauce can also boost moisture.

Cinnamon Sugar Muffin Recipe Variations and Customizations:

Let’s get creative in the kitchen with other variations of vegetarian cinnamon sugar donut muffins.

Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Muffins:

Indulge in the classic with a sweet twist! These fluffy muffins are bursting with cinnamon sugar flavor and topped with a luscious glaze.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins:

Get the swirl without the fuss! These muffins capture the essence of a warm cinnamon roll in a perfectly portable package.

Cranberry Muffins:

A burst of tart sweetness in every bite! These muffins are studded with juicy cranberries for a delightful balance of flavors.

Cardamom Cinnamon Sugar Muffins:

Spice up your morning! These aromatic muffins combine the warmth of cinnamon sugar with the exotic touch of cardamom.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

• Storing: Leftover muffins can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pairings: These muffins are delicious on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
• Additional Toppings: For an extra touch of indulgence, top your muffins with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of glaze, or some fresh berries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Let’s address some often asked questions that may be on your mind.

Final thoughts :

So there you have it – your new secret weapon against those pesky afternoon sugar cravings! These Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are easy to whip up, kind to your wallet, and, let’s be honest, simply delicious. Imagine: the aroma of warm cinnamon and sugar filling your kitchen, a plate of these fluffy treats cooling on the counter… are you tempted yet?

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below, I always love hearing your baking adventures! And hey, if you’re always on the lookout for simple, scrumptious recipes like this one, why not subscribe to our newsletter? We’ve got a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting just for you!

Happy baking!

Fluffy Vegetarian Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

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These irresistible muffins combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a light, fluffy texture reminiscent of a classic donut. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat anytime! They are easy to whip up, kind to your wallet, and simply delicious.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup plant-based milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for topping
• 1/2 cup ground cinnamon, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the muffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping by combining the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl.
8. Once the muffins are out of the oven, let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully dipping each muffin top into the melted butter, then rolling them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Notes

• For best results, bring milk and eggs to room temperature before mixing.
• Do not overmix the batter.
• Do not overbake the muffins.
• Let the muffins cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to help them set.

• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: vegetarian cinnamon sugar donut muffins, cinnamon sugar muffins, cinnamon sugar donut muffin