Imagine biting into a heavenly creation that combines the best of two worlds - the soft, tender crumb of a muffin and the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating of a classic donut. These Apple Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are about to become your new obsession, promising a burst of warm, comforting flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack, these muffins are so delicious, they'll have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 1 cup diced apples
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray, or line with paper muffin liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Carefully fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- While the muffins are baking, prepare the coating by mixing 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove the muffins from the tin and while they are still warm, roll each muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating all sides completely.
- Place the coated muffins on a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the cinnamon-sugar coating to set.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. These muffins are best enjoyed on the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Tips
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they're incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins.
- Fresh Apples Matter: Use crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg, milk, and applesauce are at room temperature for a more uniform batter.
- Coating Technique: Roll the muffins in cinnamon-sugar while they're still warm to help the coating stick better and create a delightful crispy exterior.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center of a muffin.
- Storage Tip: These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For maximum freshness, you can also freeze them for up to a month.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
