This delightful recipe for mini frosted cinnamon donut muffins brings together the irresistible combination of warm, spicy cinnamon and sweet, creamy frosting. Tucked into a tender, donut-like muffin, it's a treat you'll be proud to serve at any gathering or simply enjoy on your own.
The ingredients for this recipe are fairly common and are likely to be found in most household kitchens. However, if you find you're missing anything, your local supermarket should stock them all. The recipe calls for margarine in both the muffin and the sugar mixture, which gives a lovely soft texture and a slightly different taste to butter. Nutmeg adds a warm, spicy note. Ground nutmeg can be found in the spice aisle but for an even better flavor, consider grating your own.
Frosted Cinnamon Donut Muffin Ingredients
White sugar: This is a common ingredient in many desserts. It adds sweetness to the muffin and makes it more enjoyable.
Margarine: Margarine makes the muffin soft and adds a unique flavor. It's also used in the sugar mixture.
Ground nutmeg: This provides a warm, spicy note to the muffin.
Milk: Milk is used for moisture and to help with the consistency of the muffin batter.
Baking powder: It's a leavening agent that helps the muffin rise.
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the muffin batter. It's what gives the muffin its structure.
Ground cinnamon: It's used in the sugar mixture to provide a warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
Butter: In the frosting, butter adds creaminess and a rich flavor.
Cream cheese: It's used in the frosting to add a tangy note and creamy texture.
Vanilla: This is used in the frosting for added sweetness and flavor.
One reader, Jewelle Everett says:
These mini frosted cinnamon donut muffins are a delightful treat! The fluffy texture and the perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar make them irresistible. The frosting adds a creamy touch that takes them to the next level. I can't resist having just one - they're simply addictive!
Techniques Required for Making Cinnamon Donut Muffins
How to prepare the donut muffin batter: Combine sugar, margarine, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir in milk, then add baking powder and flour until just combined. Fill greased mini muffin cups about half full.
How to bake the donut muffins: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the filled muffin cups for 13-16 minutes, or until the muffin tops are lightly golden.
How to make the cinnamon sugar coating: In a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup of sugar with ground cinnamon. Once the muffins are baked, remove them from the cups, dip them in melted margarine, and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
How to prepare the frosting: Blend butter, sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and a small amount of milk until smooth and creamy. Once the muffins have cooled, add the frosting to the top of each muffin.
How To Make Mini Frosted Cinnamon Donut Muffins
Cinnamon lovers will enjoy these perfectly sweet mini donut muffins. To top it all off, they have a smooth cream cheese frosting.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Donut Muffin:
- ½cupwhite sugar
- ¼cupmargarine,melted
- ¾tspground nutmeg
- ½cupmilk
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1cupall purpose flour
For Cinnamon Sugar:
- ¼cupmargarine,melted
- ½cupwhite sugar
- 1tspground cinnamon
For Frosting:
- ⅛cupbutter,softened
- 1½cupsugar
- 2ozcream cheese,softened
- ½tspvanilla
- milk,until desired consistency
Instructions
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In a large bowl, mix sugar, margarine, and nutmeg. Stir in milk, then baking powder and flour until just combined. Fill greased mini muffin cups about half full.
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Bake at 375 degrees F for 13 to 16 minutes, until the muffin tops are lightly golden.
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In a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup of sugar with the cinnamon. Removed baked muffins from the cup and dip in ¼ cup melted margarine and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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While muffins are cooling, blend all frosting ingredients. Add to top of muffins and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 307.36kcal
- Fat: 11.55g
- Saturated Fat: 3.79g
- Trans Fat: 1.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.63g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.47g
- Carbohydrates: 50.71g
- Fiber: 0.43g
- Sugar: 42.31g
- Protein: 1.73g
- Cholesterol: 11.30mg
- Sodium: 113.86mg
- Calcium: 49.62mg
- Potassium: 35.86mg
- Iron: 0.60mg
- Vitamin A: 38.18µg
- Vitamin C: 0.01mg
Helpful Technique for Making Mini Frosted Cinnamon Donut Muffins
To ensure your muffins have a light and fluffy texture, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to gluten development which can make your muffins tough. Just stir until the ingredients are just combined, it's okay if there are a few lumps. Also, when dipping the muffins in the cinnamon sugar mixture, make sure the muffins are still warm. The heat helps the margarine and sugar to adhere better, giving you a more even and delicious coating.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Preparation: Gather all ingredients and equipment before starting. This will help you work efficiently and avoid any last-minute trips to the store.
Organization: Keep your kitchen organized by cleaning as you go. This will save time and make the cooking process more enjoyable.
Multi-tasking: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as preparing the frosting while the muffins are baking, to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Time management: Plan your steps in advance and follow the recipe closely to streamline the cooking process and avoid any unnecessary delays.
Efficient tools: Use efficient kitchen tools and gadgets to simplify tasks, such as using a stand mixer for the frosting to save time and effort.
Prioritize: Focus on the most time-consuming tasks first, such as baking the muffins, and then work on the simpler components while they are in the oven.
Clean as you go: Keep your work area clean and organized by washing dishes and utensils as you progress through the recipe to minimize clutter and save time at the end.
Substitute Ingredients For Mini Frosted Cinnamon Donut Muffins Recipe
margarine - Substitute with butter: Butter can provide a richer flavor and better texture in the donut muffins.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a subtle nutty flavor to the muffins.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and extra nutrients to the donut muffins.
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar provides a slightly caramel-like flavor and is a lower glycemic alternative to white sugar.
nutmeg - Substitute with cinnamon: Cinnamon can be used as a substitute for nutmeg to add warmth and spice to the donut muffins.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a leavening agent and will react with the acidity in other ingredients to help the muffins rise.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the frosting.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the frosting.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the frosting.
Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Donut Muffins
Elevate the donut muffins: Arrange the mini frosted cinnamon donut muffins on a pristine white plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Pair the soft, pillowy donut muffins with a delicate drizzle of the creamy frosting, creating a textural contrast that delights the palate.
Utilize garnishes: Sprinkle a dusting of ground nutmeg over the plate to enhance the aroma and add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Balance the colors: Consider incorporating a pop of color by adding a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint to the plate, creating a visually stunning and appetizing display.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the muffins in a circular pattern, ensuring a balanced and harmonious presentation that showcases the meticulous attention to detail.
Highlight the frosting: Use a piping bag to elegantly drizzle the frosting over the muffins, creating a visually captivating design that showcases the artistry of the dish.
Incorporate height: Place the muffins on a raised pedestal or cake stand to add dimension to the presentation, drawing the eye to the exquisite arrangement of the delectable treats.
Create a focal point: Position a single muffin as the centerpiece of the plate, surrounded by a complementary arrangement of the remaining muffins, drawing attention to the star of the dish.
Emphasize precision: Ensure that each muffin is uniformly coated with the cinnamon sugar and frosted with precision, reflecting the dedication to culinary craftsmanship.
Utilize negative space: Allow for ample white space on the plate to frame the muffins, creating a clean and sophisticated presentation that exudes refinement and sophistication.
Essential Tools for Making Mini Frosted Cinnamon Donut Muffins
- Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for mixing ingredients, often made of stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in both liquid and dry form.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients, typically made of metal or silicone with a handle.
- Muffin tin: A specialized baking pan with individual cup-shaped depressions used to bake muffins or cupcakes.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food by providing controlled heat.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients, often made of silicone or metal.
- Pastry brush: A cooking utensil with bristles used for spreading butter, oil, or glaze onto food.
- Cooling rack: A metal rack used to cool baked goods by allowing air to circulate around them.
- Electric mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients, available in hand-held and stand mixer versions.
- Piping bag: A cone-shaped bag used to pipe semi-solid foods by pressing them through a narrow opening at one end.
- Offset spatula: A kitchen tool with a long, narrow blade and angled handle, used for spreading frosting and smoothing batters.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cinnamon Donut Muffins
Allow the mini frosted cinnamon donut muffins to cool completely before storing them. This will prevent the frosting from melting and the muffins from becoming soggy.
Place the cooled muffins in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If stacking the muffins, place a layer of wax paper or parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
Store the muffins at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze the muffins, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when they were frozen.
Freeze the muffins for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
If you prefer warm muffins, you can reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Note: Freezing the muffins may cause the frosting to lose some of its texture and appearance, but they will still taste delicious!
How To Reheat Leftover Donut Muffins
To reheat leftover mini frosted cinnamon donut muffins, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the frosting starts to melt slightly. This method will help restore the muffins' texture and flavor, making them taste almost as good as freshly baked.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the muffins on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 10-15 seconds. Check the muffins and continue heating them in 5-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the frosting to melt and the muffins to become soggy.
For a crispy exterior, you can also reheat the muffins in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat the muffins for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the frosting starts to melt slightly. This method will help restore the muffins' crispy texture and delicious flavor.
If you want to enjoy your leftover mini frosted cinnamon donut muffins with a cold twist, consider crumbling them over a bowl of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, spiced muffin crumbles and cool, creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Interesting Fact About Cinnamon Donut Muffins
The mini frosted cinnamon donut muffins recipe is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of a classic donut with the convenience of a muffin. These mini muffins are perfect for serving at brunches, parties, or as a sweet snack. The combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar creates a warm and comforting flavor profile that is sure to please any palate. Additionally, the frosting adds a creamy and indulgent touch to the muffins, making them even more irresistible. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a dessert, these mini frosted cinnamon donut muffins are a delightful addition to any occasion.
Is Making Mini Frosted Cinnamon Donut Muffins at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this mini frosted cinnamon donut muffins recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. Margarine, sugar, flour, and cream cheese are commonly found in households, making this recipe relatively cost-effective. However, the use of nutmeg and vanilla may slightly increase the overall cost. Considering the yield and the satisfaction it brings, this recipe rates a solid 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly treat.
Are These Donut Muffins Healthy or Unhealthy?
This mini frosted cinnamon donut muffin recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The recipe is high in sugar, with white sugar being a primary ingredient in both the muffin and the frosting. Additionally, the use of margarine and butter adds saturated fat to the recipe. The all-purpose flour used is likely refined, which means it lacks the beneficial fiber and nutrients found in whole grain flours. Overall, this recipe is more of an indulgent treat than a nutritious snack.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace some or all of the white sugar with a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or dates
- Use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content
- Swap out the margarine for coconut oil or a healthier plant-based alternative
- Reduce the amount of sugar and fat in the frosting, or opt for a lighter glaze instead
- Incorporate some finely grated carrots or zucchini into the muffin batter for added nutrients and moisture
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors without increasing the sugar content
- Experiment with using applesauce or mashed bananas to replace some of the fat in the recipe
Editor's Opinion on These Mini Frosted Cinnamon Donut Muffins
The mini frosted cinnamon donut muffins recipe is a delightful twist on classic flavors. The combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar creates a warm and comforting aroma, while the creamy frosting adds a luscious sweetness. The mini size makes them perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings. However, I would suggest reducing the amount of sugar in the frosting to balance the sweetness. Overall, these muffins are a charming treat that will surely impress your guests.
Why trust this Mini Frosted Cinnamon Donut Muffins Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for any cinnamon lover. The combination of nutmeg and cinnamon creates a warm and comforting flavor. The use of cream cheese in the frosting adds a rich and creamy texture, while the vanilla enhances the overall sweetness. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can achieve delicious results. Trust the rave reviews from our community of baking enthusiasts who have successfully recreated and enjoyed these delightful mini frosted cinnamon donut muffins.
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