Old-Fashioned Donut Muffins

Craving the taste of classic donuts but want something easier to make? Try this recipe for old-fashioned donut muffins, a perfect combination of tender, cake-like muffins and the sweet glaze you love from traditional donuts. These homemade donut muffins are spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, giving them a warm and nostalgic flavor. Made with simple pantry staples, they bake up quickly and are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Glazed twice for extra sweetness, these easy donut muffins are a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat or something to impress guests, these muffins deliver every time!

Ingredients:

For the muffins:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¾ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk

For the glaze:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¾ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp hot water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease the cups.
2. Prepare the Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, vegetable oil, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • Stir in the baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
   • Add 1 cup of the flour to the batter and gently mix with a spatula until just combined.
   • Pour in half of the milk and stir gently until incorporated.
   • Repeat with another cup of flour, followed by the remaining milk, and then the final ⅔ cup of flour. Mix until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
4. Bake the Muffins:
   • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each nearly full.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and spring back when touched.
   • Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Glaze:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and hot water until smooth.
6. Glaze the Muffins:
   • Once the muffins are cool, dip each one into the glaze. Allow the glaze to set, then dip them a second time for a thick, donut-style coating.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let the glaze harden slightly before serving. Enjoy these sweet, soft, and perfectly spiced muffins!

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Tips:

• Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter and better mixing.
• Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to evenly portion the batter into the muffin cups.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze while it’s still wet.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Flavor Twist: Add a hint of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk.
• Spiced Muffins: For a fall-inspired twist, add ¼ tsp of ground cloves or allspice.

FAQs:

Can I make these muffins without liners?
Yes, just grease the muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.

How should I store these muffins?
Store the glazed muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw as needed.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a spatula?
Yes, but mix on low speed to avoid overmixing, which can make the muffins dense.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these donut muffins with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

These old-fashioned donut muffins are the perfect combination of a tender cake-like texture and a sweet, shiny glaze. They’re quick and easy to make, with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg giving them a classic, comforting flavor. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these muffins are a delightful treat that feels nostalgic and indulgent with every bite!