Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. All you need are three basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge:

  1. Pancake Mix (2 cups) – This serves as your base. Choose a complete pancake mix that only requires water or milk. It gives the muffins their soft, cake-like texture and rises beautifully.
  2. Milk (¾ cup) – Whole milk provides richness, but you can also use almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy alternative.
  3. Cinnamon Sugar Mixture (½ cup) – A blend of granulated sugar and cinnamon adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. You can make it yourself by mixing ½ cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon.

Optional: a few tablespoons of melted butter for brushing, if you want a more doughnut-style finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin lightly with nonstick spray or butter. This ensures your muffins release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix and milk. Stir gently until just combined — the batter should be thick but smooth. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins dense instead of fluffy.

Step 3: Layer and Fill

Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin cup, filling it about halfway. Sprinkle a generous pinch of cinnamon sugar over the batter. Then, add another spoonful of batter on top, followed by another sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. This creates those beautiful layers you see in the picture.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you’d like, brush the tops with melted butter and roll them in extra cinnamon sugar. This gives them a crispy, sweet coating that mimics a fresh doughnut.

Texture and Flavor Profile

These muffins have a wonderfully light interior with a golden, slightly crisp edge. The cinnamon sugar melts slightly into the batter, creating a marbled swirl of sweetness. Each bite is a balance between fluffy and buttery, sweet but not overwhelming. They’re reminiscent of cinnamon doughnut holes — only lighter and easier to make.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these muffins warm for breakfast with a side of yogurt, fruit, or scrambled eggs for a complete meal. They also make a wonderful afternoon snack with a cappuccino or chai latte. For brunch gatherings, arrange them on a platter and dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, pop them in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their crisp exterior.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overmix: Gentle mixing keeps the texture light and airy.
  • Use quality cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon enhances aroma and flavor.
  • Experiment with fillings: Add a dollop of jam, peanut butter, or Nutella in the center before baking.
  • Mini muffins work too: Adjust baking time to 8–10 minutes for bite-sized treats.
  • Brush with butter while warm: It helps the cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per muffin (makes 6–8 large muffins):
Calories: 180–200 | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 35g | Protein: 4g | Sugar: 12g