Mini Donut Muffins: A Simple Recipe for Everyone
Imagine the irresistible aroma of freshly baked mini donuts, dusted with a cloud of powdery sweetness. These delightful muffins are the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence, making them a treat for any occasion. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delectable flavor, they are sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients Needed for Mini Donut Muffins
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan. For a gluten-free twist, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mini Donut Muffins
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The batter should have a few lumps remaining.
- Using a spoon or a mini muffin scoop, fill the prepared muffin cups about 3/4 full with the batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- While the muffins are still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- For a flavor twist, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough, dense muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Use a mini muffin scoop or a spoon to ensure even filling of the muffin cups for consistent baking.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Serving and Storing Your Mini Donut Muffins
These mini muffins are perfect for serving at parties, brunches, or as a sweet snack. Arrange them on a decorative platter or serve them in paper liners for a fun presentation. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
For longer storage, mini donut muffins can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen muffins to an airtight container or resealable bag. To serve, thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins: Fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful chocolate twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Mini Muffins: Instead of powdered sugar, toss the warm muffins in a mixture of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar.
- Vegan Mini Muffins: Use plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, in place of buttermilk, and substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water).
- Gluten-Free Mini Muffins: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure to include xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it.
Nutritional Information (per muffin)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
One serving is defined as one mini donut muffin.
Mini Powdered Sugar Donut Muffins Frequently Asked Questions
- What are mini donut muffins? Mini donut muffins are a delicious hybrid of classic cake donuts and muffins, baked in a mini muffin pan and coated in a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Can I make these muffins without a mini muffin pan? While a mini muffin pan is ideal for creating the perfect bite-sized muffins, you can also use a standard muffin pan. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly, as the muffins will be larger.
- How do I store leftover donut muffins? Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins for up to 2 months.
- Can I freeze mini donut muffins? Yes, mini donut muffins freeze very well. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen muffins to an airtight container or resealable bag.
- How can I make these muffins healthier? To make these muffins a bit healthier, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, use unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the butter, or reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Conclusion
Mini donut muffins are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of muffins and the irresistible flavor of cake donuts. With this easy recipe, you can create a batch of these bite-sized delights in no time. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun baking project with kids, or simply craving a sweet snack, these muffins are sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of mini donut muffins!