Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

I've had this recipe in my collection for quite some time and I'm kicking myself that I haven't tried it earlier! Oh well, I'll just have to make them more frequently from now on. These are SO good. If you close your eyes, you might just imagine that you're eating a donut hole, they're THAT good!! (But with a lot fewer calories and fat grams.)

I made these in a mini muffin tin, and they're so cute! They got rave reviews at work, both for the cuteness factor and the taste. I bet they're even better WARM from the oven.

Start by beating the sugar and egg together until light and fluffy.



Then add the flour, salt, baking powder,



and nutmeg,



and blend until combined - it will be real crumbly. Measure out the milk, oil and vanilla



and add to the batter,



then mix together until the batter is smooth.

Pour into either 24 mini muffin cups or 12 regular, either lined with papers or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for about 15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. When they're cool enough to handle (about 10 minutes), remove from the pan to a wire rack.



Place the butter in a small bowl and melt in the microwave. In another small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.



Dip the muffin top in the butter,



then in the cinnamon sugar mixture,



then return to the rack to dry for a few minutes. (Or pop a few in your mouth just to "test.")



Find more recipes at Muffin Monday, Foodie Friday, Friday Food, Food on Fridays and What did you Bake today?

Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

Muffin:
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup milk
Topping:
1 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

In a mixing bowl, beat together egg and sugar until fluffy. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg; beat just until combined (mixture will be crumbly). In a measuring cup, combine milk, oil and vanilla; add to flour mixture and mix well.

Pour into 12 muffin cups or 24 mini muffin cups lined with papers or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool for 10 minutes. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Melt butter in a second small bowl. When muffins are cool enough to handle, remove from muffin pans and dip muffin tops in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Makes 12 muffins or 24 mini muffins