Irresistible Spiced Glazed Muffins: Your Guide to Homemade Donut-Like Perfection
These Spiced Glazed Muffins stand out as one of my absolute favorite muffin recipes to prepare. While their warming spices naturally evoke the cozy feelings of autumn and the holiday season, don’t limit yourself to making them only during those times! The comforting aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg are truly enjoyable year-round, bringing a touch of nostalgic warmth to any day. They are simple to make, yet yield an incredibly satisfying result, reminiscent of your favorite bakery treats right in your own kitchen.
There’s something truly special about the combination of warm spices and a sweet, delicate glaze that transforms a simple muffin into a decadent experience. These aren’t just any muffins; they’re a little piece of comfort, perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a sweet snack, or a delightful dessert. Once you try these, you’ll understand why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation.
Experience the Magic of Glazed Donut Muffins
Initially, I stumbled upon this incredible recipe on Pinterest, captivated by its intriguing name: “Glazed Doughnut Muffins.” The description promised a taste sensation akin to a beloved Krispy Kreme donut, a bold claim that immediately piqued my interest. Could a simple muffin truly capture that iconic melt-in-your-mouth, sweet-glazed goodness?
Upon my first attempt, while they might not have perfectly replicated the exact taste memory of a fresh Krispy Kreme – which is a very specific flavor profile – what I discovered was something utterly marvelous in its own right. These aren’t just muffins; they are a delightful hybrid, offering the fluffy, cake-like texture of a perfectly baked muffin combined with the sugary, slightly crunchy, and utterly irresistible exterior of a classic glazed donut. The comparison to those “Hot ‘n Now” glazed donuts might set a certain expectation, but these muffins forge their own path of deliciousness. They provide all the comfort and joy of a donut without the deep-frying, making them a fantastic and slightly lighter alternative.
If your heart sings for moist, tender muffins, and you have an undeniable love for the sweet simplicity of glazed donuts, then this homemade muffin recipe is absolutely for you. It masterfully bridges the gap between two beloved baked goods, creating a truly unique and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Prepare to fall in love with these easy glazed donut muffins!
The Allure of Spiced Cake Muffins
Beyond the irresistible glaze, one of the primary reasons these Spiced Glazed Muffins have become a cherished recipe in my kitchen is their incredible resemblance to a perfectly baked spice cake. Spice cake holds a special place in my heart, ranking just after chocolate as a supreme comfort dessert. These muffins capture that same warm, inviting essence with every bite, making them a true indulgence.
Each muffin boasts a wonderfully moist, cakey texture, generously infused with the comforting flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These traditional spices create a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen and truly awakens the senses. They are truly at their best when enjoyed warm, allowing the spices to fully bloom and the glaze to become wonderfully gooey. While it’s recommended to enjoy them within a couple of days for peak freshness, this usually isn’t a problem – they tend to disappear quickly!
For optimal storage, these delightful treats should be kept in the refrigerator. The good news is that they also freeze exceptionally well, meaning you can always have a batch on hand for whenever a craving strikes. If you’re enjoying them from the fridge or freezer, a quick pop in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will bring them back to that warm, soft, and gloriously gooey state, delivering that fresh-baked experience all over again. These spice muffins are a versatile and delicious treat, perfect for any time you desire a taste of pure comfort.
Crafting Your Own Spiced Glazed Muffins: A Simple Guide
Making these delectable Spiced Glazed Muffins is surprisingly straightforward, relying on staple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. You’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar for added depth, baking soda and powder for perfect lift, a pinch of salt to balance flavors, and of course, the star spices: fragrant nutmeg and warm cinnamon. The wet ingredients are equally simple: eggs, vegetable oil for moisture, a dash of vanilla extract for richness, softened butter, and wholesome milk. There’s nothing exotic or complicated here, just classic baking ingredients brought together to create something truly special.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the big flavor payoff it delivers. The process is designed to be approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a successful and delicious batch of muffins every time. From creaming the sugars and fats to gently folding in the dry ingredients, each step contributes to the ultimate moist texture and flavorful profile of these homemade spiced muffins. The final touch, a quick double dip in the irresistible glaze, is what truly elevates them to that coveted “donut-like” status. Follow these steps for an easy and rewarding baking experience.
Step By Step Guide to Delicious Spiced Glazed Muffins:
- Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your muffin cups with paper liners or grease them thoroughly to prevent sticking. This ensures your beautiful muffins come out perfectly.
- Cream the Fats and Sugars: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-combined. This step incorporates air and creates a tender crumb.
- Add the Eggs: Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. The eggs provide structure and moisture to the muffin batter.
- Introduce Leavening and Spices: Stir in the baking powder, baking soda, aromatic nutmeg, fragrant cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until these dry ingredients are just combined and evenly distributed throughout the wet mixture, releasing their wonderful scents.
- Alternate Dry and Wet: Gradually add the flour and milk to the mixture, alternating between the two. Begin and end with flour, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the prepared muffin batter evenly into your lined or greased muffin cups. Fill each cup approximately two-thirds full to allow for proper rising during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the muffins are beautifully pale golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates they are fully cooked.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the muffins are baking or cooling slightly, prepare your delicious glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and lump-free. Adjust the consistency by adding a tiny bit more powdered sugar if it’s too thin, or a few drops of milk if it’s too thick.
- The Double Dunk Glaze: Once the muffins have cooled slightly but are still warm, gently dip the tops of each muffin into the prepared glaze. Allow the first layer of glaze to set and harden slightly. For that ultimate “donut-like” experience and an extra layer of sweetness, warm the remaining glaze in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if it has thickened, then dip the muffins once more. This double dunk creates a wonderfully thick and luscious coating.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the glazed muffins set up for a few minutes before serving them warm. The slightly cooled glaze adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft, warm interior. These spiced glazed muffins are truly best enjoyed fresh!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredible recipe for Spiced Glazed Muffins get lost! Make sure to save it for future baking adventures. Pin it to your favorite dessert or breakfast recipe board on Pinterest before you leave, so you can easily find it whenever that muffin craving hits!
Explore More Delicious Muffin Recipes
Ready to dive deeper into the wonderful world of muffins? Dust off those muffin tins, because I have an abundance of fantastic muffin recipes for you to explore and enjoy! Whether you’re looking for fruity, chocolatey, or even more spiced options, there’s a muffin here for every taste and occasion. Here are some of my personal favorites that I highly recommend trying next:
Cranberry Orange Muffins – These are a brilliant way to utilize any leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving, adding a vibrant burst of flavor!
Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins
Cinnamon Toffee Monkey Muffins
Banana Spiced Crumb Muffins
Easy Berry Bisquick Muffins
Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Muffins
Double Chocolate Muffins
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Print Recipe
Spiced Glazed Muffins
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 2/3 cups flour
- 1 cup milk
- Glaze:
- 4 Tablespoons butter melted
- 1 1/2 -2 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line or grease muffin cups.
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In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar and oil.
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Add eggs and beat to combine.
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Stir in baking powder, soda and spices and vanilla.
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Stir in the flour and milk, alternating until combined.
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Spoon batter into muffin cups, about 2/3 full.
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Bake the muffins for 15-17 minutes or until they are pale golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.
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Make the glaze by whisking all of the ingredients together.
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When muffins have cooled slightly, dip the muffin tops in the glaze, allow the glaze to harden. Then dip them once more. Heat the glaze in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before dipping the second time.
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Serve warm. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Original recipe adapted from My Baking Addiction.