mini doughnut muffins

If someone was going to offer me a last meal, I think it would be a doughnut from Plehn’s Bakery in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Preferably a chocolate one. But as much as I love doughnuts, I hate the idea of having a hot pot of oil on the stove with kids around. Instead, I make these baked Mini Doughnut Muffins to fulfill my cravings.

These bite-size chocolate doughnut muffins with just a touch of cinnamon are the perfect ending to a school lunch, although they might just be the first thing that gets eaten!

Makes 24 muffins

Cooking spray

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

½ cup sugar

1 large egg

½ cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray mini muffin cups with cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In the bowl of a standing mixer, or in a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

4. Add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla and stir to combine.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

6. Using a small ice cream scoop or a 1 tablespoon measure, scoop the batter into the mini muffin cups.

7. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed.