Gingerbread Doughnut Muffins

Holidays are around the corner I am sure everybody is looking for an easy yet different recipe to try out. I found this irresistible breakfast treat at Annie’s Eats and after reading the recipe, I found myself in the kitchen baking these! The spices that go into this muffin, the cinnamon-sugar topping and of course the name all inspired me to try it immediately :)... These are soft and tender and with the right amount of mixed spices, it is a real treat on a lazy holiday morning to share with family and friends over a cup of coffee or hot chocolate... the best thing about this recipe is you can prepare and serve in less than one hour....You can even bake them in a doughnut pan too..... Try these muffins during this festive season.... 

Gingerbread Doughnut Muffins

Recipe Source ~ Annie’s Eats

Yield: about 20 muffins

Ingredients:

For the muffins: 

2¾ cup all-purpose flour (or white whole wheat)

2½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

1 tbsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ tsp. ground cloves

8 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature

½ cup plus 2 tbsp. light brown sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup unsulphured molasses (I used honey)

1 1/3 cup cold water

For topping:

½ cup granulated sugar

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

3-4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 350˚ F / 180˚ C. 
• Line muffin pans with paper liners.  In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt and spices.Whisk to blend.  
• In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar.  Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Blend in the eggs one at a time.  Mix in the molasses.
• With the mixer on low speed, stir in half of the dry ingredients just until incorporated.  Add in the second half, again mixing just until incorporated.  Mix in the water on medium-low speed, just until evenly mixed and no lumps remain.
• Divide the batter between the prepared muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds of the way full.  Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
• To finish, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and whisk until evenly combined.  Dip the top of a muffin in the melted butter, then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat with a thin layer.  Repeat with the remaining muffins.  Serve warm.