The creator of today’s recipe calls her muffins gluten-free Muffins That Taste Like Donuts but I’m thinking they really should be called gluten-free Muffins That Taste Like Gluten-Full Donuts. Those donuts we remember from our “before” days.
Let’s learn more about this new recipe for March Muffin Madness (MMM) and today’s recipe contributor and then we’ll get to today’s giveaway and the grand prize giveaway. I don’t know about you but I love spending part of my days seeing what’s new and wonderful on MMM!
See the whole lineup of bloggers, blogs, and muffin recipes here.
Everyday Gluten-Free Gourmet
I met Cinde Little via Twitter several years back. I was smitten with her beautiful and super appealing recipes! Cinde writes the Everyday Gluten Free Gourmet blog and teaches cooking classes in her home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (You can even get a sneak peek of her kitchen when you check out her About page!)
Cinde encourages everyone to just get in the kitchen and cook as she is a passionate home cook herself. Her philosophy is that “food restrictions are real and learning to accommodate them is an important skill.” I couldn’t agree more. Focusing on real food, which Cinde does, makes that so much easier to accomplish!
Gluten-Free Muffins That Taste Like Donuts
Cinde says: “These gluten-free Muffins That Taste Like Donuts are delicate cake-like mini-muffins dipped in cinnamon-sugar. They remind me of the donut holes my grandmother used to make but they are baked in the oven.”
Gluten-Free Muffins That Taste Like Donuts

Cinde says: “These gluten-free Muffins That Taste Like Donuts are delicate cake-like mini-muffins dipped in cinnamon-sugar. Bake these in a mini donut pan if you’ve got one. They taste just like “those little donuts” you find at amusement parks. Sooo good!
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 1⅓ cups gluten-free flour mix (Cinde uses her Everyday Gluten-Free Gourmet flour Mix; I used my Two-Ingredient Gluten-Free Four mix)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp xanthan gum
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup sour cream or yogurt (first amount)
- ¼ cup butter, room temperature
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or yogurt (second amount)
- 1½ tsp vanilla
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping Ingredients
- ¼ cup melted butter for dipping
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Muffin Instructions
- In the large bowl of an electric mixer combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, salt and nutmeg. Whisk the dry mixture until evenly combined.
- With electric mixer on low add the sour cream (first amount) and butter. Beat for 2 minutes.
- In another bowl combine eggs, sour cream (second amount) and vanilla. Add half the mixture to the large bowl and beat until mixed in. Add the remainder of the mixture then increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Grease mini-muffin tins or use paper liners. Using a small scoop fill muffin tins ½ to ¾ full. (Note: If they are too full they will rise over the top of the pan and break when you try to remove them.)
- Bake in 350°F oven for 18 minutes, do not under cook.
- Cool on rack 5-10 minutes before carefully removing each muffin from the pan. Cool completely on wire racks (or as long as you can wait!).
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping Instructions
- Melt butter in small bowl. Set aside.
- In another bowl combine sugar and cinnamon. Divide the mixture into 2 bowls.
- Dip the top of each muffin into melted butter then into the cinnamon-sugar. When there are too many lumps of butter in the sugar change to the other bowl.
Notes
Makes 48 mini muffins.
Do not overfill muffin cups. If they are too full they will rise over the top of the pan and break when you try to remove them.
One rule of gluten free baking is to let your baking cool before eating it. But really, I think you should try some of these when they are still warm. Just because you can.
You can find Cinde's Everyday Gluten-Free Gourmet Flour Mix here.
Reader Haley used this recipe to make regular-sized muffins. She said the baking time was exactly the same.
More of Cinde’s Gluten-Free Muffin Recipes (and More) That You Should Check Out
~ Brazilian Cheese Bread (irresistible!)
~ Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza (she gives you lots of topping variations—perfect for parties!)
~ Homemade Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce (an important recipe for anyone who lives in Canada because ready-made Worcestershire sauce there is not gluten free)
Today’s Giveaway
Update: All the giveaways are now closed. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who participated!
~ Cookbooks:
(Signed copies of the following; two winners for each.)
Gluten-Free Baking for the Holidays: 60 Recipes for Traditional Festive Treats
and
Gluten-Free Wish List: Sweet and Savory Treats You’ve Missed the Most
The giveaway of both these cookbooks is co-sponsored by my friend, author Jeanne Sauvage (Art of Gluten-Free Baking), and by gfe. Both books are about making classic, favorite recipes, just “gluten free.” Or I should say, “gluten free and absolutely delicious.”
Check them out on Amazon and/or read my earlier reviews on gfe, here and here, respectively. To enter the giveaway for these cookbooks, simply leave a comment on this post saying which one you’d like to win. (“Both” is a perfectly acceptable answer! Although only one cookbook per person will be awarded, of course.)
Remember that your comment on this post (and every post during MMM) also gives you another entry into the grand prize giveaway! Read more below. So many fabulous items! Winners for all prizes will be selected on Wednesday, April 11, at midnight Eastern. All MMM giveaways are open to everyone, everywhere!
Grand Prize Giveaway
See all 10 prizes here. Shown are the top six prizes (according to monetary value). Again, this giveaway is open to everyone, everywhere!
Originally published March 23, 2018; updated October 22, 2023.
Brianna Wolin says
I would love the wish list cookbook!
Sharon says
These look great! Will have to see if I can figure out how to make them egg free.
Cinde says
I haven’t tried it but I think this recipe would work using an egg replacer.
Kcpc says
I’ve been following you for quite a while and I’m never disappointed in your blog recipes
LM says
Both cookbooks! Love to learn to make favorites gluten free
cat says
I hate having to choose, so I’d like both ?.
These muffins look great!
Charlotte Moore says
The GF for the Holidays would be nice to have.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Lisa says
Oh my gosh! What I wouldn’t give for a donut! 🙂 Gluten Free Wish List please! P.S. The muffins from yesterday are delicious!
Cinde says
Making all the muffin recipes would be madness but if you like donuts you might want to give these a try. 🙂
Cassidy @ Cassidy's Craveable Creations says
I’m so excited that you’re hosting March Muffin Madness, can’t wait to see everything you have in store 🙂
Jennifer says
What a great give away! Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Danabee says
Making these donuts asap! I’d love either/both of those cookbooks.
Cinde says
Thanks Danabee, I hope you love them as much as I do.
Denise M says
Ah these look so delicious. I miss donuts
Cinde says
Denise, they are delicious. I just ate the last of them out of the freezer. 🙂 I hope you’ll try them.
Tessa Simpson says
I love her baking book…didn’t even know she had a newer one out! I’d want THAT!!
Sheryl Edwards says
The muffins sound SO good! I would love to have the cookbook!
Suzanne R says
The wish list book sounds perfect
patricia says
The Gluten Free Wish List book looks like it would fit into my kitchen perfectly!
Kristen says
Ooh … those would be great with a cup of coffee!
Cinde says
Yes, and that is exactly how I enjoyed them. (Not saying how many.)
Elizabeth A Higgins says
I do love donuts!!
Cinde says
I hope you’ll try them Elizabeth.
carol clark says
i love the muffin recipe looks so delicious
Cinde says
Thanks Carol, I hope you’ll give them a try.
brad says
muffins look good!
Cinde says
Thanks Brad, I love them.
Amy says
Baking heals my life in so many ways. It’s all about the love and giving it to others.
Cinde says
I agree Amy. I love giving away baking. I called the 2 boys next door to come and get a dozen of these mini muffins. They were so thrilled.
Janis S says
this recipe sounds so good! love donut holes!
Cinde says
Hey Janis, yes it’s all about the holes!
Tom H. says
Thanks for the recipe – have some gluten-free folks in the family. Would love to win the Blendtec Deluxe Package!
Cinde says
I was so busy reading and tweeting I was a little late to the comments. THANK YOU so much to Shirley for inviting me to participate in MMM. I’m happy to meet everyone over here and I too am enjoying all the muffin recipes.
Shirley Braden says
Hi Cinde–You are welcome, of course. I really appreciate you participating and sharing this yummy recipe! I can’t wait to make these muffins—AFTER March Muffin Madness is over, of course. 😉 No time for baking right now! I sure wish I had that adorable mug of yours to use to sip on some tea while I sample your mini “donut” muffins. Love it!
Shirley
Cinde says
Thanks Shirley ❤️Looking at the recipes I’m inspired to learn a little more about sugar substitutions. Of course eating, cooking and learning is all part of the job of a food blogger. ?
Kristen says
Looks amazing! I have missed a Sunday morning pastry/donut since going GF, but these will do the trick! Can’t wait to try them!
Either cookbook looks fantastic to win!
Cinde says
Good luck with the recipe Kristen, I hope they meet your standard. 🙂
Johnna says
Two of my favorite things: donuts and muffins!
Cinde says
Hi Johnna, nice to meet you. That sounds like a foodie talking.
Kim says
O my goodness, these sound so amazing
Cinde says
Hi Kim! There are always so many recipes to try but if it sounds amazing to you then I recommend you print the recipe and plan to make them. 🙂
Sharon says
Tough call but I think I’d go with Wishlisf!!
Paula says
I would love to when either book!
Carolyn says
I made these muffins last night. They are delicious and I am making more right now for my neighbors.
Cinde says
Look at you go Carolyn! I’m glad they turned out and I’m sure your neighbours will be happy to try them too.
Linda says
I would love to win Gluten-Free Wish List: Sweet and Savory Treats You’ve Missed the Most.
Susan Christy says
I really need to upgrade some of my small appliances. Most of them were wedding gifts from 1989!
Beverly Maiers says
These look like a great recipe to take to the apple orchard. Maybe by then I won’t be on full AIP still and can make them. Both books look like fun and I’m guessing I would share with my niece.
Cinde says
Thanks Beverly, I hope you get to make them and good luck with the prizes!
Tomoe says
I love old fashioned donuts! I’ll give a try this recipe! And I’d love the Gluten-Free Wish List please.
Cinde says
Thanks Tomoe, I love donuts too. Good luck with the prizes!
Lauren says
My daughter is obsessed with donuts and muffins-these will be a hit for sure!
Cinde says
Nice to hear Lauren, enjoy!
Kylie Sandover says
These look great Cinde!
I haven’t had a donut hole in years! I love using yogurt in baking, it gives baked goods such a wonderful soft crumb.
Cinde Little says
Hi Kylie! Feel free to mess around with yogurt. I think I’m learning that no-fat anything is not the best choice in baking. I most often have 2-3%MF yogurt in my fridge so that’s what I use. If I bought sour cream for something else I use that up too. And when I’m running low I will combine yogurt and buttermilk to make the full amount any recipe calls for. Enjoy!
Kylie Sandover says
Hi Cinde 🙂
We unfortunately also have dairy as well as peanut allergies in our family too, so I use coconut yogurt in my baking. Although the yogurt does smell quite coconutty, once used in baking, there’s only a hint of coconut flavour in my baked goods. I live in Australia and my favourite brand to use is COYO natural yogurt, it’s deliciously thick and creamy. I’m not sure if it’s available in the USA?
Cinde Little says
Thanks for all that info Kylie. I think dairy free is even more challenging that gluten free so glad to hear you have a yogurt substitute to work with. The good news is there are always new products coming out everywhere. I live in Canada. 🙂 Happy Baking!
Faatimah says
Hi! Could I substitute the yoghurt and sour cream with lactose free buttermilk?
Shirley Braden says
Hi, Faatimah–I’m not sure if Cinde is still reading these comments so I will reply with my thoughts. Obviously, buttermilk is not as thick as either yogurt or sour cream. You could definitely try using it but you’d use a lesser amount for both times it’s added in this recipe. Otherwise, you’ll have too much liquid. I’m still not really sure how that will work. Fingers crossed. 🙂 Please report back!
Shirley
Dandi D says
These cookbooks both look really great!
Cheryl k says
I’d love to win these cookbooks. Thank you for He chance.
Stephanie Lewis says
I miss donuts so this is pretty exciting!
Cinde says
Great to hear Stephanie. I hadn’t made these for years so got to enjoy them while I created this gluten free version. It was a treat! I hope they work for you.
Colleen M says
I tend to do more baking at the holidays so the cookbook: Gluten Free Baking at the Holidays looks like a real winner!
Michelle Key says
I would love to win!
Deborah says
Yummy! Sure would love the Instapot!
Tamara Oliveiro says
I need all the cookbooks I can get for this journey. Haven’t been baking much since I had to go gluten free…
Tamara Oliveiro says
I’m trying to bookmark all the MMM posts for when I have time to make them… hope it works. LOL
Cinde says
I’ve got the same problem Tamara. So many recipes…so little time. Whatever you make Happy Baking!
Rhonda Williams says
Finally a recipe that worked! Most excellent too!
Cinde Little says
Hi Rhonda, thanks for sharing that. I’m so happy they worked for you. I remember that feeling the first time I made a specific Banana Muffin Recipe, it seemed to mark the beginning of excellent baking in my kitchen. I encourage you to remember what flour mix you used or make notes on your recipe and I’m sure there will be lots of delicious baked goods coming out of your kitchen soon.
Lauren says
Any recommendations for making them dairy free? Has anyone tried? I can sub butter for nuttelex. Wondering if coconut yoghurt would work.
Shirley Braden says
Hi Lauren–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 It looks like you’re located in Australia. Kylie, a gluten-free blogger/friend, commented: “We unfortunately also have dairy as well as peanut allergies in our family too, so I use coconut yogurt in my baking. Although the yogurt does smell quite coconutty, once used in baking, there’s only a hint of coconut flavour in my baked goods. I live in Australia and my favourite brand to use is COYO natural yogurt, it’s deliciously thick and creamy.” So I believe coconut yogurt and your margarine, Nuttelex, *should* work in this recipe. Fingers crossed! Please let us know how these substitutions work for you.
Shirley
Lauren says
Thank you so much! Hoping to give them a go this weekend now!
Melissa says
For the muffins, is it necessary to add sour cream or yogurt?
I really don’t like either one.
Shirley Braden says
Melissa–Either of those ingredients is what makes this recipe work. I don’t have any suggestions for alternatives. I also don’t care for either sour cream or yogurt on their own but I use them in recipes often. They can work amazingly well without making the resulting baked goods taste like either. You may be able to search for some alternatives online and give them a try but I don’t know how they will work. Good luck.
Shirley