Ever meet a donut you didn’t like? How about a cinnamon sugar muffin? Or a coffee cake? What’s that—you like all three? Then allow me to introduce you to your new favorite treat: Oven-Baked Cinnamon Sugar Puffs.

Also allow me to warn you: these are dangerous. A donut hole, but better, these puffs are a perfect two-bite treat. The only problem is that it’s exceedingly difficult to stop at just two bites of these crispy-on-the-outside, airy-and-cakey-on-the-inside goodie. If you don’t watch yourself, you’ll be popping them one after the other. They are that tasty (no surprise given the ingredients list!).

I found these gems on Food52 where they recommend serving puffs at breakfast. While I agree that they’d make a lovely addition to a holiday or birthday breakfast (a perfect way to start Easter Sunday!), I think these puffs are better served as a special occasion treat. If you can eat just one, the two heavenly bites make a just-right dessert or after school pick-me-up.

Oven-Baked Cinnamon Sugar Puffs

Makes 12

Recipe by fiveandspice  on Food52

Ingredients

For the puffs

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 larget egg, room temperatuer
• 1 1/2 cup flour 
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 1 pinch ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature

For the cinnamon sugar coating

• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, hop on over to Food52  for step-by-step directions. Trust me, you’ll be happy you did!