Dirt Bombs
These dirt bombs, based upon those sold at Bantam Bakery in Bantam, CT, are irresistible baked donuts spiked with nutmeg and cardamom and rolled in butter and cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
For the dirt bombs
- nonstick cooking spray
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the cinnamon-sugar topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 12 tablespoons (6 oz) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Make the dirt bombs
- Slide a rack in the middle of the oven and crank the heat to 375°F (190°C). Coat a standard 12-cup muffin pan with the nonstick cooking spray.
- Whisk the 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom in a medium bowl.
- Beat the 1 stick unsalted butter and 3/4 cup dark brown sugar in a large bowl using a hand-held mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the 1 large egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and 1 cup whole milk in three batches, beginning and ending with the flour. Divvy the batter among the muffin cups.
- Bake the dirt bombs, turning the pan once halfway through, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 18 to 23 minutes. Let the dirt bombs cool 5 minutes in the pan and then move them to a wire rack.
Make the cinnamon-sugar topping
- While the dirt bombs cool, mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup dark brown sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a medium bowl.
Coat the dirt bombs
- Dip each dirt bomb—top and bottom (yeah, I'm not messing around here)—in the 12 tablespoons (6 oz) unsalted butter and then in the cinnamon sugar, turning to coat them completely.
- Indulge immediately, while still warm, for the most soul-satisfying experience. The dirt bombs will still be quite sigh-inducing even after several hours at room temperature—but no more.
Nutrition
Serving: 1muffin | Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 287mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g