Preheat the oven to 350 and grease 12-15 medium muffin cups (I just divide it among 12).
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the shortening, ½ cup of the sugar, and the egg thoroughly. Mix in the flour and nutmeg (or cinnamon as a substitute) alternately with the milk and vanilla (if using vanilla).
Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup sugar and the cinnamon together. Immediately after baking, dip the puff tops in the melted margarine and then in the sugar mixture. Serve hot.
