Soft muffin-style donuts rolled in cinnamon sugar
Cinnamon Swirl Donut Muffins
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
18 min
Total Time
33 min
Servings
6
12 muffins
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Cinnamon Swirl Donut Muffins
Soft muffin-style donuts rolled in cinnamon sugar
A baked breakfast treat with a tender crumb and cinnamon sugar finish that channels old-school donut shop flavor without frying.
15m
Prep Time
18m
Cook Time
33m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
These live in the sweet spot between muffin and donut, which makes them especially useful for weekend mornings or easy brunch tables. They feel fun without requiring deep-frying or much cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- Extra butter and cinnamon sugar for finishing
OvenBake
Test Kitchen Pick
Muffin Tin
Helpful Tool
Why a muffin tin helps here
This is one of those recipes where the pan shape directly affects how evenly everything bakes and how cleanly it releases.
The pan matters more here than another gadget would.
- Helps the bake rise evenly
- Makes cleanup and portioning simpler
A sturdy muffin tin pays off across breakfast bakes, cupcakes, and meal-prep egg bites.
Shop muffin tin options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a muffin tin.
- 2
Whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another.
- 3
Combine the mixtures just until no dry streaks remain.
- 4
Bake until the muffins spring back lightly in the center.
- 5
Brush with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving
Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage
Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty start
Substitutions
MilkButtermilk
Buttermilk gives a slightly softer and tangier muffin
ButterNeutral oil
Oil keeps them soft longer, though the butter tastes more classic
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Vanilla Extract
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the vanilla matters
For baking and desserts, vanilla is often carrying more aroma than people expect. A better bottle gives the whole recipe a cleaner finish.
This is a small pantry move that usually makes baked goods taste more complete.
- Improves aroma in desserts and bakes
- Useful across cakes, cookies, and breakfast bakes
Vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry upgrades to keep using.
Shop vanilla extract for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not overmix the batter or the muffins lose their tender texture.
A little nutmeg in the batter makes them taste even more donut-shop.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Warm briefly before serving if you want the coating extra fragrant again.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (2 muffins) · 6 servings
Calories250
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein4g
Carbohydrates31g
Fat12g
Fiber1g
Sugar14g
Sodium180mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use buttermilk?
- Yes. It gives the muffins a slightly tangier, more bakery-style crumb.
- Do they freeze well?
- Yes. Freeze unfrosted and rewarm before serving.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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