There are few things more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through your home, especially when those muffins are Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins! If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your day, you’re in for a culinary delight. The beautiful mix of sweet and spiced flavors will satisfy your cravings and give you a warm, cozy feeling in every bite. What’s more appealing is the simplicity of this recipe; you don’t need to be a master baker to whip up a batch of these delicious muffins!
These muffins are perfect for any occasion — whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a family gathering, or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home. The muffins are moist, fluffy, and the cinnamon sugar topping is an absolute game-changer, creating the perfect sweet crust on top. Plus, they can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or stored for later, making them a versatile option for snacks or breakfast on the go. With these Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins in your repertoire, you’ll not only impress your family and friends but also enhance your baking skills!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon sugar with a moist muffin base creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Time: Enjoy these muffins as a breakfast option, snack, or dessert.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to personalize your muffins.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to prepare your cooking space for these delightful muffins. Ensure you have a clean countertop and gather your kitchen tools. You will need a muffin tin and paper liners for easy cleanup, mixing bowls, a whisk, and measuring cups and spoons. Preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) is crucial to ensure that your muffins rise perfectly and develop a delightful texture. Additionally, having all your ingredients measured and ready to go will streamline the process and make your baking experience enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (for topping)
- For Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the muffins cook evenly and thoroughly. Line your muffin tin with paper liners, which makes for easy removal and cleanup once your muffins are baked. If you prefer not to use liners, you can apply a light coating of non-stick spray directly to the muffin cups.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential as it distributes the ingredients evenly and ensures that the leavening agents such as baking powder are well dispersed throughout the flour. The combination of sugars creates a lovely sweet base for the muffins.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. The melted butter should be slightly cooled to prevent cooking the egg when mixed. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, ensuring no lumps remain. The key here is to achieve a smooth mixture that will blend seamlessly with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the ingredients together until just combined. It’s essential not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and we want them to be light and fluffy!
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about two-thirds full to allow room for the muffins to rise while baking. Once filled, generously sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the tops of the muffins for that signature sweet crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The muffins should be slightly golden on top.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it stops the cooking process and prevents them from getting soggy.
Variations
- Protein: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and protein.
- Vegetables: Incorporate shredded zucchini or carrots for a nutritious twist.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice for a diverse flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Overmixing your batter can lead to dense muffins, so mix just until combined.
- Feel free to adjust the sugar levels according to your sweetness preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a pat of butter for a decadent breakfast experience.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Tips
- For a creamier frosting, add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for longer.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 210 per muffin
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix.
How do I store the muffins?
Keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for longer storage.
Can I freeze the muffins?
Absolutely! These muffins freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use applesauce or a flaxseed egg as an egg substitute for these muffins.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins are not just a delightful treat; they are an experience that every muffin lover should indulge in. From their fluffy texture to the deliciously sweet crust, these muffins resonate with warmth and comfort. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day. If you tried this recipe, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your experience, any variations you tried, or simply let us know how much you enjoyed them. Happy baking!
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Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
Delightfully fluffy muffins with a sweet cinnamon sugar crust.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (for topping)
- For Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry mixtures, stirring gently until just mixed.
- Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes clean.
- Let cool for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Mix just until combined to avoid dense muffins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 per muffin
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Protein: 3 g