Cinnamon sugar swirl muffins are a delightful treat that combines a moist, fluffy base with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these muffins bring warmth and comfort with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Swirls of cinnamon sugar add a bakery-style touch.
- Moist, tender texture with a golden top.
- Quick and easy to make with basic ingredients.
- Perfect for any time of the day.
- Great for making ahead and freezing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Muffins:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
For the Topping (optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Glaze (made with powdered sugar and milk)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined. Set aside.
- Mix the Muffin Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).
- Assemble the Muffins:
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Add a teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture, then top with more batter until the cup is about 3/4 full.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Muffins:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Toppings:
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made by mixing powdered sugar and milk.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Apple Cinnamon: Add finely diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Pumpkin Spice: Substitute some of the cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall flavor.
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar for a lighter version.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolate-cinnamon combo.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh their flavor.
- Freezing: Freeze muffins in a single layer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the microwave before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
2. Can I substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener?
You can use coconut sugar or honey, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
3. Why did my muffins turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter can cause dense muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
4. Can I use vegetable oil instead of butter?
Yes, vegetable oil works as a substitute, but butter adds a richer flavor.
5. How do I ensure a good swirl?
Use a skewer or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar without overmixing it into the batter.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your mixing bowl is large enough and don’t overcrowd the muffin tin.
7. What type of milk works best?
Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but you can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
8. Can I skip the paper liners?
Yes, just grease the muffin tin well to prevent sticking.
9. Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
Yes, reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes for mini muffins.
10. How do I keep muffins moist?
Store them in an airtight container with a paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture.
Conclusion
Cinnamon sugar swirl muffins are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that will fill your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon. With their soft texture, sweet swirl, and customizable options, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for any occasion, they’re as fun to bake as they are to eat!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins are soft, moist, and loaded with sweet cinnamon flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday treat, they feature a delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl in the center and a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Assemble the Muffins:
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Add more batter to fill each cup about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the tops of the muffins.
- Bake the Muffins:
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- These muffins freeze well. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.