These Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins are the perfect balance of soft, moist cake and a sweet, spiced cinnamon-sugar swirl. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a delightful addition to your brunch spread, these muffins are sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: No complicated techniques or equipment required.
- Perfect texture: Moist, tender muffins with a delightful crumb.
- Bursting with flavor: The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds an irresistible sweetness and spice.
- Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a cream cheese glaze for variation.
- Kid-friendly: A treat that both adults and kids will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
- Blend and prepare batter: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar mix: In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Layer and swirl: Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, sprinkle a generous layer of the cinnamon-sugar mix, then add another layer of batter. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the layers.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 12 standard-sized muffins.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 18-22 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for extra texture.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple icing made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled muffins for added sweetness.
- Whole wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for more depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Extend freshness by refrigerating them for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
What makes these muffins moist?
The combination of melted butter and milk ensures these muffins stay soft and moist.
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, almond milk or any non-dairy alternative works well in this recipe.
How can I prevent overmixing the batter?
Mix until just combined, leaving some small lumps. Overmixing can make the muffins dense.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches.
How do I create the perfect cinnamon swirl?
Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.
Can I make mini muffins instead?
Yes, use a mini muffin tin and adjust the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, vegetable or canola oil can be substituted for melted butter, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the muffins are done.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for the all-purpose flour.
How do I prevent muffins from sticking to the liner?
Ensure you grease the liners lightly or use parchment paper liners to avoid sticking.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins are a deliciously simple treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With their warm, spiced flavor and irresistible swirl, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try them as they are, or experiment with the variations to make them your own. Happy baking!
PrintCinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins
These Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, they combine classic flavors with a simple preparation method.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (120ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Topping (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups well. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Create the Batter:
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Prepare the Swirl Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. - Assemble the Muffins:
Fill each muffin cup about halfway with batter. Sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Add more batter on top to cover the swirl. - Optional Topping:
Combine the sugar and cinnamon for the topping, and sprinkle it over the muffins before baking. - Bake:
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 before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use whole milk or a milk alternative like almond milk for dairy-free muffins.
- To make these extra moist, you can add 1/4 cup of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
- Muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.