Craving something sweet and easy-to-make? Cinnamon muffins might just be the perfect solution. These flavorful, moist treats pack a punch with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. They are simple enough for a weekday breakfast yet delicious enough to serve at weekend brunches. And with a delectable cinnamon sugar topping, these muffins are bound to become your next go-to recipe. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Muffins
Before we dive into the process, make sure you have the following ingredients ready. Each one plays a crucial part in bringing these fragrant, soft cinnamon muffins to life:
Muffin Batter Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g) : Provides structure to the muffins.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g) : Adds sweetness and helps achieve a golden-brown color.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder : Ensures the muffins rise properly.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon : The star spice that gives the muffins their signature flavor.
- ¾ teaspoon salt : Enhances the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg : Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- ¾ cup milk (180mL) : Keeps the muffins moist.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (83g) : Adds richness and tenderness.
- 2 large eggs : Helps bind the ingredients and gives structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract : Adds a lovely flavor and aroma.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (75g) : Adds sweetness to the top.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon : The finishing touch of warmth and fragrance.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted : Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the muffins.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to bake up a batch of warm, inviting cinnamon muffins that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Essential Kitchen Tools
Before we begin mixing the batter, let’s take a quick look at the few kitchen tools you’ll need to make your cinnamon muffins effortlessly:
- Muffin Pan : A standard muffin pan will work perfectly for this recipe. Make sure each cup is greased or lined with muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Mixing Bowls : You’ll need at least two bowls—one for your dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer : Whisking by hand will work just fine, but if you prefer a smoother, quicker process, an electric hand mixer is great, too.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons : For precision in measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, cinnamon, and milk.
- Pastry Brush : You’ll need this for brushing the melted butter on top of the muffins before adding the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Wire Cooling Rack : To allow your muffins to cool properly after baking.
With these kitchen tools on hand, baking these cinnamon muffins will not only be efficient but enjoyable as well. Prepare everything in advance so you can streamline the process once you start baking.
How to Make Cinnamon Muffins
Now that your ingredients and tools are ready, it’s time to jump into the fun part—making the muffins! Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to bake your own batch of delicious cinnamon muffins.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) . While the oven is heating, lightly grease your muffin pan with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners. This ensures the muffins will release easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl , whisk together the flour , sugar , baking powder , cinnamon , salt , and nutmeg . Whisking these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures the cinnamon and nutmeg are evenly distributed in the batter, giving each muffin that delightful spiced flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl , whisk together the milk , melted butter , eggs , and vanilla extract . Make sure the butter has cooled slightly after melting, so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter—overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light, fluffy ones. The batter should still be a little lumpy, but that’s totally normal.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full . This allows enough room for the muffins to rise nicely without overflowing.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes , or until a toothpick or wooden pick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Once done, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the pan.
Adding the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the muffins are still warm, it’s time to add the irresistibly delicious cinnamon sugar topping that takes these muffins to the next level.
Step 7: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl , combine ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon . Stir until the sugar and cinnamon are evenly mixed.
Step 8: Top the Muffins
Using a pastry brush , lightly brush the tops of the warm muffins with the melted butter . Be generous with the butter as it helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the muffins. After brushing with butter, immediately dip each muffin top into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating the entire top. Make sure the topping sticks well for that flavorful, crunchy finish!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the muffins cool on a wire cooling rack for about 10-15 minutes, or as long as you can resist them! By this point, your kitchen will be filled with the sweet aroma of cinnamon, and the muffins will be ready to enjoy.
Enjoy Your Cinnamon Muffins!
Serve these muffins warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family brunch or just a quiet morning at home. The soft muffins with a slightly crunchy cinnamon sugar topping are sure to be a new favorite in your household.
Storage Instructions
How to Store
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), these cinnamon muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days . To keep them fresher longer, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days .
How to Freeze
You can also freeze these muffins after they’ve cooled completely. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months . When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to refresh that warm, just-baked taste.
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of warm cinnamon wafting through your kitchen—and these cinnamon muffins deliver just that. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth center and irresistible cinnamon sugar topping, these muffins strike the perfect balance between sweet and spiced. Plus, they’re easy to make, using simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Whether you whip them up for a special breakfast, snack with coffee, or even dessert, these muffins are guaranteed to impress.
The best part? They’re incredibly versatile! You can even customize the recipe by adding extras like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to suit your taste. And if there happen to be leftovers, you know they’ll hold up for a few days or even freeze well for future cravings.
So, don’t wait—gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to these delightful cinnamon muffins. After just one bite, they might just become your new baked-good obsession!
Happy baking!
