Swirled Cinnamon and Sugar Muffins

There’s something about the irresistible smell of cinnamon and sugar baking that instantly makes everything feel cozier. These Swirled Cinnamon and Sugar Muffins are soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a little indulgence with your afternoon coffee. The best part? The cinnamon-sugar swirl running through the center, giving every bite that warm, comforting flavor you crave. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again!

Why You’ll Love Swirled Cinnamon and Sugar Muffins

These muffins are the kind of treat that brings people together. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a busy weekday, these muffins are here to brighten your day. Here’s why you’re going to love them:

Irresistible Aroma:

Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and sugar filling the air. It’s like a hug in muffin form!

Soft and Fluffy:

These muffins are tender and light, with just the right amount of fluffiness. The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds a burst of flavor without being overwhelming.

Perfectly Sweet:

Not too sweet, but just sweet enough to satisfy your cravings. The cinnamon sugar swirl in every muffin gives that perfect sweet spot.

Quick and Easy:

You don’t need to be a baking pro to make these muffins. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, they’re easy enough for beginners but delicious enough for everyone to enjoy.

Customizable:

Want to make them even more decadent? Add some chopped nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of glaze. The options are endless!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these mouthwatering muffins:

For the Muffin Batter:

• Flour: All-purpose flour creates the perfect base for these muffins. It gives them structure while still keeping them soft and fluffy.
• Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and gives them that perfect light and airy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar for sweetness and a touch of flavor in the batter.
• Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a smooth, cohesive batter.
• Milk: Whole milk (or any milk of your choice) gives the muffins their soft and tender texture.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the muffins, making them extra soft and delicious.
• Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a bit of caramel flavor to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! Cinnamon gives the muffins that warm, comforting flavor everyone loves.
• Butter: A little melted butter in the cinnamon-sugar mixture ensures the swirl stays intact and adds richness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Making these swirled cinnamon and sugar muffins is easier than you might think. Let’s get started:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. This will ensure your muffins come out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugar and cinnamon are evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Muffins

Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each muffin cup, just enough to cover the bottom. Then, add a teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture in the center of each muffin. Top with another spoonful of muffin batter, covering the cinnamon-sugar swirl. Use a toothpick or a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture through the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Muffins

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these muffins warm, straight from the oven, or let them cool to room temperature. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, and they make a great snack or breakfast treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Swirled Cinnamon and Sugar Muffins

These muffins are delightful on their own, but here are a few ways you can serve them to make your experience even better:

With Butter:

Slather a warm muffin with a little butter to make it even more indulgent. The butter will melt into the muffin and enhance its flavor.

With Jam or Honey:

For extra sweetness, try adding a dollop of your favorite fruit jam or a drizzle of honey on top. It adds another layer of flavor.

With a Hot Beverage:

Pair your muffins with a steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. The warm beverage and soft muffin are the perfect match.

As a Breakfast Spread:

Serve these muffins as part of a breakfast spread with fresh fruit, yogurt, and a scrambled egg or two for a delicious, balanced start to the day.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make these cinnamon and sugar muffins even better:

Don’t Overmix:

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until everything is combined!

Adjust the Swirl:

Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon-sugar swirl based on your taste. If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a little extra cinnamon to the swirl.

Make Them Gluten-Free:

For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing!

Store Leftovers:

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month—just warm them up before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of sugar for the swirl?
A1: Yes! You can use white sugar, but brown sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon.

Q2: How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
A2: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the muffins are done.

Q3: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! These muffins store well at room temperature for a couple of days. You can also freeze them and reheat them when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Q4: Can I make these muffins without eggs?
A4: Yes, you can use an egg substitute like flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or applesauce in place of the eggs.

Q5: Can I use milk alternatives?
A5: Definitely! Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk work just as well as regular milk in these muffins.

Q6: Can I add nuts to these muffins?
A6: Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a great addition to the muffin batter or the cinnamon-sugar swirl.

Q7: How can I make these muffins even sweeter?
A7: You can drizzle the muffins with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or add more cinnamon-sugar swirl for an extra kick.

Q8: Can I make mini muffins?
A8: Yes! Simply adjust the baking time to 10-12 minutes for mini muffins, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger muffin tin. The baking time should remain the same.

Q10: How do I store leftover muffins?
A10: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month.

Conclusion

These Swirled Cinnamon and Sugar Muffins are the ultimate cozy treat, combining the rich flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a light, fluffy muffin. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or any time you want a little sweetness in your day. Easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit, they’re a must-try for any cinnamon lover. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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