Cinnamon Muffins

I just love the smell of cinnamon muffins. They make me smile. Let me tell you all about them. I bake them at home all the time. Gosh, they are so soft and sweet. I think you will like them a lot. I really want you to taste them, too. They remind me of a cozy morning. I feel so happy when I eat them. Go ahead and bake some now. It’s super simple. Then share them with your friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: No complicated techniques, just mix and bake.
• Warm, Cozy Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar creates a comforting taste.
• Soft and Moist: The perfect balance of ingredients ensures a light and fluffy texture.
• Perfect for Any Time: Enjoy them fresh in the morning or as a snack throughout the day.
• Easily Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or a streusel topping for extra flavor.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 20-22 minutes
• Total Time: About 40 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes 12 standard muffins—perfect for sharing.

Difficulty

Beginner-friendly, no special skills required.

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare these delicious muffins, you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk & Spatula: Essential for mixing without overworking the batter.
• Muffin Pan: Standard 12-cup muffin tin.
• Muffin Liners or Non-Stick Spray: Prevents sticking for easy removal.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Muffins

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moisture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:

For the Muffin Batter:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the muffins. Be sure to spoon and level the flour for accuracy.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the muffins rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – The star spice, delivering warm, aromatic notes.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds depth and a hint of extra spice.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps with moisture retention.
• ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar (light or dark) – Deepens the flavor with a slight caramel-like richness.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature – Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the muffins’ structure.
• ½ cup (120ml) neutral oil (vegetable or canola) – Keeps the muffins moist and tender. Butter can be substituted for a richer taste.
• ¾ cup (180ml) milk (whole or 2%) – Provides moisture and a soft crumb texture. For a richer result, buttermilk can be used.
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances all the flavors.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar – Gives the topping a crisp texture.
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – Enhances the cinnamon flavor for an extra punch.

Variations for Cinnamon Muffins

These muffins are delicious as they are, but here are some creative ways to switch things up:

Flavor Additions:

• Brown Butter Option: Swap the oil for browned butter to create a nutty, caramelized flavor.
• Orange or Lemon Zest: A touch of citrus zest can brighten the warm flavors.
• Maple Syrup: Replace ¼ cup of the sugar with maple syrup for a naturally sweet twist.

Texture Boosters:

• Chopped Nuts: Add ½ cup of toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy bite.
• Raisins or Dried Cranberries: Mix in ½ cup for a chewy texture and natural sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips: For a dessert-like variation, stir in ½ cup of dark or milk chocolate chips.

Topping Alternatives:

• Streusel Crumb Topping: Combine 3 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup flour, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a bakery-style crumble.
• Glaze Drizzle: Whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk for a light icing on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Before you start mixing, set up your kitchen for a smooth baking process.

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when the muffins go in.
• Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup with non-stick spray.
• Gather all ingredients and tools. This prevents interruptions while mixing the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Properly combining the dry ingredients helps ensure even distribution and prevents overmixing later.

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 tablespoon baking powder
   • ½ teaspoon salt
   • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
   • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2. Whisk thoroughly to remove any clumps and evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Mixing the wet ingredients separately ensures even blending and prevents overworking the batter.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • ½ cup granulated sugar
   • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
   • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
   • ½ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
   • ¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)
   • 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2. Whisk until fully combined and smooth. The sugar should start dissolving into the liquid mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together for a perfectly balanced muffin batter.

1. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
2. Pour the wet mixture into the well and use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together.
3. Mix until just combined. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy—do not overmix, or the muffins will turn dense.
4. Optional: If adding mix-ins (nuts, raisins, chocolate chips), gently fold them in at this stage.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Getting the right amount of batter in each cup helps ensure even baking.

1. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Using a cookie scoop or measuring cup helps maintain consistency.
2. Smooth the tops slightly with a spoon if needed, but don’t press down too much.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

The baking process transforms the batter into golden, fluffy muffins.

1. Place the muffin tin on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Check early! Since oven temperatures vary, start checking at 18 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the muffins bake, get the topping ready for that extra burst of cinnamon flavor.

1. In a small bowl, mix:
   • ¼ cup granulated sugar
   • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
2. Set aside until the muffins are ready to be coated.

Step 8: Coat the Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar

For the best cinnamon flavor, add the topping while the muffins are still warm.

1. Let the muffins cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
2. Brush the tops with melted butter (about 2 tablespoons).
3. Sprinkle or dip each muffin into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring even coverage.

How to Serve Cinnamon Muffins

These muffins are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance their flavor:

• Warm with Butter: Slice a freshly baked muffin in half and spread a little butter for extra richness.
• With Coffee or Tea: Their cinnamon spice pairs beautifully with a morning cup of coffee, chai, or black tea.
• Drizzle with Honey or Maple Syrup: For a touch of natural sweetness.
• Pair with Yogurt or Fruit: Serve alongside Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast.
• As a Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storing Cinnamon Muffins

Proper storage helps keep your muffins fresh and delicious for days.

At Room Temperature (Best for Freshness)

• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To prevent sogginess, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.

In the Refrigerator (For Longer Freshness)

• Store muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them again.

Freezing for Extended Storage

• Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• To thaw: Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm.

Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Tips

Cinnamon Muffins are great for meal prepping, and you can make the process even easier with these tips:

• Make the batter ahead: Prepare the muffin batter the night before and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping into muffin tins.
• Pre-mix the dry ingredients: Store the dry mix in a sealed jar or bag for a quick baking session anytime.
• Freeze individual portions: Great for grab-and-go breakfasts. Just reheat in the microwave for a fresh, warm muffin.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general estimate of the nutritional values per muffin (based on a standard 12-muffin batch):

Nutrient	Amount per Muffin
Calories	~200 kcal
Carbohydrates	28g
Protein	3g
Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	25mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	14g
Sodium	160mg

Note: Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and modifications.

Cinnamon Muffins FAQs

1. Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.

2. Can I use butter instead of oil?

Absolutely. Use ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter for a richer flavor.

3. How do I prevent muffins from getting too dense?

• Do not overmix the batter. Stir until just combined.
• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.

4. Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized ones?

Yes! Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.

5. How do I keep muffins from sticking to the liners?

Use high-quality muffin liners or lightly grease the liners before adding batter.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Muffins are soft, warm, and filled with comforting spices, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or snacking. They’re easy to make, store well, and can be customized with mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later, they’re sure to be a favorite.