Swirled Cinnamon and Sugar Muffins

These Swirled Cinnamon and Sugar Muffins are a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack. With a tender crumb and a beautiful cinnamon-sugar swirl, these muffins are as delicious as they are visually stunning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Perfectly moist muffins with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl.
• Great for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a portable dessert.
• Kid-friendly and perfect for sharing or serving at gatherings.
• The swirled design adds a fun, bakery-style touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter. Sprinkle a small amount of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Top with another layer of batter to cover the cinnamon sugar.
7. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
8. Bake the muffins for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Servings: 12 muffins
• Calories: 180 kcal per muffin

Variations

• Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the muffins for added sweetness.
• Chocolate Cinnamon: Add a few chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Swirl: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
• Whole Wheat: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.
• Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use a muffin mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a plain muffin mix as the base and follow the cinnamon-sugar swirl steps for a similar result.

2. How can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or another plant-based alternative. Use a dairy-free butter substitute.

3. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking.

4. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly, but it may alter the sweetness and texture of the muffins.

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

Use high-quality muffin liners or grease the tin thoroughly. Allow the muffins to cool before removing them from the liners.

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

Absolutely! Reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes and check for doneness.

7. Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Use two muffin tins or bake in batches.

8. What type of cinnamon works best?

Ground cinnamon is ideal for this recipe. For a stronger flavor, use Saigon cinnamon.

9. Can I skip the swirl step?

Yes, but the swirl adds both flavor and a decorative touch. Simply mix the cinnamon sugar directly into the batter if preferred.

10. Are these muffins suitable for freezing?

Yes, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually to maintain freshness and thaw when ready to eat.

Conclusion

Swirled Cinnamon and Sugar Muffins are a delightful addition to any breakfast table or snack time. Their soft texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and charming swirled design make them a versatile and irresistible treat. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy bakery-quality muffins from the comfort of your home!

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