Easy Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins Recipe

These easy cinnamon sugar swirl muffins are the perfect treat to start your day or enjoy as a sweet snack. With their soft, tender crumb and a delicious swirl of cinnamon and sugar, these muffins are both comforting and indulgent. They’re simple to make and bring a delightful aroma to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Perfect for bakers of any skill level, this recipe comes together in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds a rich, sweet, and spicy flavor to every bite.
• Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Milk
• Egg
• Butter (melted)
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and a portion of the cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and the remaining cinnamon for the swirl mixture.
6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Add a layer of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then top with more batter, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
7. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter.
8. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12 muffins
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18–20 minutes

Variations

• Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze over the muffins for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Mix in Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Spiced Up: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the batter.
• Healthier Option: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use a natural sweetener like maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a 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 before eating.
• Reheating: Warm muffins in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use a gluten-free flour substitute?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.

2. Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use almond milk or oat milk as a substitute for regular milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine.

3. What’s the best way to prevent overmixing the batter?

Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense, chewy muffins.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Adjust baking time slightly if needed and ensure even distribution of the batter.

5. How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, they’re ready.

6. Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar swirl?

You can omit the swirl for a plain muffin base or mix the cinnamon and sugar directly into the batter.

7. What’s the best type of sugar for the swirl?

Brown sugar works best as it adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.

8. How can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 10–12 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

9. Can I add fruit to the batter?

Yes! Try mixing in small diced apples or raisins for an added burst of flavor.

10. What’s the best way to reheat frozen muffins?

Thaw them first, then microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Conclusion

Easy cinnamon sugar swirl muffins are a delightful homemade treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their simple preparation, versatile variations, and cozy flavor, they’ll quickly become a household favorite. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or save them for later, these muffins are a recipe worth repeating!

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