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If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of spice and sweetness, this Easy Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is just what you need. These muffins are tender, lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar crust that adds an irresistible crunch. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, promising a batch of golden, fluffy muffins that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the first step toward creating these delightful muffins. Each item here plays a key role—from the tender crumb created by all-purpose flour to the warm spice notes brought by cinnamon and nutmeg, ensuring your muffins have the perfect texture and flavor.
- 1 ½ cup all purpose flour: The base that gives structure and a light crumb to your muffins.
- ½ cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise, making them wonderfully fluffy.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the batter.
- ¼ tsp nutmeg: Offers a subtle warmth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted, plus more to grease the pan): Adds richness and moisture to the muffins.
- 1 egg (room temperature, lightly beaten with a fork): Binds ingredients together and contributes to texture.
- ½ cup warm milk (low fat or whole milk): Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- â…“ cup sugar: For the crunchy cinnamon sugar topping.
- ¾ tsp cinnamon: The star spice in the topping, delivering that classic cinnamon muffin flavor.
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted): To coat muffin tops before rolling them in cinnamon sugar.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-count non-stick muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to ensure your muffins come out easily without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until evenly combined. This ensures the leavening agent and spices are distributed well for consistent flavor and rise.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the warm milk, lightly beaten egg, and the 5 tablespoons of melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—but don’t over mix! Leaving the batter a bit lumpy helps keep the muffins tender and fluffy.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly into the prepared pan cups, filling each about one-third full. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the muffins bake, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the topping. In another small bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter for dipping the muffin tops after baking.
Step 6: Coat Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar
When the muffins come out of the oven, let them cool just slightly so they’re warm but manageable. Dip the tops briefly into the melted butter, then roll or dip them generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Don’t forget to coat the sides as well for extra crunch and flavor. Place the muffins on a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey complements these muffins beautifully, adding extra sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon flavor. Fresh berries on the side can also brighten up each bite.
Side Dishes
These muffins shine alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. Pairing them with creamy yogurt or a fresh fruit salad makes for a delightful breakfast or brunch spread. For an indulgent twist, a smear of cream cheese or butter is pure magic.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the muffins on a tiered stand with small bowls of cinnamon sugar and melted butter nearby so guests can customize their own. Wrapping each muffin in a cute parchment paper liner gives them a charming, homemade touch perfect for gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for about 2 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
These muffins freeze wonderfully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, microwave your muffin for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in a toaster oven until heated through. The cinnamon sugar topping will perk right back up.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Substituting whole wheat flour will give the muffins a heartier texture and nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind they may be a little denser, but still delicious.
What if I don’t have nutmeg on hand?
No worries! Nutmeg adds subtle warmth but if you skip it, your muffins will still be tasty and cinnamon-forward. You could also try a pinch of allspice or cloves if you want a similar spice note.
Is it important to use warm milk?
Using warm milk helps the butter stay melted and blends the ingredients smoothly, contributing to tender muffins. Cold milk works in a pinch but gentle warming is preferred.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can replace melted butter with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. This will keep the muffins moist but note that the buttery flavor may be milder.
How do I prevent overmixing the batter?
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, with a few lumps remaining. Stirring too much develops gluten, making muffins tough instead of tender and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making a batch of muffins that are both easy and bursting with flavor, and this Easy Cinnamon Muffins Recipe checks all those boxes. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet morning or impressing friends with your baking skills, these muffins never disappoint. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the simple joy of cinnamon-spiced goodness fresh from your oven!
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Print
Easy Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These easy cinnamon muffins are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Soft, tender, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating that adds a delicious crunch. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins are a quick and satisfying bake for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing the pan)
- 1 egg, room temperature, lightly beaten with a fork
- ½ cup warm milk (low fat or whole milk)
Topping
- â…“ cup sugar
- ¾ tsp cinnamon
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-count non-stick muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, lightly beaten egg, and 5 tablespoons of melted butter into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is combined but the batter remains slightly lumpy. Avoid over mixing to keep muffins tender.
- Fill Muffin Cups and Bake: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about one-third full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or until muffins are golden at the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the muffins bake, mix together ⅓ cup sugar and ¾ teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. In another small bowl, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Coat Muffins: Once muffins have baked and while still warm, dip the tops briefly into the melted butter, then dip or roll them generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating the tops and sides. Place on a wire rack to cool.
Notes
- Do not over mix the batter; a few lumps ensure the muffins stay light and fluffy.
- Use warm milk to help the melted butter blend smoothly with dry ingredients.
- The cinnamon sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness—don’t skip this step!
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with margarine and use a dairy-free milk alternative.
