A Short Story About the Recipe
I’ve always been a fan of muffins. They’re simple, comforting, and versatile—perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. But one day, I thought, “What could make muffins even better?” The answer came to me in a flash: cinnamon sugar. I mean, who can resist the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon filling the kitchen? It’s the kind of scent that makes you feel like everything is right in the world.
That’s when I created these Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Muffins. Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy muffin, with just the right balance of cinnamon warmth and sweet sugar. They’re light and airy, yet satisfyingly rich with flavor. The crispy cinnamon sugar topping adds the perfect crunch, making each bite irresistible.
I’ve made these muffins for breakfast, brunch, and even as a treat with coffee in the afternoon. They’re one of those recipes that everyone asks for—perfect for sharing with family, friends, or even for yourself when you need a little comfort in the form of baked goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Versatile
You can enjoy these muffins as a snack, breakfast, or dessert. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also easily adapt them by adding in your favorite mix-ins, such as raisins or chopped nuts.
Budget-Friendly
With everyday ingredients like flour, sugar, and cinnamon, these muffins are inexpensive to make, but they taste like a special treat.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 large eggs
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1 cup milk
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
How to Make This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This will ensure your muffins come out easily after baking.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir the ingredients together with a whisk to ensure they’re evenly distributed. This will make sure every muffin has the right balance of flavor.
3. Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The wet ingredients should be smooth and fully mixed.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense. The batter should be a bit lumpy—this is normal.
5. Fill the muffin tin
Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ of the way full. This will give the muffins plenty of room to rise.
6. Make the cinnamon sugar topping
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Set it aside.
7. Bake the muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown and puffed up.
8. Add the cinnamon sugar topping
While the muffins are baking, melt the tablespoon of butter in a small bowl. Once the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Brush the tops of each muffin with the melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top.
9. Cool and serve
Let the muffins cool for another 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them while they’re still warm for the best experience!
Quick and Easy
These muffins are incredibly easy to whip up and take only about 30 minutes to bake. They’re perfect when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Customizable
Feel free to switch things up by adding your favorite mix-ins. Raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips would all work well in this recipe. For a slight twist, try adding a bit of lemon zest or nutmeg to the batter for a unique flavor profile.
Perfect for Guests
These muffins make an excellent treat for brunch or a casual gathering. They’re warm, comforting, and just the right balance of sweet and spiced. Pair them with a hot drink, and your guests will be asking for the recipe!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! These muffins can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Absolutely. To freeze, place the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them at room temperature or microwave for a quick reheat.
How can I make these muffins dairy-free?
To make these muffins dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or oil, and use a dairy-free milk like almond milk or oat milk. You can still make the cinnamon sugar topping with dairy-free butter or oil as well.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. The muffins will be slightly denser but still delicious!
Can I add other spices to these muffins?
Definitely! You can add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even allspice to the batter for added depth of flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite warm spices.