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Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins: The Ultimate Recipe for Deliciousness


  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Description

Moist, fluffy cinnamon sugar swirl muffins, with optional crumble topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions

  1. Prepare Crumble Topping (Optional): In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate while preparing muffin batter.
  2. Make Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix well. Melt butter in a separate small bowl.
  3. Prepare Muffin Batter: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Assemble and Bake: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of batter into each muffin liner (? full). Drizzle 1 teaspoon melted butter over batter. Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon sugar mixture over butter.
  8. Spoon another 1-2 tablespoons of batter over cinnamon sugar layer (? full). Drizzle 1 teaspoon melted butter over batter. Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon sugar mixture over butter.
  9. If using crumble topping, sprinkle generously over the top of each muffin.
  10. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  11. Let cool in muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing leads to tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smoother batter.
  • Don’t Overfill: Fill muffin liners about ? full.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness.
  • Cool Completely: Let muffins cool completely before storing.
  • Variations: Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter. Experiment with different spices in the cinnamon sugar swirl.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Troubleshooting:
    Dry Muffins: Avoid overbaking and measure flour accurately.
    Dense Muffins: Avoid overmixing and use fresh baking powder/soda.
    Muffins Not Rising: Use fresh baking powder/soda and preheat oven properly.
    Cinnamon Sugar Sinking: Use correct liquid amount in batter and don’t use too much cinnamon sugar. Chill batter before adding swirl.
  • Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with coffee or tea, or with whipped cream or ice cream.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes