Fluffy Cinnamon Swirl Muffins Recipe: Breakfast Joy in Every Bite

Waking up to warm cinnamon swirl muffins can turn any morning into a delightful experience.

Soft, pillowy dough spirals with rich cinnamon create an irresistible breakfast treat.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising a comforting start to the day.

Delicate swirls peek out from each muffin, inviting you to take a bite.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Mixing bowls and a few pantry staples are all you need to create these heavenly breakfast delights.

We promise these muffins will become your new weekend morning tradition.

Swirl and Spice for Cozy Morning Muffins

• Flour: Base for the soft and tender muffin structure, all-purpose flour works best.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Yeast: Provides rise and creates light, fluffy texture.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate yeast, warm milk preferred.
• Butter, Egg: Contribute to rich, tender crumb and enhance flavor.
• Softened Butter: Creates smooth, spreadable layer for filling.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic sweet and warm filling that creates delicious swirl.
• Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Milk: Creates smooth, sweet glaze that complements cinnamon flavor.

Cinnamon Muffins Breakfast Baking Steps

Step 1: Activate the Yeast Mixture

Warm up your milk and blend it with yeast.

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

This helps create a light and fluffy texture for your muffins.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Activated yeast mixture
• Melted butter
• Egg

Stir everything together until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough on a clean surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot.

Allow the dough to rise for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

This process helps develop rich flavors and creates a tender texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Softened butter

Mix these ingredients until they create a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, stretch the dough into a rectangular shape.

Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a spiral pattern.

Step 6: Shape the Muffin Rolls

Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.

Gently place each piece into a greased muffin tin.

Let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes to become puffy.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bake the muffins for 15-18 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and excitement.

Step 8: Create a Delightful Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Drizzle the smooth glaze over the warm muffins, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Remove the muffins from the tin and place them on a serving plate.

Enjoy these delectable treats with a hot cup of coffee or tea, sharing the love with family and friends.

Breakfast Muffin Tips for Cinnamon Swirl Perfection

• Place the covered bowl in a warm, draft-free spot like inside an oven with the light on to help yeast activate faster and ensure proper rising.
• Use parchment paper or generously grease the muffin tin to ensure easy removal of cinnamon swirl muffins without breaking.
• Let ingredients like milk, butter, and egg reach room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent dough texture.
• Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut dough rolls uniformly, creating perfectly sized muffin pieces with clean edges.
• Add milk gradually to powdered sugar when making the glaze, adjusting until you reach a drizzle-friendly thickness that flows smoothly over warm muffins.

Cinnamon Swirl Muffins Leftovers

• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and soft.
• Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for later enjoyment.
• Warm briefly in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, fresh texture.
• Remove from freezer, unwrap, and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes or microwave on low power for 30-45 seconds until completely defrosted.

Breakfast Matches for Cinnamon Swirl Muffins

• Brew Perfection Pairing: Rich, bold coffee complements the sweet cinnamon warmth, cutting through the muffins' richness with its robust flavor.
• Morning Beverage Balance: Chai tea creates a delightful spice harmony, echoing the cinnamon notes while adding gentle complexity to each bite.
• Breakfast Companion Strategy: Fresh orange juice provides a bright, citrusy contrast that cleanses the palate between sweet, buttery muffin bites.
• Comfort Drink Recommendation: Warm vanilla almond milk softens the cinnamon's intensity, creating a soothing, gentle breakfast experience that feels like a warm hug.

Cinnamon Swirl Muffins Breakfast Twists

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Swap dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace egg with mashed banana or flax egg.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute milk with oat milk, use plant-based margarine, and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for lactose-intolerant bakers.

FAQs

• Why is kneading important for this recipe?

Kneading develops gluten in the flour, which helps create a soft, stretchy texture in the muffins. Proper kneading ensures the dough rises evenly and produces a light, fluffy result.

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount, but skip the proofing step since instant yeast activates immediately. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

• How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and appear puffy. When you gently press the dough with your finger, it should slowly spring back but leave a slight indentation. This indicates the yeast has worked correctly.

• What if my kitchen is cold and the dough doesn't rise well?

Place the covered dough in a slightly warm area like near a preheated oven or inside an oven with the light on. You can also create a warm environment by placing a bowl of hot water next to the dough to help it rise.

Cinnamon Swirl Muffins That Make Mornings Better

• Quickly Create Delightful Breakfast: Perfect for busy mornings, these cinnamon swirl muffins transform standard breakfast routine into a special treat.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Surprisingly simple recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Soft, sweet rolls with gooey cinnamon center appeal to both kids and adults, creating a memorable shared meal experience.
• Versatile Weekend Brunch Star: Elegant enough for weekend gatherings yet easy to prepare, these muffins elevate casual family breakfasts into something extraordinary.

Cinnamon Swirl Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm cinnamon swirl muffins bring comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising sweet morning bliss. Fragrant spices and buttery crumb invite you to savor each delightful bite of homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Topping and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a foundational mixture by combining flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Introduce warm milk, melted butter, and a fresh egg, blending thoroughly until a cohesive dough emerges.
2. Knead the dough persistently for approximately five minutes, developing its elasticity and smoothness. Transfer to a draft-free environment and allow it to expand and rise until its volume doubles, roughly one hour.
3. While dough transforms, prepare a fragrant filling by whisking brown sugar and cinnamon together in a compact container, creating a sweet, aromatic blend.
4. Liberate the dough onto a generously floured workspace and manipulate it into a rectangular shape, targeting dimensions near 12×9 inches. Delicately distribute softened butter across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered terrain, creating an even, tantalizing layer of flavor.
6. Commence rolling the dough tightly from its lengthiest edge, forming a compact cylindrical shape. Slice the roll into twelve uniform segments.
7. Nestle each spiral-shaped portion into a well-greased muffin tin, allowing them ample space to expand. Shield the tin and permit a secondary rise lasting approximately thirty minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a warm environment for baking. Once the muffins have risen, slide the tin into the oven and bake until they acquire a golden, appetizing hue, typically 15-18 minutes.
9. Construct a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
10. After allowing the muffins a brief cooling period, cascade the glaze over their warm surfaces, creating an enticing, sweet finish.

Notes

• Activate the yeast properly by using warm (not hot) milk to ensure the dough rises perfectly without killing the yeast.
• Prevent dense muffins by avoiding overmixing the dough and kneading just until smooth and elastic.
• Create consistent rolls by using a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the dough evenly, ensuring uniform baking.
• Customize the recipe for dietary needs by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and using dairy-free milk and butter alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 192
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 29mg