Swirled Cinnamon And Sugar Muffins Recipe

Easy Swirled Cinnamon And Sugar Muffins Recipe For Cozy Mornings

Soft, pillowy swirled cinnamon and sugar muffins bring warmth to any morning breakfast table.

Fragrant spices dance through tender crumb, promising delightful comfort.

Kitchens fill with incredible aromas that spark memories of grandmother’s cherished baking.

Sweet spirals wind through each delectable bite, creating irresistible layers of deliciousness.

Homemade treats like these connect us to cherished traditions and simple pleasures.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these muffins will become your new weekend favorite.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this recipe is pure morning magic.

Cinnamon Muffins That Get Praise Every Morning

  • Quick Morning Lifesaver: Whip up these delightful muffins in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families rushing through breakfast or needing a speedy snack.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: No advanced baking skills required! Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make these muffins accessible for novice bakers of all ages.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to adapt with extra mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, ensuring everyone finds their favorite version of these irresistible cinnamon-swirled treats.
  • Impressive Presentation: The beautiful marbled cinnamon-sugar swirl creates a bakery-style muffin that looks much more complicated than its simple preparation suggests.

Swirled Cinnamon and Sugar Muffins What You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the muffins, provides structure and texture. Unbleached flour works best for a more natural flavor.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy. Fresh baking powder ensures maximum lift.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the muffins.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor to the muffin base. Use fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for the best taste.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. Granulated white sugar works perfectly.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients. Whole milk offers the richest flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender. Neutral-flavored oil like canola works well.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the muffins. Use fresh, room-temperature eggs.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and complements the cinnamon. Pure vanilla extract provides the best taste.
Topping and Swirl:
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a sweet, spicy swirl and topping. Mix these ingredients just before using for the most intense flavor. Provides a delightful crunch and aromatic finish to the muffins.
  • Melted Butter: Optional finishing touch that adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar stick to the muffin tops.

Muffin Instructions for Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Delight

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a 12-cup muffin pan and line it with cute paper liners or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Mix Dry Treasure

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Blend these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Whip Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, create a smooth liquid mixture by whisking:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until everything looks silky and well-blended.

Step 4: Create Magical Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir gently with a wooden spoon.

Stop mixing the moment ingredients are just combined – lumpy batter makes the most tender muffins!

Step 5: Craft Cinnamon Magic

In a small bowl, combine:
  • Sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

This will be your swirly topping.

Step 6: Fill And Decorate Muffin Cups

Scoop batter into muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.

Use a toothpick to create beautiful swirls throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Optional: Brush warm muffin tops with melted butter and dust with extra cinnamon-sugar.

Let muffins cool slightly before devouring these delightful treats.

Muffin Swirl Tips with Cinnamon Sugar Perfection

  • Stir the batter gently and briefly to keep muffins tender and light, stopping as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated.
  • Adjust sugar levels by reducing amount in batter or topping for a less sweet version that suits different taste preferences.
  • Replace vegetable oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative that maintains moisture and texture.
  • Use a toothpick or thin knife to create delicate marbled patterns, moving in gentle zigzag motions across the muffin batter.
  • Keep muffins fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to a month.

Reheat Cinnamon and Sugar Muffins

  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and texture.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed frozen muffins at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original soft and fluffy texture.
  • Let frozen muffins thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying their delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl.

Drinks for Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

  • Flavor Companions: Warm chai tea brings out the cinnamon's rich depth, creating a cozy morning experience.
  • Sweet Sidekick: Cream cheese spread adds a silky, tangy contrast that perfectly balances the muffins' sweet warmth.
  • Morning Beverage Boost: Freshly brewed Colombian coffee cuts through the sweetness, providing a robust counterpoint to the muffin's delicate texture.
  • Complementary Treat: Vanilla Greek yogurt offers a cool, protein-packed companion that enhances the muffin's spicy undertones.

Cinnamon Muffins with Sweet Changes

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy these muffins without compromise.
  • Vegan Version: Swap egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use almond milk instead of dairy milk to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Whole Wheat Wellness: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a slightly nuttier flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate mashed banana or applesauce to maintain moisture while cutting down on refined sugar.

FAQs

  • Why is overmixing the batter bad?

Overmixing develops too much gluten, which makes muffins tough and dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix gently just until ingredients are combined to keep the texture tender.

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but replace only half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to maintain a soft texture. Using 100% whole wheat flour will make muffins heavier and drier.

  • How do I get the perfect cinnamon-sugar swirl?

Use a toothpick or thin knife and make gentle zigzag or circular motions through the batter after adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Don’t stir too deeply or the swirl will disappear.

  • What's the best way to check if muffins are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the muffins are done. If there are wet crumbs, bake for 2-3 more minutes.

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Swirled Cinnamon And Sugar Muffins Recipe

Swirled Cinnamon And Sugar Muffins Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade Swirled Cinnamon and Sugar Muffins deliver a comforting breakfast classic with irresistible warm spices and sweet swirled layers. Fragrant spices and tender crumb promise a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Sweeteners and Sugars:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for cinnamon-sugar swirl)
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) cinnamon-sugar (for topping)

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon-sugar swirl)
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C) and arranging a 12-cup muffin tin with protective paper liners or a light grease coating.
  2. Craft the dry mixture by thoroughly combining flour, baking powder, salt, and a measured portion of cinnamon in a medium mixing vessel.
  3. Create the liquid foundation by whisking sugar, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until achieving a harmonious, smooth consistency.
  4. Merge the dry and wet components with a gentle folding technique, ensuring minimal manipulation to preserve the batter’s delicate texture.
  5. Construct the aromatic cinnamon-sugar accent by blending sugar and cinnamon in a separate small container, reserving for later decoration.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly across muffin cups, filling approximately two-thirds of each compartment. Generously dust the surface with the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  7. Utilize a toothpick or slender knife to artfully swirl the cinnamon-sugar throughout the batter, creating an elegant marbled design.
  8. Position the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a testing implement that emerges clean.
  9. Optional enhancement involves brushing warm muffin tops with melted butter and sprinkling additional cinnamon-sugar for intensified sweetness.
  10. Allow muffins to cool momentarily before serving, permitting the internal structure to stabilize and flavors to mature.

Notes

  • Swap milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk to make the recipe dairy-free and suitable for vegan diets.
  • Reduce sugar content by using half the recommended amount or replace with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a low-calorie version.
  • Incorporate whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend to enhance nutritional value and accommodate different dietary needs.
  • Use silicone muffin liners for easier removal and less waste, ensuring perfectly shaped muffins without sticking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 192
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 18 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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