Easy Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins

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Easy Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins – Soft, Sweet, and Perfect Every Time

  1. If you’re craving a cozy, bakery-style breakfast treat that’s quick to make and packed with warm cinnamon flavor, these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins are exactly what you need. With their moist, tender crumb and irresistible sugary swirl, they’re a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just pure comfort in every bite!

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

  • Simple pantry ingredients – no need to shop for anything special.
  • Perfect texture – light, fluffy, and moist.
  • Sweet cinnamon swirl – adds flavor and a beautiful marbled look.
  • Ready in under 30 minutes – ideal for busy mornings or last-minute guests.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup milk (any type)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until combined. A few lumps are okay—overmixing will make the muffins tough.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create a crumbly swirl topping.

Step 6: Assemble the Muffins

Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with batter. Spoon 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top of each muffin. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Muffins Every Time

  • Don’t overmix the batter—stir only until combined.
  • Use fresh baking powder to ensure a good rise.
  • Swirl gently—over-swirling can mix the layers too much.
  • Cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

  • Chopped apples or pears for added moisture and fruitiness.
  • Mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
  • Crushed pecans or walnuts for crunch and richness.
  • Whole wheat flour – substitute ½ of the all-purpose flour for a fiber boost.
  • Unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt – swap out some of the butter for a lighter version.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • To Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy with coffee, chai, or hot chocolate for a cozy start to your day.
  • Serve with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast.
  • Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for added sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and vegan butter.

Q: Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to mix just before baking, but you can prep dry and wet ingredients separately the night before.

Q: My muffins didn’t rise. What went wrong?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and that your oven is fully preheated before baking.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Muffin)

  • Calories: 260
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbs: 36g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins are the perfect mix of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend breakfast, a school snack, or an afternoon treat, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Try them today—and don’t forget to share your twist in the comments!

 

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