Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins Recipe

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins blend sweet nostalgia with comforting breakfast perfection. Warm spices and tender crumb promise a delightful morning treat you will savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
  • 2 tbsps (25 g) granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsps ground cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Heat oven to 375F (190C) and line muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.
  2. Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking until uniformly blended.
  3. Cream Base: Whip butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, creating a smooth foundation for the muffins.
  4. Wet Integration: Add eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition, then introduce vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
  5. Batter Development: Alternately fold dry ingredients and buttermilk into the creamy mixture, maintaining a delicate texture without overmixing.
  6. Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a separate small bowl to create a fragrant, sweet coating.
  7. Initial Layer: Fill muffin cups halfway with batter, then sprinkle a layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface.
  8. Final Assembly: Top each muffin cup with remaining batter, filling three-quarters full, and generously dust with additional cinnamon-sugar blend.
  9. Baking Process: Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, confirming doneness with a clean inserted tester.
  10. Cooling Stage: Rest muffins briefly in tin, then transfer to a cooling rack to set and develop optimal texture.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter just until ingredients combine to maintain a soft, tender muffin texture without developing tough gluten strands.
  • Control Cinnamon Sugar Layer: Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture gently between batter layers for a more defined, swirled interior appearance and balanced flavor distribution.
  • Check Moisture Levels: Use room temperature buttermilk and eggs to ensure smooth batter integration and consistent muffin moisture.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend, use dairy-free milk alternatives, or replace butter with vegetable oil for different dietary requirements.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 227
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 49 mg