Oh, let me tell you about the joy of baking cinnamon sugar swirl muffins! There’s just something magical about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen while these little delights bake. They come out soft, fluffy, and warm, with that gorgeous swirl of cinnamon sugar that gives each bite an irresistible flavor. Trust me, once you take a bite of these cinnamon sugar swirl muffins, you’ll be hooked! The combination of sweet and spicy is simply perfect, making these muffins a wonderful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, so you can indulge in a little baking fun without spending all day in the kitchen!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
How to Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C)! This step is super important because it helps the muffins rise beautifully and bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, you can gather all your ingredients and get ready to mix!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, grab that softened 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar. Using an electric mixer or a good old-fashioned whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be nice and airy, so keep mixing until it looks like a dreamy cloud!
Mix in the Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s add 2 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix it all together until just combined. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy; that’s perfectly okay! Just ensure everything is well incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This combination is where all that wonderful cinnamon flavor comes from! Make sure it’s all mixed thoroughly to avoid any surprises later.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—your muffins will thank you for it! A few lumps are totally fine.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This is what will create that delightful swirl in your muffins. Trust me, the smell alone is worth it!
Fill Muffin Cups and Swirl
Now, let’s fill the muffin cups! Scoop the batter into each cup until they’re about halfway full. Then sprinkle a generous amount of that cinnamon sugar mixture on top! Cover with a little more batter, then take a toothpick and gently swirl it through the batter to create that gorgeous cinnamon pattern. Oops! It’s okay if it gets a little messy; that’s part of the fun!
Bake the Muffins
Finally, pop those beauties in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as they bake—pure bliss!
Tips for Success with Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins
To make sure your cinnamon sugar swirl muffins turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips! First off, use ingredients that are at room temperature—this helps everything mix together smoothly and creates that fluffy texture we all love. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Also, be gentle when you’re mixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and we definitely want them soft and airy. Just stir until the wet and dry ingredients are combined, and a few lumps are totally fine. And don’t forget to fill your muffin cups only halfway! This gives the muffins room to rise beautifully without overflowing.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding nuts or raisins for an extra flavor boost. These muffins are super versatile, and you can make them your own!
Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one delicious cinnamon sugar swirl muffin. Keep in mind that these are approximations, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
These numbers make it easy to enjoy your muffins guilt-free, knowing they’re a delicious treat that’s still packed with flavor!
FAQ About Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist on these cinnamon sugar swirl muffins. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour can make the muffins a bit denser, so you might want to mix it with a little all-purpose flour to keep that light and fluffy texture we all love. A 50/50 blend works great!
How should I store leftover muffins?
To keep your muffins fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them too! Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up!
Can I add nuts or fruits to the batter?
Oh, definitely! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans gives a lovely crunch, while fruits like blueberries or diced apples can add a delightful sweetness. Just make sure to chop them up into smaller pieces so they mix well into the batter. Feel free to get creative—these muffins are super versatile, and you can customize them to suit your taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute cravings!
- Soft, fluffy texture with a delightful cinnamon sugar swirl in every bite.
- Minimal ingredients mean you can whip these up without a trip to the store.
- They fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will make your mouth water.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite nuts or fruits for extra flavor.
- Great for sharing—these muffins are sure to impress family and friends!
- They stay fresh for days, making them a wonderful make-ahead snack.
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins: 7 Reasons to Bake Today
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon sugar swirl muffins are soft, fluffy, and packed with a delicious cinnamon flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Fill muffin cups halfway with batter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and cover with more batter.
- Swirl a toothpick through each muffin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- Store muffins in an airtight container.
- Best served warm.
- Can add nuts or raisins for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cinnamon sugar swirl muffins
