These Cinnamon Sugar Muffins are a sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-spiced treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. With a light and moist muffin base coated in melted butter and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping, these muffins taste like a cross between a donut and a coffee cake. They’re easy to make ahead and are great for sharing with family and friends!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup sugar
⅓ cup butter, softened
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk

For the Topping:

¼ cup pecans
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ stick butter, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat sugar and butter together until well combined (about 2 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Turn the mixer to low and add the flour mixture and milk in small batches, alternating and mixing well after each addition.
Fill the muffin cups: Using a large spoon, fill each muffin cup halfway full.
Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the topping: While the muffins are baking, use a food processor to grind the pecans into a fine texture. In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and ground pecans. Melt the butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Coat the muffins: Let muffins cool for a few minutes before removing the paper liners. Brush melted butter on the tops and sides of each muffin, then dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
Set and serve: Let the muffins sit on a cooling rack for a few minutes, then serve warm or store for later.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 190 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 95mg

A Classic Flavor Combination

The beauty of cinnamon sugar muffins lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, they bring together some of the most beloved flavors in baking: cinnamon, sugar, butter, and a touch of vanilla. These ingredients come together to create a rich, comforting aroma that fills the kitchen while the muffins bake. The combination of the warm spices and the sweetness of the sugar make these muffins a nostalgic favorite.

The cinnamon-sugar topping takes these muffins to the next level, offering a crunchy and flavorful contrast to the soft, tender crumb of the muffin itself. Pecans add a delightful crunch, enhancing the texture and providing a nutty depth to the overall flavor. It’s a sweet and savory combo that works beautifully as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.

The Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Texture

The muffin batter for these cinnamon sugar muffins is light and moist, yielding a soft and fluffy texture once baked. The balance of flour, sugar, and milk creates a tender base that serves as the ideal backdrop for the cinnamon and sugar topping. The muffin’s crumb is not overly dense, which makes it just the right treat when you crave something sweet but not too heavy.

The topping is where the real magic happens. Melted butter is brushed on top of each muffin, ensuring that the cinnamon-sugar mixture adheres perfectly to the muffin’s surface. The pecans, which are finely ground and mixed into the cinnamon sugar, provide an added layer of texture, making every bite a delightful combination of soft, crunchy, and sweet.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Sharing

One of the best aspects of cinnamon sugar muffins is their versatility. They’re perfect for meal prepping because they can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week. Whether you make them for breakfast or as a quick snack, these muffins can be stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer storage. Simply pop one in the microwave for a few seconds, and you’ll have a warm, freshly baked treat in no time.

Their portability makes them a great option for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together with friends and family, these muffins are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their beautiful golden-brown exterior and sugar coating make them just as appealing visually as they are delicious.

Customizing the Recipe

Though these cinnamon sugar muffins are already perfect as they are, there are plenty of ways to customize them based on your preferences or dietary needs. If you’re looking for a way to make them healthier, consider swapping out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber. You could also try using a natural sugar substitute like coconut sugar or maple syrup to reduce the overall sugar content.

If you’d like to make these muffins even more indulgent, try adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or shredded coconut to the batter before baking. These additions bring a new layer of flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and sugar. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a different twist on the original recipe.

For those with dietary restrictions, you can make these muffins gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring that the baking powder is gluten-free as well. Additionally, if you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk, like almond milk or oat milk.

Pairing with Other Dishes

These muffins are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of other dishes to create a well-rounded meal. They make a wonderful accompaniment to coffee or tea in the morning, and they can also be served as a side at breakfast or brunch. Consider pairing them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a complete meal.

For a more indulgent treat, these muffins can be served alongside a rich and creamy hot chocolate or a frothy cappuccino. Their cinnamon-sugar flavor makes them a natural match for warm, spiced beverages, offering the perfect combination of flavors that feels like a cozy, comforting treat.

Nutritional Value and Health Considerations

While cinnamon sugar muffins are undoubtedly a treat, they can also provide some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. The use of pecans in the topping adds a boost of healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health. Pecans are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including manganese, magnesium, and vitamin E, which are important for overall well-being.

The cinnamon in the muffins not only adds flavor but also offers health benefits. Cinnamon has been linked to improved blood sugar control, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential antioxidant properties. While these muffins are not meant to be a health food, the addition of cinnamon and nuts helps add some nutritional value to the treat.

As with any baked good, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes. These muffins are best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake. However, for those looking for a comforting snack or a special treat, these muffins offer a great balance of flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Cinnamon sugar muffins are a delightful and satisfying treat that combines simple ingredients into something truly special. Their light, fluffy texture, rich cinnamon-sugar topping, and crunchy pecans make them an irresistible snack or breakfast option. Easy to make ahead and share with others, these muffins are the perfect choice for a family gathering, brunch, or casual get-together.

With their versatility, you can adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences, whether that means adding more nuts, making them gluten-free, or using a natural sweetener. No matter how you make them, these cinnamon sugar muffins are sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy them warm, with a cup of coffee or tea, or on their own for a sweet, comforting treat that everyone will love.

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