Description

Ever wished you could fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked muffins that taste like a cozy hug? What if you could whip them up in just 35 minutes with a sweet, crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping? Say hello to Cinnamon Sugar Muffins! These fluffy, tender muffins are lightly spiced with nutmeg and finished with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar crust that’s pure magic.

Ingredients

For the Muffins

All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): Provides the structure for a tender, fluffy muffin.
Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the batter, balancing the spices.
Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the muffins a light, airy rise.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the cinnamon topping.
Milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and helps create a soft texture.
Egg (1, beaten): Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
Butter (⅓ cup, melted): Brings a rich, buttery flavor and moist crumb.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

For the Cinnamon Topping

Sugar (½ cup): Creates a sweet, crunchy coating when combined with cinnamon.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, spicy flavor to the topping.
Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, melted): Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the muffins and adds a rich finish.

Substitutions and Variations

Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture (replace half the all-purpose flour) or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free muffins.
Sugar: Swap with brown sugar in the batter for a slightly caramel-like flavor, or use coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
Milk: Use non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy) or buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
Butter: Replace with melted coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Nutmeg: Swap with cinnamon, allspice, or cardamom for a different spice profile.
Topping: Add a pinch of brown sugar or a dash of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mix for extra depth

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Instructions

Prepare the Muffin Tin:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray, or line with paper liners for easy cleanup.
- Tip: Paper liners make removal easier, but greasing ensures a slightly crispier edge.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Tip: Whisk thoroughly to distribute the baking powder and spices for an even rise.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate medium bowl, combine ½ cup milk, 1 beaten egg, ⅓ cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
- Tip: Ensure the melted butter is cooled slightly to avoid cooking the egg.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until moistened. The batter should be lumpy—do not overmix.
- Tip: Overmixing can make the muffins dense. Stop when no dry flour streaks remain.
Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ⅔ full (about 2–3 tablespoons per cup).
- Tip: Use a cookie scoop for even portions and less mess.
Bake the Muffins:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
- Tip: Check at 20 minutes, as ovens vary, to avoid overbaking.
Prepare the Cinnamon Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until combined.
- Melt ¼ cup unsalted butter in a separate small bowl.
- Tip: Keep the butter warm but not hot to make dipping easier.
Coat the Muffins:
- Carefully remove the warm muffins from the tin. While still warm, dip the top of each muffin into the melted butter, then immediately into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat generously.
- Place the muffins on a wire rack or plate to finish cooling.
- Tip: Work quickly to dip while the muffins are warm, as the topping sticks better.
Serve:
- Serve the muffins warm for the best flavor and texture, or let them cool to room temperature.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a cozy treat.
- Tip: For an extra touch, serve with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.