Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins

$Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins have a simple list of ingredients. These ingredients work together to create a fluffy and flavorful treat. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for swirl) - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The all-purpose flour gives the muffins structure. Sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Baking powder and baking soda make the muffins rise. Salt enhances the flavors. Ground cinnamon is the star, bringing warmth and spice. Butter adds richness, while buttermilk keeps the muffins moist and tender. The egg helps bind everything together. The brown sugar and extra cinnamon create that delightful swirl. Walnuts give a nice crunch if you choose to add them. By using fresh and quality ingredients, you ensure the best flavor. Each bite bursts with cinnamon goodness. You will love how these muffins brighten up your morning or snack time. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line muffin tin with paper liners or grease. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat helps the muffins rise well. Next, prepare your muffin tin. You can use paper liners or grease the cups with butter. This step keeps the muffins from sticking. - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Take your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to blend them well. This helps the muffins to rise and gives them a great flavor. - Cream softened butter with sugar until fluffy. - Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar. Use a mixer or a spatula. Beat until it looks light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. - Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture alternating with buttermilk. Now, take the dry mix and add it to the butter mixture. Do this in three parts. Start and end with the dry mix. Between each part, pour in some buttermilk. Mix gently until combined. Do not overmix; this keeps your muffins light and fluffy. - Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar with the tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Stir until the two are evenly combined. This mix adds a sweet, spicy swirl to your muffins. - Fill muffin cups and layer with cinnamon mixture. - Swirl batter and add walnuts (optional). Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Then, sprinkle a layer of the cinnamon mixture on top. Next, fill the cups with more batter until they are about three-quarters full. Take a toothpick or a knife and swirl the top layer of batter with the cinnamon mix. If you want, you can add chopped walnuts for extra crunch. - Bake for 18-22 minutes until done. - Cool muffins on a wire rack. Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them stay fluffy and tasty. To make light and fluffy muffins, I focus on two key points. First, I avoid overmixing the batter. This helps keep the muffins from becoming dense. I mix until just combined, then stop. Second, I use room temperature ingredients. This helps the butter and egg blend smoothly, which creates a better texture. For a lovely finish, I like to dust the muffins with powdered sugar. It adds a sweet touch without overpowering the flavor. Alternatively, I drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk on top. This adds a nice shine and extra sweetness. Sometimes, muffins can turn out dense. This often happens due to overmixing. If your muffins do not rise well, check the freshness of your baking powder. Old baking powder can lead to flat muffins. Always ensure your ingredients are fresh for the best results. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, egg, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ultimately results in fluffier muffins. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so be gentle and stop as soon as you don’t see any dry flour. Customize Your Swirl: Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the cinnamon swirl mixture, or add chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if your muffins are done. They should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached, but no wet batter. {{image_4}} You can make your muffins even more exciting. Try adding chocolate chips or blueberries. These sweet bites bring a nice surprise in each muffin. If you want a crunch, experiment with nuts and dried fruits. Chopped walnuts or pecans add great texture and taste. A good glaze makes muffins shine. You can try a lemon glaze for a zesty twist. It adds a fresh taste that pairs well with cinnamon. Cream cheese frosting is another yummy option if you like something sweeter. For extra crunch, top your muffins with streusel. It adds a delightful crispness to every bite. Want to make your muffins healthier? Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap adds fiber and nutrients. You can also substitute applesauce for butter. It keeps the muffins moist while cutting down on fat. These small changes can make a big difference! To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps retain moisture and flavor. It is best to keep them at room temperature. Avoid the fridge, as this can dry them out. You can freeze muffins for later use. Just wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them, take them out. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. You can also heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This restores their soft texture. Cinnamon swirl coffee cake muffins stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature. If frozen, they can last up to 3 months. Enjoy them while they are fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can prepare these muffins in advance. Mix the dry ingredients and store them in a sealed bag. You can also mix the wet ingredients and keep them in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, just combine them. This method saves time and keeps the muffins fresh. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will give you a great substitute. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream mixed with water as alternatives. To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. You can also gently press the top of the muffin. If it springs back, it is baked perfectly. Yes, you can use alternatives to all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free option, try almond or coconut flour. You may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe. Whole wheat flour is another good choice for added fiber. Just remember, each flour type may change the muffin's texture. You learned how to make delicious muffins with simple ingredients and steps. We covered techniques for mixing, baking, and custom flavors. Remember to keep an eye on your batter; overmixing can make muffins dense. You can try different toppings or swap ingredients for healthier options. Store your muffins correctly to enjoy them longer. Now, you can create the perfect treat for any occasion. Have fun baking!$

Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins

Delicious muffins with a cinnamon swirl and a soft, fluffy texture, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 22

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar)
0.5 cup brown sugar, packed tightly
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for the swirl mixture)
0.25 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing the muffin cups with butter or cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Ensure all dry ingredients are combined well to avoid clumps.
In a separate medium bowl, cream the softened butter with the remaining granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a spatula until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring no egg is left unincorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three increments, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix only until the batter is just combined; overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so be gentle!
In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon until evenly distributed.
Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the batter. Then, sprinkle a generous layer of the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the batter in each cup. Fill the cups with more batter until they are about three-quarters full.
Using a toothpick or a small knife, gently swirl the top layer of batter with the cinnamon filling, creating a beautiful marbled effect. If you’re using walnuts, sprinkle them on top for added texture and flavor.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean when they are fully baked.
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows airflow around the muffins and helps them retain their fluffy texture.

Notes

Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple glaze.

Keyword cinnamon, coffee cake, muffins