If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious treat that brings warmth and comfort, look no further than mini cinnamon muffins. These delightful little bites are the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. With their fluffy texture and aromatic cinnamon flavor, they are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a great choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Imagine the smell of freshly baked muffins wafting through your home, the sweet aroma of cinnamon filling the air. These mini cinnamon muffins not only taste great but also provide a wonderful sensory experience that makes baking them all the more worthwhile. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing for a gathering, or simply treating yourself, these muffins are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with mini cinnamon muffins. First and foremost, they are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a quick breakfast option, a sweet snack, or even a delightful dessert. Their small size makes them perfect for portion control, and who can resist that lovely cinnamon-sugar topping?
Additionally, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. The muffins are ready in about 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a last-minute treat. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make a batch and save some for later. Just pop one in the microwave for a few seconds, and you’ll have a warm, comforting snack in no time.
Moreover, these mini cinnamon muffins are perfect for customization. You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to the batter to create your unique twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier version. The possibilities are endless!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Beyond their delicious taste and easy preparation, mini cinnamon muffins offer numerous benefits that make them a must-try recipe. They are a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks, allowing you to control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your liking. By baking at home, you can create a wholesome treat that your family will love, without any preservatives or artificial flavors.
These muffins are also a great way to introduce children to baking. With simple steps and minimal supervision, kids can get involved in the kitchen and learn valuable skills. Plus, they’ll have a delicious reward for their hard work!
For those who follow specific dietary preferences, this recipe can easily be adapted. You can make vegan mini cinnamon muffins by substituting the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture and using plant-based milk and oil. For gluten-free options, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll still enjoy those delightful flavors without compromising your dietary needs.
Ingredients and Utensils Needed
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Utensils
- Mini muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
- Pastry brush (for applying melted butter)
Having the right tools will ensure that your baking experience goes smoothly. A mini muffin tin is essential for achieving the perfect muffin shape, while mixing bowls of various sizes allow for efficient ingredient combining. Don’t forget your measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements!
When preparing your ingredients, it’s best to have everything measured out and ready to go. This will streamline the baking process and help you avoid any last-minute scrambling. Remember to preheat your oven to ensure that your muffins bake evenly and rise perfectly.
Detailed Recipe Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with cooking spray. This step is crucial for preventing the muffins from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This will help ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Prepare wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Then add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, ensuring that all wet ingredients are thoroughly combined. This will add moisture and flavor to your muffins.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and we want them to be light and fluffy!
- Fill muffin cups. Using a spoon or a scoop, fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
- Bake the muffins. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar topping. While the muffins are baking, mix together the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This will create a delightful topping that adds sweetness and a lovely crunch.
- Brush with melted butter. Once the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter for added flavor and moisture.
- Sprinkle with topping. After brushing with butter, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on top of each muffin. This step enhances the flavor and makes the muffins look even more tempting!
- Cool and serve. Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Pair them with your favorite beverage, or simply savor them on their own!
Tips and Variations
Here are some additional tips to help you create the best mini cinnamon muffins:
- Storage: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Vegan option: To make vegan mini cinnamon muffins, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk and oil.
- Gluten-free option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, for best results.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix: As mentioned earlier, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so mix until just combined.
- Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is the star of the show, you can also experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
Nutritional Values and Benefits
Understanding the nutritional values of your food is essential for maintaining a balanced diet. Here are the approximate nutritional values per mini cinnamon muffin based on a recipe yielding 24 muffins:
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 1g
These mini cinnamon muffins offer a delightful treat while being mindful of your caloric intake. The use of simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, and cinnamon provides essential carbohydrates and energy. Cinnamon itself has numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and potential blood sugar regulation.
Incorporating these muffins into a balanced diet can satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health. They can be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast alongside a source of protein, such as yogurt or eggs, for a more balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make mini cinnamon muffins ahead of time?
Yes! These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for later use. Simply reheat them in the microwave for a quick snack.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these mini cinnamon muffins gluten-free. Just ensure the blend includes a binding agent for best results.
How do I prevent my muffins from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to line your mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with cooking spray. Allow the muffins to cool slightly before removing them from the pan.
What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?
You can add a variety of ingredients to enhance the flavor, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Feel free to experiment and create your unique version!
Conclusion
In summary, mini cinnamon muffins are a delicious and versatile treat that everyone will love. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for various occasions. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these muffins are sure to bring joy to your kitchen.
We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoyed this article, consider sharing it with your friends and family! Happy baking!
For more delicious recipes and ideas, don’t forget to check out our other tasty options like Lentil Soup, Pumpkin Soup, and Pizza Dough Recipe. You can also visit our Pinterest page for more inspiration: Recipes Luna Blog on Pinterest.
Mini Cinnamon Muffins
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- While the muffins are baking, mix together the 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the topping.
- Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
