Fluffy Cinnamon Muffins: An Easy & Irresistible Homemade Recipe for Any Time of Day

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delightful **Cinnamon Muffins** – perfectly light, incredibly fluffy, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. These delightful treats are not only quick to prepare but are also generously coated in a sweet cinnamon and sugar mixture, making them an ideal indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or any moment you crave a sweet pick-me-up. Forget the hassle of complicated pastries; these muffins offer all the comforting appeal of classic cinnamon treats with minimal effort, ready to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.

There’s an undeniable magic to the aroma of cinnamon wafting through your home. While elaborate bakes like Cinnamon Rolls or Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are fantastic for a leisurely weekend brunch, they often require a significant time commitment. That’s where these super easy cinnamon muffins shine! They come together in a flash, making them a feasible option even on the busiest weekdays. Plus, they’re wonderfully freezer-friendly, allowing you to prep ahead and enjoy a homemade treat whenever the craving strikes.

These Cinnamon Muffins are truly the perfect way to infuse your kitchen with warm, cozy aromas and treat yourself to a sweet, comforting bite. Each muffin is soft, tender, and thoroughly infused with that inviting cinnamon spice, making them an irresistible choice for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Crafted with simple, everyday ingredients, this recipe delivers a homemade treat that feels special without demanding excessive time or culinary expertise. It’s the ultimate solution when you desire that comforting bakery-style taste right from your own oven, without the fuss.

This particular muffin recipe holds a special place, having been a staple on the blog since its very inception in 2011. It was one of the inaugural recipes I ever shared, and its enduring popularity speaks volumes. After more than a decade, it’s certainly time for a refresh, complete with new, vibrant photos to reintroduce these incredible muffins to a new generation of home bakers. They are simply too good to be overlooked, and their timeless appeal ensures they remain a beloved favorite for many years to come.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Muffins

For the complete measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides the foundational sweetness for the muffins and forms a key component of the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, adding structure, moisture, and richness to the muffin batter, contributing to their light and fluffy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of the muffins. Ensure it’s measured correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off, rather than scooping directly, to avoid dense muffins.
• Baking Powder: Our leavening agent that helps the muffins rise beautifully, ensuring they are light and airy. Always check that your baking powder is fresh for optimal results.
• Cinnamon: The star spice of this recipe, infusing the muffins with its signature warm, aromatic flavor. It’s used both in the batter and generously in the coating.
• Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the muffin.
• Ground Nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg complements the cinnamon beautifully, adding an extra layer of warm, sweet spice complexity.
• Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil, will work perfectly. Oil contributes to a wonderfully moist and tender crumb. While butter can be substituted, it will yield a slightly different texture and a richer, buttery flavor. Using oil generally results in a lighter, fluffier muffin.
• Milk: I typically use skim milk, but feel free to use any type of milk you have on hand, whether dairy (whole, 2%, 1%) or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. The fat content can slightly alter the richness but won’t dramatically impact the texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle warmth and sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.

Using room temperature ingredients, especially the egg and milk, can also make a difference. They combine more smoothly and create a more uniform batter, leading to a better rise and a more consistent texture in your finished muffins. Gather all your ingredients before you begin, and you’ll find the baking process even smoother and more enjoyable!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Perfect Cinnamon Muffins

Making these delicious cinnamon muffins is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for bakery-quality muffins every time:

1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin and Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing each cup thoroughly with baking spray or butter. This step ensures your muffins won’t stick and will release easily.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and egg. Whisk them together vigorously until the mixture becomes light, pale yellow, and noticeably creamy. This aeration creates a lighter texture in the final muffin. Next, thoroughly mix in the oil, milk, and vanilla extract until all the wet ingredients are well combined and smooth.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, a generous teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and ground nutmeg. It’s crucial to whisk these dry ingredients well to ensure the leavening agent (baking powder) and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will lead to a consistent rise and flavor in every muffin.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gently add the wet ingredients mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix until *just* combined. The key here is not to overmix; stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of dry flour remaining. A few lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable for tender muffins. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, chewy muffins.
5. Fill Muffin Tins. Evenly divide the prepared muffin batter among the 12 cups in your muffin tin. For uniform muffins and easy portioning, an ice cream scoop works wonderfully. Fill each cup about two-thirds full.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection. Bake the muffins in your preheated oven for approximately 15-17 minutes. Look for them to turn a beautiful golden brown on top. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean. Alternatively, gently press the top of a muffin, and it should spring back. Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set slightly before handling.
7. Coat Muffins. While the muffins are cooling slightly, prepare your delightful coating. In a shallow bowl, mix together the remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon. As soon as the muffins are cool enough to comfortably handle (but still warm!), carefully remove them from the muffin tin. Roll each warm muffin generously through the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it gets evenly coated on all sides. The warmth of the muffins helps the sugar mixture adhere beautifully. Place the coated muffins on a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the coating to set.

Enjoy your freshly baked cinnamon muffins!

Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Cinnamon Muffins

Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful cinnamon muffins is easy with a few key techniques. Keep these tips in mind to elevate your baking:

• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is arguably the most crucial tip for any muffin recipe. Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until the flour streaks disappear – literally just a few stirs. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to tough, chewy muffins rather than the desired light and tender crumb. A slightly lumpy batter is actually preferred!
• Use an Ice Cream Scoop for Uniformity: For perfectly sized and consistent muffins, use an ice cream scoop to divide the batter into your prepared muffin pan. This not only ensures that all your muffins bake evenly but also makes the filling process much cleaner and quicker.
• Timing the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: The ideal moment to coat your muffins is when they are still warm but cool enough to handle. If you let them cool too long, the cinnamon and sugar mixture won’t adhere as well. The slight warmth creates a sticky surface for the coating. If, for some reason, your muffins have cooled too much, you can lightly brush them with a bit of melted butter before rolling them in the sugar mixture to help it stick.
• Storage: Store your cooled cinnamon muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. To maintain their freshness and soft texture, you can place a piece of paper towel at the bottom of the container and another on top before sealing. This absorbs excess moisture and prevents sogginess.
• Reheating for Freshness: These muffins are absolutely fantastic when reheated. Pop one in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, especially delicious with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack or breakfast.
• Experiment with Add-ins: While these cinnamon muffins are perfect as they are, feel free to get creative! Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), mini chocolate chips, or even a swirl of cream cheese frosting on top after they’ve cooled for an extra decadent twist.
• Oven Temperature Matters: Ensure your oven thermostat is accurate. An oven thermometer is an inexpensive tool that can make a huge difference in consistent baking results, helping prevent undercooked or overbaked muffins.

How to Freeze Cinnamon Muffins for Later Enjoyment

Muffins are truly one of the easiest baked goods to freeze, making them perfect for meal prepping breakfasts or having a quick snack on hand. Here’s the best way to do it:

First, allow your freshly baked muffins to cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial; freezing warm muffins will create condensation and lead to soggy muffins. Once entirely cool, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place the sheet in the freezer for about 30-60 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch. This “flash freezing” prevents them from sticking together when stored in a bag.

After flash freezing, transfer the solid muffins to a heavy-duty freezer-safe storage bag or an airtight container. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, your cinnamon muffins will stay fresh and delicious in the freezer for 2-3 months.

To thaw and enjoy, simply remove a muffin (or however many you need) from the freezer. You can microwave them for about 30-45 seconds per muffin until warmed through. Alternatively, place them in your lunch box in the morning, and they will typically thaw by lunchtime, ready to be enjoyed at room temperature. For a slightly crispier exterior, you can also warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

Discover More Delicious Muffin Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with these cinnamon muffins, you’re in for a treat! Muffins are incredibly versatile, offering endless flavor combinations. Explore some of our other favorite muffin recipes that are equally simple to make and perfect for any occasion:

• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins: A classic combination of sweet banana and rich chocolate chips, these muffins are moist, flavorful, and a perfect way to use up ripe bananas.
• Bisquick Muffins: For an incredibly quick and easy batch of muffins, this Bisquick-based recipe is a lifesaver. Simple, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Nutella Muffins: Indulge in the decadent hazelnut-chocolate flavor of Nutella swirled into a tender muffin, making for an extra special treat.
• Apple Cinnamon Muffins: A delightful twist on the classic, these muffins feature chunks of fresh apple combined with warm cinnamon, perfect for autumn or any time of year.
• Strawberry Muffins: Bursting with fresh strawberries, these vibrant and fruity muffins are a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal produce.

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4.78 from 22 votes

Cinnamon Muffins

By
Erin Sellin

Cinnamon Muffins – light and fluffy muffins that are ready in no time. They are coated in cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat any time of day.

Prep:
5 minutes mins

Cook:
15 minutes mins

Total:
20 minutes mins

Servings:
12

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Equipment

• Muffin Tins

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 whole large egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Coating Mixture

• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350º F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease each cup thoroughly.
2. In a large bowl, mix the egg and 3/4 cup granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy and pale in color. Then, mix in the 1/4 cup oil, 3/4 cup milk, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
   3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 whole large egg, 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg until all dry ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
   1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until the ingredients are just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared 12-cup muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, or until they are warm enough to handle.
7. Meanwhile, prepare the coating mixture by combining 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once the muffins are cool enough to handle, gently remove them from the tray and roll each muffin through the cinnamon-sugar mixture to evenly coat. Place the coated muffins on a wire rack to cool completely.
   3 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Nutrition

Serving: 1g

|

Calories: 174kcal

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Carbohydrates: 29g

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Protein: 3g

|

Fat: 5g

|

Saturated Fat: 1g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g

|

Cholesterol: 17mg

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Sodium: 139mg

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Fiber: 1g

|

Sugar: 17g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
5 minutes minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes minutes

Course:
Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
12

Calories:
174

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We hope you love these fluffy, cinnamon-spiced muffins as much as we do. They truly offer a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to enjoy a homemade treat. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast, a school lunchbox surprise, or an afternoon coffee break, these muffins are sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your experience in the comments below!