If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that combines the soft, fluffy texture of a muffin with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon sugar, these Mini Cinnamon Muffins are the perfect choice. They taste like cinnamon doughnuts but are baked in the oven, making them a healthier and easier alternative. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an anytime snack, these muffins are small, soft, and full of flavor.
Key Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 27–30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 mini muffins
- Difficulty Level: Easy
These muffins are ideal for bakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks. They bake quickly, so you can enjoy fresh, warm muffins in less than half an hour.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Note: For the best results, make sure the muffins are slightly warm before coating them in cinnamon sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or line it with mini paper liners. A lightly greased pan ensures the muffins come out cleanly and the sugar sticks evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
This ensures the cinnamon is evenly distributed and avoids clumps in your muffins.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk:
- Melted butter
- Milk
- Egg
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth. This creates a rich, flavorful base for the muffins.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two parts, folding gently after each addition. Avoid overmixing; the batter should be slightly lumpy. Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.
5. Fill the Mini Muffin Pan
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. This ensures even baking and gives the muffins a perfect dome shape.
6. Bake the Muffins
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Mini muffins bake quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the muffins are baking, combine:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl for coating.
8. Coat the Muffins
Once baked, let the muffins cool for 2–3 minutes. Brush each muffin lightly with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. The sugar clings best when the muffins are slightly warm.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the mini cinnamon muffins immediately for the best flavor and texture. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Tips and Tricks
- Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to refresh the crispy sugar coating.
- Substitutions:
- Use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Extra Flavor: Add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for variety.
- Make Ahead: The dry ingredients can be mixed ahead of time; just add wet ingredients before baking.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Mini Muffin)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Fat: 5 g
These mini muffins are indulgent yet portion-controlled, making them a perfect small treat without overdoing it.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Cinnamon Muffins
These muffins are more than just a sweet snack—they’re bite-sized happiness. The cinnamon sugar coating gives a nostalgic nod to classic doughnuts, while the soft muffin base makes them easy to eat without mess. Whether for a weekend breakfast or an afternoon tea, these muffins are a crowd-pleaser.
Their quick prep time and easy-to-follow steps make them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Plus, the recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to tweak the sweetness or add mix-ins to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Treat: Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey.
- Snack: Pack in lunchboxes for a portable, sweet treat.
- Party Platter: Arrange on a tiered tray for brunch or special occasions.
Tip: Garnish with a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar for a visually appealing presentation.
Conclusion
These Mini Cinnamon Muffins bring the joy of doughnuts into a healthier, baked form. With simple ingredients, a short prep time, and a deliciously sweet cinnamon coating, they are a must-try recipe for every home baker.
Baking these muffins is a satisfying experience, from mixing the batter to the aroma filling your kitchen, to taking that first warm, sugar-coated bite. Give this recipe a try, and your kitchen will soon smell like a cozy bakery.
Try them today and watch how quickly they disappear—you won’t be able to stop at just one!