Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are soft, moist, and topped with a crunchy, buttery cinnamon streusel that makes every bite irresistible. These muffins bring together the warm flavors of cinnamon, a tender muffin base, and a sweet, crumbly topping, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or snack time.
This recipe is easy to make and universally loved. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven fills your home with comfort, and the muffins themselves are a perfect balance of soft, tender cake and crunchy topping.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines the best textures and flavors in one bite. The muffins are soft, tender, and lightly sweet, while the cinnamon streusel adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.
The recipe is also simple, quick, and forgiving, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks. Plus, they smell amazing while baking, making them a treat for the senses before even tasting one.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because cinnamon streusel muffins are classic comfort food in mini or full-sized portions. They are perfectly spiced, sweet but not overpowering, and incredibly versatile.
The combination of soft muffin interior and crunchy cinnamon sugar topping makes them irresistible, and they are perfect for holidays, brunches, or any cozy morning at home.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings and Calories
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories: ~300 per muffin (varies with butter and sugar content)
Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
Cuisine: American / Bakery-style
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
Step 2: Prepare Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nuts.
- Stir in melted butter until mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, oil or melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
- Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
- Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups, filling about ⅔ full.
- Sprinkle streusel topping generously over each muffin.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overmix batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- For added crunch, include chopped nuts or oats in the streusel topping.
Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins: Fold ½ cup finely chopped apples into the batter.
- Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: Replace ½ cup flour with pumpkin puree and reduce milk slightly.
- Blueberry Streusel Muffins: Add ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Muffins: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled muffins individually or in a container for up to 2 months. Reheat in microwave or oven before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Paper liners (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Small bowl for streusel
- Wire rack
Conclusion
Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are a classic, comforting, and versatile treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snack time. With their soft, tender interior and crunchy, cinnamon-sugar topping, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, these muffins are a must-try for anyone who loves sweet, spiced, homemade baked goods.
Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are soft, moist, and topped with a crunchy, buttery cinnamon streusel that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
For the Streusel Topping:
Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
-
Step 2: Prepare Streusel Topping : In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nuts. Stir in melted butter until mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
-
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
-
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients : In another bowl, whisk together milk, oil or melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
-
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients : Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix.
-
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups : Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups, filling about ⅔ full. Sprinkle streusel topping generously over each muffin.
-
Step 7: Bake : Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
