Easy Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are a yummy treat with soft, fluffy muffin bases and a sweet, crumbly topping. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Whether you’re new to baking or have baked before, this simple recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With just a few steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have a homemade treat that smells and tastes incredible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amazing Taste and Texture

The cinnamon topping adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness, while the muffins are soft and moist. They’re sweet, a little spicy, and comforting. Each bite feels like a warm hug, making them an instant hit with family and friends.

Simple and Quick to Make

With easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have at home, this recipe doesn’t take much time. You can have fresh muffins ready in under an hour. Plus, cleanup is simple, leaving you more time to enjoy the delicious results.

Make It Your Own

You can add your favorite fruits, nuts, or even chocolate chips to these muffins. They’re easy to customize for your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re craving a classic cinnamon flavor or want to add a twist, this recipe works perfectly.

Ingredients Needed

For the Muffin Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup cold butter (cut into small pieces)

Optional Add-ins

• Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts
• Small apple chunks or blueberries
• Chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Muffin Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and put paper liners in a muffin pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.
3. In another bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
4. Slowly add the wet mix to the dry mix. Stir gently—don’t over-mix! It’s okay if the batter has small lumps; this helps keep the muffins soft and airy.

Making the Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
2. Add the butter pieces. Use a fork or your fingers to mash it all together until it looks like small crumbs. If you’re short on time, a food processor can help speed up this step.

Putting It All Together

1. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. This leaves room for the muffins to rise without spilling over.
2. Sprinkle lots of streusel topping on each muffin, pressing it gently so it sticks to the batter.
3. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re done.
4. Let the muffins cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then move them to a rack to cool more. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Muffins

• Use cold butter for the topping to keep it crumbly. Warm butter can make the streusel too soft and clumpy.
• Don’t mix the batter too much—it makes the muffins fluffy, not dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Adjust the sugar or cinnamon in the topping if you want more or less sweetness. You can even add a pinch of nutmeg for extra spice.
• Check if the muffins are ready by sticking a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean, they’re done. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on the timer.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Fruits

• Add chopped apples for a fall flavor. Coat the apple pieces lightly in flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom.
• Toss in fresh or frozen blueberries for a burst of fruity sweetness. No need to thaw frozen blueberries; just fold them into the batter.

Healthier Options

• Swap half the regular flour for whole wheat flour to add more fiber and nutrients.
• Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. It gives a subtle tropical flavor that pairs well with cinnamon.

Gluten-Free

• Replace the flour with a gluten-free mix that includes xanthan gum. Test one muffin before baking the whole batch to ensure the texture is just right.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing

Keep the Cinnamon Streusel Muffins in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, put them in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure they’re completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for about 20 seconds. Frozen muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Reheating

Warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back their fresh taste. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a slightly crispy topping.

FAQ about Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

What are Cinnamon Streusel Muffins made of?

Cinnamon streusel is a crumbly topping made with flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Some variations may include oats or nuts for added texture.

What is the secret to making moist muffins?

The key to moist muffins includes using proper mixing techniques (avoiding overmixing), incorporating fats like butter or oil, adding moisture-rich ingredients like yogurt or sour cream, and baking at the correct temperature and time.

What is streusel made of?

Streusel is typically a combination of flour, sugar, and butter, blended to create a crumbly topping. Spices like cinnamon or add-ins like nuts and oats can enhance the flavor and texture.

How much cinnamon is in a batch of muffins?

Most muffin recipes use 1–2 teaspoons of cinnamon per dozen muffins, depending on how strong a cinnamon flavor is desired.

Muffin Magic: Wrapping Up

Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are the perfect treat for any time of day. The soft, sweet muffins with a crunchy topping are sure to impress everyone. Whether you eat them with your morning coffee or pack them for a snack, they’ll bring a smile to your face. Baking these Cinnamon Streusel Muffins fills your home with the warm aroma of cinnamon and makes any occasion feel special. Try this recipe and enjoy the fun of homemade baking. Don’t forget to share your thoughts or tips in the comments below!

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