Cinnamon Swirl Muffins
Deliciously fluffy muffins infused with cinnamon, featuring a gooey swirl and a crumbly streusel topping, perfect for cozy mornings.
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Opt for a high-quality brand like King Arthur for the fluffiest finish.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder Essential for that height and fluff.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Helps balance the acidity of the buttermilk.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Elevates the sweetness.
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature) Can substitute by mixing milk with lemon juice or vinegar.
- 1 cup white sugar Feel free to reduce slightly for less sweetness.
- 1/2 cup neutral oil Such as canola or vegetable oil to keep them moist.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For that warm, homey flavor.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature) Ensure they are not straight from the fridge.
For the Swirl Filling
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar Adds depth and caramel-like flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon The star of the show!
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) Use high-quality butter for rich flavor.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour Whisked with brown sugar and spices.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar To sweeten and thicken the streusel.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon More cinnamon goodness!
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom Optional, but adds lovely depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt To balance out sweetness.
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese (room temperature) Make sure this is softened to combine smoothly.
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk) Use whole milk for better texture.
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar (sifted) To ensure a smooth, creamy glaze.
Instructions
Prepare the Muffin Batter
- Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease with cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until no lumps remain.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Prepare the Swirl Filling
- In a small bowl, combine light brown sugar and ground cinnamon, and mix well to combine. Set aside.
Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cardamom, and salt until crumbly.
Assemble the Muffins
- Scoop the Batter: Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the batter.
- Add the Filling: Sprinkle about a teaspoon of the cinnamon filling mixture over the batter in each cup. Swirl gently with a toothpick or knife.
- Top with Batter: Spoon more muffin batter over the filling until the cups are about ¾ full.
- Streusel Time: Generously sprinkle the streusel topping on each muffin.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Glaze
- While the muffins cool, prepare the glaze. Beat together cream cheese, heavy cream (or milk), and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled muffins before serving.
Notes
These muffins can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Feel free to adapt the ingredients as needed for dietary preferences.