Few things spark joy like the aroma of freshly baked Mini Cinnamon Muffins wafting through your kitchen. With golden, sugar-dusted exteriors and pillowy centers, these delightful bites are designed to make your mornings and gatherings spectacular. Whether you’re craving a cheerful weekend treat or a jubilant after-school snack, these muffins deliver enchanting flavor and comfort. And if you love creative mini bakes, don’t miss our No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies for more happy nibbles!
Why You’ll Love Mini Cinnamon Muffins
- Bursting with stunning cinnamon flavor – truly tempting for all
- Quick and simple steps – enjoy flavorful results fast
- Delightful mini size perfect for joyful sharing and portion control
- Just 15 minutes prep for frantically busy days
- Pillowy, golden crumb that feels fantastically fresh
Ingredients for Mini Cinnamon Muffins
The charm of Mini Cinnamon Muffins comes from thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a layer of spectacular taste and joyful texture, while a couple of swaps keep this recipe flexible yet always stunning.
- ¾ cup plain flour – for a soft, uplifting crumb
- 1¼ tsp baking powder – ensures tender, airy mini muffins
- ⅛ tsp salt – deepens and balances flavors
- 2 large eggs, room temperature – for fluffiness and structure
- ½ cup caster sugar – creates a sparkling sweetness and golden tops
- 2 tsp neutral oil – brings a hidden moistness to every bite
- 2 tbsp milk – keeps crumb fresh and tender
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – infuses rich, comforting aroma
- 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted, cooled – lends a buttery, golden finish
- Canola oil spray – so muffins release easily for a flawless presentation
- 2 tbsp caster sugar (for coating) – forms a sparkling crust
- ¾ tsp cinnamon powder – delivers the iconic, happy warmth
Using just these core ingredients, you unlock flavor and texture worthy of celebration. Each is easy to find and turns even a humble cupboard into a treasure chest of potential!
Necessary Tools
Setting yourself up for muffin-magic means gathering a few essential items. The right tools help you create a full batch of tender, stunningly uniform Mini Cinnamon Muffins every time.
- Mini muffin pan (24-cup) – promises perfect, bite-sized portions all at once
- Mixing bowls (large and medium) – for effortless whisking and blending
- Measuring spoons and cups – nailing vivid muffin flavor is all about accuracy
- Whisk – creates a fluffy, smooth batter
- Rubber spatula – scrapes every dazzling bit of batter
- Nonstick spray – to guarantee muffins pop right out, golden and whole
- Cooling rack – speeds cooling for fast, happy snacking
- Small bowl – for rolling muffins in sparkling cinnamon sugar
Having these tools at the ready means each step flows quickly and smoothly, ensuring all your happy moments feature perfect Mini Cinnamon Muffins.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Mini Cinnamon Muffins boast vivid comfort, but a few clever tweaks let you tailor them to everyone’s delight.
- Flour: Substitute up to half with whole wheat flour for a deeper, earthy bite and a more satisfying, wholesome experience.
- Sugar: You can swap caster sugar for coconut sugar or light brown sugar—each adds a new undertone for a more nuanced, happy flavor profile.
- Oil: While any neutral oil works, try avocado or light olive oil for a subtle richness that keeps the crumb upliftingly soft. Avoid heavy or strongly flavored oils for the purest cinnamon joy.
- Milk: Dairy-free? Use almond or oat milk for stunning results—these alternatives contribute a gentle sweetness that boosts the comforting effect.
- Butter: Brown your butter for a remarkable nutty undertone that elevates the warmth and flavor.
- Spices: Love extra depth? Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or ground cardamom for an enchanting twist. These spices boost the inviting aroma, making each bite a tiny treasure.
- Add-ins: Mini chocolate chips, diced apples, or even a swirl of pumpkin puree transform your muffins into spectacular, seasonal delights. See this magic in action in our Tasty Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.
- Coating: For a crunchier exterior, use turbinado sugar in place of regular sugar in your coating.
Mini Cinnamon Muffins welcome originality in the kitchen, so you can create a recipe that’s distinctly yours and always crowd-pleasing.
How to Make Mini Cinnamon Muffins
Creating Mini Cinnamon Muffins is a fully rewarding journey that fills your kitchen with warmth and dazzling cinnamon essence. By following this step-by-step approach, you’ll unlock consistently remarkable results.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F for even, golden results. In a small bowl, combine your extra caster sugar with cinnamon powder, stirring until the mix looks beautifully speckled. Set it aside; you’ll use this to roll your warm muffins for that irresistible sparkle.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening is distributed well, helping each muffin rise with stunning uniformity.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar vigorously for about 20 seconds, until the mixture turns pale, thick, and a little frothy. This helps infuse air, creating that light, happy muffin crumb.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Pour in the oil, milk, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, then whisk until just incorporated. This guarantees the batter stays luscious but not overworked.
Step 5: Fold Dry and Wet Mixtures
Add your flour mixture in two batches, gently whisking after each addition. The key is a gentle touch—this way, the muffins bake up plush and never dense.
Step 6: Add Melted Butter
Gently whisk in the cooled, melted butter, blending just until no streaks remain. The batter should be smooth, fluffy, and a little glossy—signs of impending muffin magic.
Step 7: Pipe or Spoon into Mini Muffin Tin
Generously spray your mini muffin tin with nonstick oil spray. Fill each cup three-quarters full with batter for perfectly domed, golden tops.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a tester comes out clean. The aroma will be spectacular and the anticipation will skyrocket!
Step 9: Cool and Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Let muffins cool in the tin for 2 minutes, then free them with a gentle tap. While still warm, roll each muffin in the reserved cinnamon sugar. This forms your iconic, sparkling crust.
How to Serve Mini Cinnamon Muffins
For a happy breakfast, serve your muffins warm with a chilled glass of milk, a vibrant fruit salad, or alongside a swirl of Greek yogurt and berries. Arrange them on an elegant tray for a brunch gathering, or pack a few in lunch boxes to spark joy at midday. For festive events, pair with hot apple cider or spiced tea—the comforting cinnamon flavor shines through and encourages delightful conversation. Their tempting aroma and sparkling sugar make them the star of any spread.
Pro Tips & Tricks
- For a guaranteed golden exterior, use evenly melted and slightly cooled butter
- Whisk eggs and sugar long enough to trap air—this grants a beautifully light, fluffy texture
- Fill muffin cups only ¾ full; this balance prevents overflow while ensuring tantalizing domes
- Let muffins cool briefly before rolling in cinnamon sugar. The warmth ensures a dramatic, even coating
- Experiment: Add a pinch of cardamom or orange zest for an exciting new flavor
- For batch baking, prepare extra cinnamon sugar—you’ll want plenty for rolling
For more delicious baking strategies, see how we achieve pillowy texture in our Baked Pumpkin French Toast Muffins.
Storage Instructions
Mini Cinnamon Muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can stay delightful for days with the right storage. Place cooled muffins into an airtight container, layering with parchment to maintain the dazzling sugar coating. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimum texture, or in the fridge for up to 5 days, though a quick reheat revives their delightful softness. For long-term enjoyment, freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to a month; simply thaw at room temperature and roll briefly in cinnamon sugar to refresh their sparkle.
General Information
Mini Cinnamon Muffins originated as a cheerful brunch adaptation of classic coffee shop fare. Their joyous format makes them ideal for sharing—perfect for birthday spreads, bake sales, or spontaneous weeknight treats. Unlike larger muffins, these minis bake quickly and encourage lingering at the breakfast table. Thanks to their simple technique, even novice bakers achieve vivid, stunning results, and each batch is packed with warming, nostalgic flavor that feels like a celebration.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe for entertaining a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe can be doubled for 48 muffins without altering texture or flavor. Bake in batches, and roll each batch in cinnamon sugar while they’re still fantastically warm.
What can I use instead of a mini muffin tin?
If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, try dividing the batter into silicone cupcake molds or an oven-safe, small square dish and slicing into cubes once baked. The texture and flavor remain spectacular!
How do I keep the sugar coating from falling off?
Coat your muffins while they’re still warm. The residual heat creates a tiny bit of moisture, allowing the cinnamon sugar to adhere with a beautiful, sparkling finish.
Are these muffins good for lunch boxes?
Definitely! These bite-size muffins stay soft and delicious for hours, bringing a happy surprise to any lunch or picnic basket.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes—bake the muffins a day ahead and coat in cinnamon sugar just before serving for that just-baked look and feel.
What to Serve With Mini Cinnamon Muffins
Round out your breakfast or brunch with lively sides that match the joy of Mini Cinnamon Muffins. Try a creamy vanilla yogurt parfait layered with fresh fruit, or serve a plate alongside your favorite hot coffee or spiced chai. For an even more tantalizing mini dessert tray, pair with Mini Crispy Blooming Onions with Buttermilk Ranch for savory contrast, or enjoy with No-Bake Vanilla Cheesecake for a crowd-pleasing finish to any meal.
Conclusion
Few recipes can deliver the happiness found in a batch of Mini Cinnamon Muffins. With minimal effort, you unlock stunning flavor, bold texture, and the timeless joy of sharing. Serve them warm, share them generously, and savor every bite of this cheerful, crowd-thrilling treat!
Nutritional Information
Mini Cinnamon Muffins offer delightful satisfaction in bite-sized form, letting you enjoy a sweet moment without overindulgence. Each mini muffin is a cheerful balance of energy and comfort, made with real butter and eggs for nourishing flavor, and easily adaptable to a lighter style if desired. So savor these golden treats with gratitude—they’re perfect for jubilant occasions and mindful snacking alike.
PrintMini Cinnamon Muffins: Easy Bite-Sized Treats
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini muffins 1x
Description
Mini Cinnamon Muffins are soft, bite-sized treats bursting with cinnamon flavor and a touch of sweetness. These muffins are made with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and caster sugar, then generously coated with a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking. Perfect for snacking, parties, or a quick breakfast, they come together quickly and are easy to customize or make ahead of time.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup plain flour
- 1¼ tsp baking powder
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup caster sugar
- 2 tsp neutral oil
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- Canola oil spray
- 2 tbsp caster sugar (for coating)
- ¾ tsp cinnamon powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar for coating in a small bowl, set aside.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and sugar vigorously for 20 seconds until pale.
- Add oil, milk, and vanilla to the egg mixture and whisk again.
- Add the flour mixture in two batches, whisk gently after each addition.
- Gently whisk in the melted and cooled butter.
- Spray a mini muffin tin generously with oil.
- Fill each hole three-quarters full with batter.
- Bake for 12 minutes until the tops are golden.
- Cool muffins in the tin for 2 minutes, then bang out of tin.
- Toss the warm muffins in the prepared cinnamon sugar.
Notes
You can substitute plain flour with whole wheat flour, though muffins may be denser. Replace caster sugar with granulated sugar if needed. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and vegan butter. Muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. If muffins stick to the tin, ensure it is well-oiled and allow them to cool briefly before removing. If muffins are dry, check oven temperature or reduce bake time. Re-coat muffins with cinnamon sugar before serving for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini muffin
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 18mg