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When you want a little bite-sized treat that brings cozy warmth and sweet cinnamon magic, this Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful morsels capture the comforting flavors of cinnamon doughnuts but with a plush, buttery texture inspired by French Madeleines. Easy to make and impossible to stop eating, these mini muffins are perfect for snacking, sharing, or even as a charming addition to your brunch table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating tender, fluffy muffins with just the right hint of sweetness and spice. From the all-purpose flour that provides structure to the melt-in-your-mouth butter that adds richness, these essentials come together in perfect harmony.
- 3/4 cup plain flour / all-purpose flour: The foundation for a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder: Make sure yours is fresh to help the muffins rise beautifully.
- 1/8 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Eggs give the muffins their structure and richness.
- 1/2 cup caster sugar / superfine sugar: Adds sweetness that blends seamlessly without graininess.
- 2 tsp oil (canola, vegetable, or neutral): Keeps muffins moist without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp milk (full fat preferred): Adds creaminess to the batter for tender crumb.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to each bite.
- 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled but warm: Butter is the true star for that buttery, plush texture.
- Canola oil spray or other neutral oil spray: Essential for greasing the mini muffin tin to ensure easy release.
- 2 tbsp caster sugar (for cinnamon sugar): Combined with cinnamon to coat the muffins and add irresistible sweetness.
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon powder: The spice that makes everything magical.
How to Make Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cinnamon Sugar
First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C if you’re using a fan-forced oven. While it warms up, mix the cinnamon sugar by combining 2 tablespoons of caster sugar with 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a small bowl. This simple blend will coat your muffins later, giving them that signature cinnamon sugar crunch.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk the 3/4 cup of plain flour with the baking powder and salt. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed, helping each mini muffin rise perfectly. Setting these aside now saves time and keeps your process seamless.
Step 3: Beat the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the two large eggs and 1/2 cup of caster sugar vigorously for about 20 seconds until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly fluffy. Then add the oil, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking gently to combine. This step infuses air and binds ingredients beautifully for a tender crumb.
Step 4: Combine Flour and Butter
Add half of your dry ingredients into the wet mixture and whisk gently to keep the batter light. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture. Now, gently whisk in the warm, melted butter until it is just incorporated. This careful folding keeps your batter smooth and luscious, ready to bake.
Step 5: Prepare the Mini Muffin Tin and Bake
Spray your 24-hole mini muffin tin generously with a neutral oil spray. Use a small cookie scoop or a piping bag to fill each cup about three-quarters full—the key to those perfectly domed muffins! Bake for 12 minutes until golden and springy to the touch. After baking, let them cool for 2 minutes, then confidently bang the pan’s edge on your countertop to release the muffins—they should pop right out without breaking.
Step 6: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, toss your freshly baked mini muffins in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The slight warmth helps the sugary coating adhere better, creating a dreamy, sweet crust on the outside that melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
These mini cinnamon muffins are charming on their own, but you can elevate them with a drizzle of honey or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. A little dollop of cream cheese frosting or a smear of softened butter also works beautifully to complement the cinnamon sugar coating.
Side Dishes
Pair your muffins with a steaming cup of coffee, a chai latte, or a refreshing glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort snack. They also shine alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or juicy berries for a balanced brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these mini delights on a tiered serving tray for a brunch party or scatter them in a rustic basket lined with a pretty napkin for casual gatherings. Wrap a small stack tied with twine as a charming homemade gift that friends will adore. Their petite size makes them versatile for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any mini muffins left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for a quick grab-and-go snack the next morning.
Freezing
Want to save them for later? Mini cinnamon muffins freeze beautifully. Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen muffins, simply thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds also revives their softness in a flash.
FAQs
Can I use regular muffin tins instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! While this Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is tailored for small treats, you can use a standard muffin tin. Just adjust the baking time to around 18-20 minutes and fill each cup only two-thirds full to ensure even rising.
Do I have to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level precisely, but if you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe. This way, your muffins won’t become overly salty.
Why is it important to use room temperature eggs?
Room temperature eggs blend more easily with the other ingredients, helping create a smoother batter. They also trap air more effectively, resulting in lighter muffins with a tender crumb.
Can I substitute the oil with melted butter?
Yes, you can replace the neutral oil with an equal amount of melted butter for extra richness. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the texture, making the muffins a bit denser but still delicious.
What’s the best way to prevent muffins from sticking to the tin?
Generously spraying your mini muffin tin with canola or other neutral oil spray is key. Avoid greasing with butter as it can cause uneven browning. A proper spray ensures your lovely mini muffins come out clean and intact every time.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is one of those joyful discoveries you’ll want to share over and over. The cozy aroma, the buttery softness, and that perfect cinnamon sugar finish make it a winner for any occasion. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly find it becoming a beloved staple in your baking routine!
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Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini muffins
- Category: Sweet Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Description
Mini Cinnamon Muffins that taste like cinnamon doughnuts but are baked to a soft, plush, buttery perfection inspired by French Madeleines. These bite-sized sweet treats are easy to make, perfect for snack time or breakfast, and coated in a delightful cinnamon sugar for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup plain flour / all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s active)
- 1/8 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature (55-60g/2oz each)
- 1/2 cup caster sugar / superfine sugar
- 2 tsp oil (canola, vegetable or other neutral oil)
- 2 tbsp milk, full fat preferred but low fat is okay
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled but still warm
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 2 tbsp caster sugar / superfine sugar
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- Canola oil spray or other neutral oil spray (for greasing the muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced). Do not grease the muffin tin yet to ensure the proper texture and rise.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the caster sugar and cinnamon powder. Set aside for coating the muffins after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the two eggs and caster sugar vigorously for about 20 seconds until the mixture turns a pale yellow color. Add the oil, milk, and vanilla extract, and whisk again until incorporated.
- Combine Batter: Add half of the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients and gently whisk it in until combined. Then whisk in the remaining flour mixture gently followed by the melted unsalted butter. Mix until fully incorporated without overbeating.
- Prepare Mini Muffin Tin: Generously spray a 24-hole mini muffin tin with canola or neutral oil spray to prevent sticking. Do not grease with butter or flour.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Using a small cookie scoop, jug, or piping bag, fill each muffin cavity about 3/4 full with batter. Avoid overfilling to ensure proper rising and shape.
- Bake: Bake the mini muffins in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Release: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 2 minutes. Then invert the tin and firmly bang the edge against a work surface to release the muffins without breaking them. Avoid prying them out as they are delicate.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While the muffins are still warm, toss them in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks well, enhancing their sweet cinnamon doughnut-like flavor.
- Serve: Serve the mini cinnamon muffins immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- You can use regular muffin tins instead of mini ones but adjust the baking time accordingly (about 18-20 minutes).
- Ensure the baking powder is fresh and active for proper rise.
- A small cookie scoop or piping bag makes filling the muffin tins easier and less messy.
- The recipe is inspired by French Madeleines, which makes the muffins softer and buttery rather than dry or cakey.
- Using full-fat milk and unsalted butter enhances flavor and texture, but low-fat milk is acceptable.
- For best results, toss muffins in cinnamon sugar while still warm so the sugar adheres well.