Cinnamon Swirl Breakfast Muffins with Streusel

Name: Cinnamon Swirl Breakfast Muffins with Streusel
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Highlighted under: Baking Favorites

Start your morning off right with these deliciously fluffy Cinnamon Swirl Breakfast Muffins topped with a crunchy streusel. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2025-12-14T17:22:16.738Z

These Cinnamon Swirl Breakfast Muffins with Streusel are a delightful blend of fluffy muffin texture and rich cinnamon flavor. Perfect for a quick breakfast or as a treat to share with friends!

        Why You'll Love These Muffins
        Warm cinnamon flavor that fills your kitchen with comfort
Crispy streusel topping adds a delightful crunch
Easy to make, perfect for busy mornings or special occasions

      

The Perfect Morning Treat

These Cinnamon Swirl Breakfast Muffins are more than just a delightful way to start your day; they encapsulate the very essence of a cozy morning. The warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will not only awaken your senses but also create an inviting atmosphere for family or guests. Each muffin is perfectly fluffy, ensuring a light yet satisfying bite that pairs beautifully with your favorite morning beverage.

Whether you're rushing out the door or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch, these muffins are incredibly versatile. They can be a quick breakfast option for busy mornings or a sweet addition to a special occasion like a holiday gathering. The delightful combination of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that everyone will come back for seconds.

Streusel: The Crunchy Crown

What truly sets these muffins apart is the irresistible streusel topping. This simple mixture of flour, brown sugar, and softened butter transforms the muffins from ordinary to extraordinary. The streusel adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy muffin base, creating a delightful texture experience in every bite.

Moreover, the combination of cinnamon in both the muffins and the streusel creates a harmonious flavor profile that resonates with traditional baking. This delightful topping is not only easy to prepare but also elevates the overall presentation, making your muffins look as good as they taste. It's a small touch that makes a big impact!

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of these Cinnamon Swirl Breakfast Muffins is their adaptability. You can easily customize the flavor by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch, or even incorporating dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for a touch of sweetness. These additions can amplify the flavor and texture, making each batch uniquely yours.

If you want to experiment further, consider swapping out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier option. This change will add a nutty flavor while still maintaining a fluffy texture. You can also adjust the sugar levels based on your preference, ensuring that these muffins cater to your taste while still being delicious.

Ingredients

For the Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Prepare the Muffin Batter

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Make the Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the softened butter until crumbly.

Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each muffin cup, then sprinkle with streusel. Repeat with another layer of batter and streusel on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your muffins rise perfectly, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mixing just until combined helps maintain that light and fluffy texture we all love. If you want to achieve an even better rise, let the batter sit for a few minutes before filling the muffin cups. This allows the baking powder to activate and gives your muffins a nice lift.

Additionally, make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An oven thermometer can help ensure that your oven temperature matches what you set it to, providing the best baking environment for your muffins.

Serving Suggestions

These Cinnamon Swirl Breakfast Muffins are delightful on their own, but they can also be elevated with a few simple serving suggestions. Consider pairing them with a smear of cream cheese or butter for added richness. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can also enhance the sweetness, making them even more indulgent.

For a complete breakfast experience, serve these muffins alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. This adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced muffins and creates a balanced meal that will keep you energized throughout the morning.

Storage and Reheating

To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Place the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag, and they can be stored for up to three months. Just remember to let them cool completely before freezing to prevent freezer burn.

When you're ready to enjoy a muffin, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up. A few seconds in the microwave can bring back their fresh-baked taste, making it feel like a treat any time of the day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

→ How can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze well! Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

→ What can I add to the batter?

Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.