These Cinnamon Muffins are a cozy and delicious treat perfect for any time of year, but especially wonderful during the colder months. The muffins are made with a soft, fluffy batter that has hints of vanilla and a swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar for a warm, spiced flavor. Once baked to golden perfection, they are topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting and a light dusting of cinnamon sugar. A single hazelnut on top adds the perfect finishing touch, offering a slight crunch to complement the soft, moist muffin. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll love these Cinnamon Muffins for their soft, moist texture and their perfectly balanced blend of spices and sweetness. The addition of vanilla pudding powder creates a light, fluffy crumb, while the cinnamon and brown sugar swirl gives a warming, autumnal flavor. The tangy cream cheese frosting on top complements the sweetness of the muffins, creating a delightful contrast. Each bite is comforting and indulgent, making them a great option for breakfast, dessert, or a midday treat. Plus, they are easy to make and are sure to impress with their beautiful appearance and delicious flavor.
Perfect Occasion:
These Cinnamon Muffins are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you're baking for a cozy family breakfast, a festive holiday gathering, or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a warm drink, these muffins will bring a little extra joy to your day. Their rich cinnamon flavor and warm spices make them especially ideal for the fall and winter months, but their simple yet delicious ingredients mean you can enjoy them year-round. Serve them at brunch, pack them for a picnic, or bring them to a bake sale – these muffins are versatile and loved by all.
Decoration Tips:
To make your Cinnamon Muffins stand out, try piping the cream cheese frosting in a swirl on top of each muffin for a professional look. You can also dust a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on top of the frosting for an elegant touch. For the perfect finish, place a single roasted hazelnut in the center of each muffin for a lovely visual contrast and added crunch. If you’re making these muffins for a festive occasion, consider adding a sprinkle of edible glitter or festive sprinkles to enhance their appearance.
Ingredients for the Muffins:
- 2 eggs
- 120g sugar
- 100ml sparkling water
- 100ml oil
- 150g flour
- 1 packet vanilla pudding powder
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- (Optional: a pinch of holiday spice blend)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 2-3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 teaspoons brown sugar
For the Cream:
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- A few drops of lemon juice
For Decoration:
- Whole hazelnuts
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the oil and sparkling water, mixing briefly until just combined. Next, sift in the flour, baking powder, vanilla pudding powder, and optional holiday spices. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Transfer a little less than half of the batter to another bowl. Add the cinnamon and brown sugar to this portion, stirring well until the mixture is evenly spiced.
- Assemble the Muffins: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Alternate between spooning the plain batter and the cinnamon-sugar batter into the muffin cups, creating layers of each. Gently swirl the two batters together with a toothpick or knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 15–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Begin checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark. Once baked, allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a few drops of lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. Once the muffins are cool, spread or pipe the frosting evenly on top of each muffin.
- Decorate: Finish by placing a whole hazelnut on top of each frosted muffin for decoration. Optionally, dust a bit of cinnamon or powdered sugar over the frosting for an extra touch.
Enjoy!