Ever craved a warm, bakery-style muffin with a buttery, crumbly cinnamon topping? If so, you’re in for a treat! These Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are soft, fluffy, and packed with layers of cinnamon goodness. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best homemade cinnamon streusel muffins!
What Are Cinnamon Streusel Muffins?
Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are soft, moist muffins topped with a crunchy, buttery cinnamon crumble. The word “streusel” comes from the German word for “sprinkle” or “strew,” referring to the crumbly topping. These muffins strike the perfect balance between sweetness and spice, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a slightly crisp top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible texture – Soft and moist inside with a crunchy streusel topping.
- Easy to make – No fancy equipment required!
- Versatile – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a dessert.
- Make-ahead friendly – Stays fresh for days and can be frozen.
Materials Needed
Before we start baking, let’s gather everything we need.
Equipment
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Muffin Tin | To bake the muffins evenly |
| Mixing Bowls | For combining ingredients |
| Whisk | To mix wet and dry ingredients |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | For accurate ingredient portions |
| Spatula | To fold ingredients together |
| Ice Cream Scoop | For evenly portioning the batter |
Ingredients
For the Muffin Batter:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure.
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness.
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar – Enhances flavor and moisture.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps muffins rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The star spice of the recipe.
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness.
- 2 large eggs – Binds ingredients together.
- 3/4 cup (180ml) milk – Keeps muffins moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour – Forms the crumbly texture.
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Provides spice.
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted – Creates the perfect crumbly texture.
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar – Adds a sweet finishing touch.
- 2 tablespoons milk – Creates a pourable consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Boosts flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add melted butter and stir until the mixture forms small crumbs.
- Set aside while preparing the muffin batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Batter
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix!
Step 3: Assemble the Muffins
- Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full with batter.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of streusel topping over each muffin.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
Step 5: Add the Glaze (Optional)
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled muffins.
Tips for Success
- Measure accurately – Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient amounts.
- Don’t overmix – This keeps the muffins light and fluffy.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Ensures even mixing and better texture.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes – Helps create domed muffin tops.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How to Fix It |
|---|---|
| Overmixing the batter | Stir until just combined to avoid dense muffins. |
| Using cold ingredients | Let eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing. |
| Skimping on the streusel | Be generous with the topping for the best texture and flavor! |
| Overbaking | Check at the 18-minute mark to prevent dryness. |
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations to keep things exciting:
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins – Add 1/2 cup of diced apples to the batter.
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Replace milk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice.
- Nutty Streusel Muffins – Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping.
- Maple Glazed Muffins – Swap the vanilla glaze for maple syrup and powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are the perfect homemade treat—simple, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or save them for a quick breakfast, they’ll never disappoint. Now that you have all the secrets to making the best version of this classic, it’s time to start baking. Enjoy!
