Light and fluffy Cinnamon Muffins are fresh from the oven in just 25 minutes. This easy cinnamon breakfast muffin recipe is rolled in cinnamon sugar just like Churros and makes a cozy breakfast or light dessert.

Cinnamon muffins coated in cinnamon sugar on a wire rack, with one muffin on its side with a bite missing.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Easy Cinnamon Muffins Video

In this video tutorial, I’ll show you how to make these rustic, sweet, and crunchy cinnamon sugar muffins.

French Breakfast Muffins

If you love easy holiday baking ideas like Cinnamon Rolls and Cranberry Bread, you need to try these perfect cinnamon breakfast muffins! They feel so special and warm during the holidays and colder months.

These cinnamon muffins are seriously tasty and always disappear fast. We made four batches in two days and they got rave reviews all around. This muffin recipe also happens to be ridiculously easy. I can almost guarantee that you’ll be baking up a storm, too.

I roll the freshly baked cinnamon muffins generously in cinnamon sugar after a light dip in melted butter. Can I just say: Wowza! These have all the satisfying, sugary crunch of biting into a cinnamon sugar donut (or even a Snickerdoodle Cookie), only in muffin form. 

Cinnamon Muffin Ingredients

These fluffy and soft cinnamon muffins come together with only a handful of pantry ingredients. Be sure to refer to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts.

  • Flour – I made this recipe using regular all-purpose flour.
  • Sugar – You’ll need regular granulated sugar for the muffin batter as well as the cinnamon sugar topping.
  • Baking powder and salt – baking powder is the leavening that helps the muffins bake up light and fluffy, while salt balances the sweetness.
  • Nutmeg – Ground nutmeg compliments the cinnamon and really rounds out the flavors. If you’d prefer to use cinnamon instead, go right ahead.
  • Butter – I prefer to bake with unsalted butter, so I can control the amount of salt.
  • Egg and Milk – make sure egg is at room temperature and milk is warm. If you forgot to bring the egg to room temperature, set it in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes to take the chill off.
  • Cinnamon Sugar – combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for dipping the muffins.
The ingredients for homemade cinnamon muffins with cinnamon sugar coating.

Pro Tip: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring dry ingredients like flour. Spoon the flour from the bag into the measuring cup and then level it off with a knife (instead of scooping directly from the bag). Too much flour can lead to muffins that are dense and chewy.

How to Make Cinnamon Muffins

All it takes is one bowl and 25 minutes to make these perfectly moist and tender cinnamon muffins. While your oven preheats, get started on the batter:

  1. Dry ingredients – whisk together the flour, sugar, and the rest of the dry ingredients.
  2. Add wet ingredients – add the warm milk, beaten egg, and melted butter. Give the batter a stir to combine, but don’t overmix. The batter should be lumpy.
  3. Bake – Divide the batter evenly between the wells of a greased muffin pan, about ⅓ full. An ice cream scoop is helpful here. Finally, bake the muffins at 350ºF for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the muffins are set in the middle.
Photo collage showing the process for making homemade cinnamon muffins.

Pro Tip: You can grease a non-stick muffin pan with butter or cooking spray, or you can line the muffin pan with cupcake liners if you prefer.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

The final touch on these tasty cinnamon muffins is a crunchy, buttery sugar and spice topping. Coating the muffins is a super simple process:

  1. Prep the topping – stir together sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, melt the last of the butter in the microwave.
  2. Dip and roll – One at a time, dip the tops of the muffins briefly in melted butter, then dip or roll the tops generously in cinnamon sugar. I like to coat the sides of the muffins with cinnamon sugar as well for a bit of extra, all-around crunch. Afterward, set them on a wire rack to cool.
Side by side photos showing how to dip the warm muffin tops in butter, then in cinnamon sugar.

Variations

This cinnamon muffins recipe is basic in the best possible way. But if you want to change things up with different flavors or easy add-ins, here are some ideas:

  • Apples – Stir in diced apples to make easy apple cinnamon muffins.
  • Berries – Add in blueberries, chopped strawberries, or raspberries.
  • Chocolate Chips – Add a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for spiced chocolate chip muffins.
  • Chopped Nuts – Stir in crushed or chopped pecans or walnuts.
  • Pumpkin Spice – Give these cinnamon muffins a fall twist and trade nutmeg and cinnamon for pumpkin spice.
Two cinnamon muffins stacked on top of one another on a wire rack.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Muffins

These spiced cinnamon muffins are a delicious breakfast treat that doubles as a dessert. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee in the morning, Hot Chocolate, Apple Cider, or with a cozy mug of tea. Homemade muffins are a great addition to a breakfast or brunch spread. Serve them alongside Air Fryer Bacon, Poached Eggs, and Crispy Hash Browns

serving cinnamon muffin on a wire rack

We can’t wait for you to sink your teeth into these soft and fluffy cinnamon muffins. They’re the perfect sweet snack to cozy up with in sweater weather. You’re going to love them!

Easy Cinnamon Muffins

4.95 from 179 votes
Cinnamon sugar coated cinnamon muffins on a wire rack.
These easy Cinnamon Muffins are filled with warm spice and dipped in cinnamon sugar for an irresistible, sugary crunch. Fresh from the oven in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 12 muffins

For the Muffins

  • 1 ½ cup all purpose flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted, plus more to grease the pan
  • 1 egg, room temperature, lightly beaten with a fork
  • ½ cup warm milk, low fat or whole milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • cup sugar
  • ¾ tsp cinnamon
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-count non-stick muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
  • Add warm milk, lightly beaten egg, and 5 Tbsp melted butter and stir until combined but still lumpy (DON'T over mix).
  • Divide the batter into your prepared pan using a spoon or ice cream scoop. Each cup will be about 1/3 full. Bake for 20-22 min or until golden at the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • For the topping, In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of sugar with cinnamon. In a second small bowl, melt your remaining 3 Tbsp butter.
  • Dip warm muffin tops briefly in melted butter, then dip/roll generously in cinnamon sugar. I like to coat the sides of the muffins with cinnamon sugar as well. Set them on a wire rack to cool.

Notes

To Store Muffins: Your fresh cinnamon muffins can be stored airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week. I like to line the container with paper towels to help absorb excess moisture and keep the muffins from getting soggy.
Freezing Muffins: These muffins can be frozen. After they’ve cooled completely, store them airtight and freeze them for up to 1-2 months. Defrost the muffins at room temperature, or in the fridge then microwave 30 seconds to soften them up.

Nutrition Per Serving

188kcal Calories27g Carbs2g Protein8g Fat5g Saturated Fat0.4g Polyunsaturated Fat2g Monounsaturated Fat0.3g Trans Fat34mg Cholesterol109mg Sodium89mg Potassium1g Fiber14g Sugar263IU Vitamin A0.03mg Vitamin C42mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Easy Cinnamon Muffins
Amount per Serving
Calories
188
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
8
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
 
0.3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Cholesterol
 
34
mg
11
%
Sodium
 
109
mg
5
%
Potassium
 
89
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
 
27
g
9
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
14
g
16
%
Protein
 
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
 
263
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
 
0.03
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
42
mg
4
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Breakfast Muffins, cinnamon muffins
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 188
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

More Easy Muffin Recipes

Muffins are a treat for breakfast and double as a dessert. If you’re in the mood for muffins, try these other classic muffin recipes: 

4.95 from 179 votes (108 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Angelika
    May 8, 2015

    Want to try this. Is there a substitute for nutmeg?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 8, 2015

      It just ads a little extra flavor. You can leave it out if you don’t have it. Cinnamon might work well instead.

      Reply

  • ira
    October 12, 2013

    Hi Natasha,
    I’ve heard that if you use extra virgin olive oil that is light and ok for baking, it makes the muffins more moist…. and is a healthier option than butter. I am making these right now for breakfast tomorrow morning…just as your recipe says, and I added chocolate chips to them since I dont have nutmeg on hand. I just remember someone telling me that, so I just wanted to know what you think.
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 12, 2013

      I haven’t tried with these muffins but it proved to be very true for my cherry surprise cupcakes. They were super dense the next day after refrigeration when I used butter, but still light and fluffy when I used extra light olive oil (from Costco). It just might work for this one too. Please let me know what you thought!

      Reply

  • Maria - Feedingmyboyfriend.com
    October 7, 2013

    Thank you for such a wonderful recipe! You have a wonderful website! I hope you don’t mind I adapted this recipe for use on my own blog! They are super delicious!!
    http://www.feedingmyboyfriend.com/blog/breakfast-muffins

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 7, 2013

      I think that is awesome! Thank you! I looked at your blog and had to smile, feeding my hungry boyfriend because if I don’t he will starve. LOL

      Reply

  • Inna
    August 23, 2013

    mine turned out pretty dry!!! Did I do something wrong or are they supposed to be not soft? Ive made blueberry muffins several times with sour cream instead of milk and they were super moist and soft, unlike these. maybe I overmixed the batter?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 24, 2013

      It may be that you overmixed. Also, what kind of flour were you using? All-purpose? Canadian?

      Reply

      • Inna
        August 25, 2013

        I used Gold Medal organic all purpose(Unbleached enriched&presifted) flour!

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          August 25, 2013

          That sounds like a good choice of flour. It may have just been overmixed. Also, these are best and softest the same day they are made. Did you think they were stiff the same day?

          Reply

          • Inna
            August 26, 2013

            yeah, they actually tasted better the next day lol!:) softer! cuz they were in a plate covered with a plastic wrap! Have you ever tried making muffins with sour cream instead of milk! U should if you haven’t!! they turn out super moist!

          • Natasha
            natashaskitchen
            August 26, 2013

            I’ll definitely try it next time. Thanks for the tip! 🙂

        • Nicole
          February 16, 2023

          I find popping my muffins in the fridge after baking seem to moisten some muffins.

          Reply

  • Inna
    August 15, 2013

    o my goodness these look good and wow so easy to make, I always have the ingredients for these, except the nutmeg, I dont even kno what it is, do you really need it in this recipe, or can I substitute it with something else? also do you use big muffing cups or the smaller ones cuz I have the smaller cups size muffin pan I believe 12 ! do you fill the ice cream scoop all the way? n if i use the paper liners do I still have to spray them , i never did that before, I thought u only need to spray if u don use paper liners?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 15, 2013

      You don’t have to spray paper liners. Omit the nutmeg if you don’t have it. I used the standard cupcake size.

      Reply

  • Olga
    February 23, 2013

    Hi Natasha, have you tried using margarine instead of butter for inside of muffins?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 23, 2013

      I haven’t; I’m a little afraid of that ingredient! :-/ I think butter is a healthier option, but I really haven’t tested it.

      Reply

  • vita
    November 19, 2012

    So easy to make…Thanks for the recipe…My husband not a fan of muffins but he couldn’t stop eating these …i added a spoon of cream cheese mixed together with sweet condensed milk on top on some of them and then baked

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 19, 2012

      You are welcome Vita 🙂

      Reply

  • Ruta
    November 14, 2012

    oh these are so beautiful!!!! I can’t wait to treat myself and my housemates this weekend for breakfast!! thank you for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 14, 2012

      You are welcome Ruta 🙂

      Reply

  • YanaP
    November 13, 2012

    Thank you for this recipe! I made it without the nutmeg and they were delicious! My husband loved them. In one batch I added chocolate chips. =)
    Also, just a suggestion to the person that said they were “too much butter” I used unsalted butter and they were GREAT. Quick and easy; a keeper!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 13, 2012

      You are welcome Yana and thanks for the tip 🙂

      Reply

  • YanaP
    November 11, 2012

    Hello. Do i have to use nutmeg? Thank you! ( i don’t have any on hand and wanted to make these) .

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 11, 2012

      I think I forgot to use it last time and it turned out great 🙂

      Reply

  • Erica (@Cannella_Vita)
    October 28, 2012

    These look absolutely delicious! Sometimes the simplest recipes really are the best!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 28, 2012

      I definitely agree with you on that one 🙂

      Reply

  • megan
    October 24, 2012

    hey natasha, i just tried making this recipe and realize(once my muffins were already in the oven of course) that i didn’t add the salt! in your ingredients its says you need salt but when you give the directions to add all the dry ingredients i think you forgot to mention to add 1/2tsp salt.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 24, 2012

      Oh snap. Sorry!! I’ll fix that ASAP! It should still turn out great. Let me know what you thought.

      Reply

      • megan
        October 24, 2012

        They turned out pretty good! even without salt 🙂

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          October 25, 2012

          Yesss! Thanks again for bringing it to my attention.

          Reply

  • Kukla
    October 22, 2012

    They looked so delicious, but to be honest, they tasted a little too much like butter! Maybe I’m just weird, not a favorite. Love your other recipes though.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 22, 2012

      Maybe it’s because they are dipped in butter? 😉 I think I have a weakness for real butter.

      Reply

  • Veronica
    October 20, 2012

    Muffiny-that’s funny! And I’ve never heard of it so you could have totally made it up for all I knew! 🙂 These remind me of the doughnut muffins I’ve been seeing everywhere–I wonder if it’s the same recipe. Do they kinda remind you of eating a cake doughnut? They look so good!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 20, 2012

      Haha thanks Veronica. I was trying to use it another way but then I looked it up and found that definition and liked it more. Lol

      Reply

  • Suzie
    October 19, 2012

    Hi Natasha, these muffins look mighty tasty! I love the silicone muffin cups…I have not seen them before. What a great idea. I just wanted to say thank you for participating in Veronica’s fundraiser for myself. I really, really appreciate your help and I look forward to getting to know you! xoxo

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 19, 2012

      You’re so welcome 🙂 I hope the fundraiser is a huge success and that it is a blessing to you.

      Reply

  • Olviya@servingsisters.com
    October 19, 2012

    I am a repeated offender of committing muffins;) love anything baked and dipped in sugar! Will be making these soon;)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 19, 2012

      Let me know how they turn out 🙂

      Reply

  • Dena
    October 19, 2012

    YUM!

    Reply

  • Roxanne
    October 19, 2012

    Wow I could see these being a big hit in our house! Thanks Natash!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 19, 2012

      Hope you and your household love them 😉

      Reply

  • alana
    October 18, 2012

    This are delish:))))

    Reply

  • Marina
    October 18, 2012

    These look wonderful! Will be trying them in the near future… Like, tomorrow.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 18, 2012

      Your future is very near Marina 😀

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.