Instructions
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease generously with butter or cooking spray. Paper liners help create those beautiful tall domes.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This incorporates air for tender muffins.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and beat until combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together sour cream and milk until smooth.
Step 6: Alternate Additions
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream mixture in two additions. Begin and end with flour. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition. Don’t overmix or muffins will be tough.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full. This allows room for the characteristic dome top. Use an ice cream scoop for uniform muffins.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until muffin tops are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
While muffins bake, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt butter in another small bowl.
Step 10: Coat While Warm
Remove muffins from oven and let cool in the pan for 3-5 minutes. While still warm, brush the top of each muffin generously with melted butter, then immediately dip the buttered top into the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently to coat. The butter helps the sugar stick beautifully.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Place coated muffins on a wire rack. The cinnamon sugar will set as they cool. Serve warm or at room temperature. These are best enjoyed the day they’re made.
Secrets to Perfect Muffins
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and dairy are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten and creates dense, tough muffins.
High Initial Temperature: Starting at 375°F helps create those beautiful domed tops.
Coat While Warm: The warm butter and warm muffin surface are essential for the sugar coating to stick properly.
Generous Sugar Coating: Don’t be shy with the cinnamon sugar – pile it on for maximum flavor and crunch.
Even Portioning: Use an ice cream scoop to ensure all muffins are the same size and bake evenly.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon sugar muffins are perfect for breakfast with fresh fruit and yogurt, or as an afternoon snack with hot coffee, tea, or cold milk. They’re wonderful for brunch gatherings, bake sales, or packed in lunchboxes.
Serve them warm with extra butter, or split and toast them the next day for a delicious treat. They also make great gifts when packaged in a basket with a pretty ribbon.
Storage
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cinnamon sugar coating may soften slightly over time. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted muffins in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and coat with cinnamon sugar just before serving.
To refresh day-old muffins, warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, then re-coat with butter and cinnamon sugar.
Variations
Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Fold 1 cup finely diced apples into the batter
Blueberry Cinnamon Sugar: Gently fold in 1 cup fresh blueberries
Pumpkin Spice: Replace 1/4 cup milk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice
Chocolate Chip: Add 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter
Snickerdoodle Style: Increase cinnamon in both batter and topping for more intense flavor
Lemon Cinnamon: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the batter
Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping
French Toast Muffins: Add 1/2 teaspoon maple extract and increase cinnamon
Mini Muffins: Bake in mini muffin tins for 10-12 minutes for bite-sized treats
Donut Muffins: Increase butter in topping and add a pinch of cardamom
These cinnamon sugar muffins are like a warm hug in muffin form – simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious!
