Name: Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup plain flour / all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 tsp baking powder (ensure it’s active); 1/8 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt; 2 large eggs, at room temperature (55-60g/2oz each); 1/2 cup caster sugar / superfine sugar; 2 tsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or similar); 2 tbsp milk, full fat preferred but low fat okay; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled but still warm; 2 tbsp caster sugar / superfine sugar; 3/4 tsp cinnamon powder; Canola oil spray or other neutral oil spray for greasing the muffin tin

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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s bursting with warm, cozy flavors and perfectly bite-sized charm, this Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. These little morsels are soft, tender, and generously coated with a cinnamon sugar that makes every single bite a comforting celebration. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet surprise at your next gathering, these mini muffins bring a nostalgic yet fresh twist to cinnamon delights, and they’re as much fun to make as they are to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A pile of small round cakes with a golden brown outside covered in a fine layer of cinnamon sugar, with two of the cakes broken open to show a soft, light yellow, fluffy inside. The cakes have a slightly rough texture on the outside from the sugar coating. In the background there are blurry green leaves and white flowers, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, balanced sweetness, and that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating. From the flour that forms the tender crumb to the melted butter that enriches every bite, these ingredients come together beautifully without fuss.

3/4 cup plain flour / all-purpose flour: Provides the soft base, ensuring a tender muffin crumb.
1 1/4 tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise just right for a light texture, so make sure it’s fresh.
1/8 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overt.
2 large eggs, at room temperature: Adds structure and richness, important for the perfect rise and moistness.
1/2 cup caster sugar / superfine sugar: Sweetens the batter gently; superfine sugar helps it dissolve smoothly.
2 tsp oil (canola, vegetable, or neutral): Keeps the muffins moist without overpowering the flavor.
2 tbsp milk (full fat preferred): Balances the batter, contributing to softness and tenderness.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and warm: Adds richness and a silky texture that makes these muffins so special.
Canola oil spray or neutral oil spray: Ensures easy release from the mini muffin tin without stickiness.
2 tbsp caster sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating): Fine sugar helps the cinnamon sugar adhere beautifully.
3/4 tsp cinnamon powder: The star spice, providing that perfect cinnamon punch on the outside.

How to Make Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C if fan-forced. While the oven warms up, mix your cinnamon sugar by combining the caster sugar and cinnamon powder in a small bowl; set this aside for that magical finishing touch. Next, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in their own bowl to ensure even distribution and a light crumb.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Now, in a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar vigorously for about 20 seconds until the mixture becomes pale and slightly fluffy. This little aeration makes all the difference. Then add the oil, milk, and vanilla extract and whisk everything together until fully combined. This wet mixture is the base that will bring the batter to life.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently whisk to incorporate, being careful not to overmix and lose that tender texture. Then add the remaining flour and continue folding gently. Finally, pour in the melted butter which should still be warm, not hot. This enriches the batter and ensures a soft, luxurious crumb.

Step 4: Prepare and Fill the Mini Muffin Tin

Generously spray a 24-hole mini muffin tin with canola or neutral oil spray to prevent sticking. Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, fill each cavity about three-quarters full. This is important; overfilling can stop your muffins from rising properly, and underfilling might make them too flat—striking the right balance creates perfect tiny puffs.

Step 5: Bake and Finish with Cinnamon Sugar

Bake the muffins for 12 minutes until they are golden and spring back when lightly pressed. Let them cool for two minutes, then turn the pan over and firmly bang the edges against your countertop to release the muffins neatly—avoid prying them out to prevent breaking. While they are still warm, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mix so it sticks beautifully, giving you that signature sweet and spicy crunch.

How to Serve Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

Three small round doughnut balls are shown on a shallow white plate. The doughnut balls are covered in a light brown sugar and cinnamon powder which is scattered on the plate around them. The doughnut balls have a soft, slightly rough texture with a golden brown and light tan color mix. In the background, there is a white bowl lined with parchment paper holding more doughnut balls, and a glass of milk is partly seen. The plate sits on a round wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping your mini cinnamon muffins with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar immediately before serving adds a touch of elegance and delightful sweetness. You might also drizzle a bit of honey or a simple glaze if you want to take things up a notch.

Side Dishes

These mini muffins pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples, and they are a natural companion to a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate. For a brunch spread, they shine alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt with granola, bringing a cozy and inviting vibe to any table.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these muffins stacked in a charming basket lined with a colorful napkin for instant warmth and welcome. You can also thread them onto decorative skewers along with fresh fruit for fun finger food at parties. For a delightful breakfast tray, arrange them around a small bowl of dipping sauce like cream cheese frosting or melted caramel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover mini cinnamon muffins keep really well for up to three days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. They stay fresh and soft, ready to be enjoyed again with just a quick warming.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these mini delights freeze wonderfully for up to three months. Place them in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Reheating

Reheat your muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds if you’re warming up a batch, or just 5 seconds for a single muffin. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven softness and elevates the cinnamon sugar coating to perfectly melty bliss.

FAQs

Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, self-raising flour can be used to simplify the recipe because it already contains baking powder. The muffins will still rise nicely, though the crumb may not be quite as tender as when using plain flour with added baking powder.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

If a mini muffin tin isn’t available, you can use a standard 12-hole muffin tray and bake the batter as “discs” for about 14 to 15 minutes. The bigger size results in flatter muffins, giving you a better cinnamon sugar to cake ratio and a delicious twist on the original.

Why should I use caster sugar instead of regular sugar?

Caster sugar, being much finer than regular sugar, dissolves more evenly in the batter, ensuring a smooth texture. For the cinnamon sugar coating, its fine grains help the cinnamon stick better to the muffin surface, giving you a lovely, even crunch.

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the tin?

Generously spraying your mini muffin tin with canola or any neutral oil spray is key. This not only prevents sticking but helps the muffins come out cleanly when you bang the pan edge. Avoid greasing with butter or flour, which may cause uneven release.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

While oil can be used in the batter, the melted butter adds a richness and soft crumb that’s really important for these mini cinnamon muffins. For the best texture and flavor, sticking with the butter is highly recommended.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Cinnamon Muffins Recipe truly bring joy in every bite — soft, buttery, and kissed with that quintessential cinnamon sugar crunch that feels like a warm hug. They’re simple enough for everyday baking but special enough to impress friends and family. So grab your mixing bowls, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to something wonderfully delicious that you’ll want to make again and again!