Cinnamon Maple Morning Muffins Recipe

These Cinnamon Maple Morning Muffins are the perfect blend of comforting flavors and delightful textures, reminiscent of a warm breakfast on a cozy morning. The combination of rich maple syrup and warm cinnamon creates a harmonious balance that will transport you to a serene breakfast nook. These muffins are not just a treat for your taste buds; they also evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making them an ideal breakfast or brunch option for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• For the topping: 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 6-cup muffin tin with non-stick baking spray.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, softened butter, maple syrup, egg, yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Scoop Batter: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
6. Prepare Topping: In a small dish, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until crumbly.
7. Top Muffins: Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over each muffin.
8. Bake Muffins: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Cool Muffins: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Top Tips:

1. Use Quality Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup instead of pancake syrup.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to ensure the muffins remain tender.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature for better mixing and even baking.
4. Adjust Topping: If you prefer a lighter topping, reduce the amount of sugar and cinnamon.
5. Freeze Well: These muffins freeze well up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
6. Customize with Nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Variations:

1. Pecan Crumble: Replace the cinnamon sugar topping with a pecan crumble made from chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup over the cooled muffins for an extra sweet touch.
3. Cinnamon Swirl: Create a cinnamon swirl by mixing cinnamon into the batter and then swirling it into the muffin tin before baking.
4. Greek Yogurt Substitute: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or even regular yogurt, though the texture might vary slightly.
5. Baked Oatmeal: Transform this recipe into a baked oatmeal by using rolled oats instead of flour and adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes: These muffins are relatively high in carbohydrates due to the maple syrup and brown sugar. However, they are also a good source of protein from the Greek yogurt and eggs. The cinnamon adds a hint of spice without significantly impacting the nutritional profile. For a healthier version, consider reducing the amount of sugar or using a natural sweetener like honey.