If you’re craving something sweet, cozy, and homemade without a lot of effort, Easy Cinnamon Sugar Mini Muffins for Quick Snacks are exactly what you need. These bite-sized muffins are soft and fluffy on the inside, coated in buttery cinnamon sugar on the outside, and come together fast with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy mornings, after-school treats, or last-minute guests, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Mini Muffins Recipe
These mini muffins are one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. They’re easy enough for beginners, yet delicious enough to impress.
- Quick and simple – Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
- Kid-friendly – Perfect size for little hands and lunchboxes
- No mixer required – Just a bowl and a whisk
- Classic flavor – Cinnamon sugar never goes out of style
- Great for any time of day – Breakfast, snack, or dessert
Because they’re mini, they bake faster than regular muffins and are easy to portion. Plus, rolling them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm gives them that bakery-style finish everyone loves.
Ingredients for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Mini Muffins
These muffins use basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Muffin Batter
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Large egg
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Milk: You can use any milk you like, including almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the muffins moist, but melted butter or light olive oil also works.
- Sugar: White sugar gives a classic taste, but you can replace part of it with light brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
These swaps make the recipe flexible while keeping it family-friendly and approachable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line it with mini muffin liners. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly combined so the muffins rise properly.
Step 3 – Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4 – Combine the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the muffins light and tender.
Step 5 – Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into the mini muffin pan, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6 – Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the muffins are still warm, dip each one into melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Set aside to cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can make muffins dense instead of fluffy.
- Coat while warm – Cinnamon sugar sticks best when the muffins are warm.
- Use a small cookie scoop – This helps evenly portion the batter.
- Bake in the center rack – Ensures even baking and color.
- Double the coating – For extra sweetness, dip and roll twice.
Flavor Variations
Want to switch things up? Try one of these easy variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Mini Muffins – Add finely diced apples to the batter.
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Muffins – Stir in mini chocolate chips.
- Pumpkin Spice Version – Replace some milk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice.
- Lemon Cinnamon Twist – Add lemon zest to the batter for brightness.
- Maple Cinnamon Muffins – Use maple sugar or a splash of maple syrup in the batter.
Each version keeps the recipe fresh while maintaining that comforting cinnamon flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These mini muffins are incredibly versatile. Serve them:
- With a glass of milk or hot cocoa
- Alongside fresh fruit for breakfast
- As an after-school snack
- On a brunch platter with yogurt and berries
- As a sweet addition to a picnic or potluck
Their small size makes them easy to grab and enjoy anywhere.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days, though texture is best fresh.
- Freezer: Freeze uncoated muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw, warm slightly, then coat with butter and cinnamon sugar before serving.
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Mini Muffins for Quick Snacks
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy mini muffins coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, perfect for quick snacks, busy mornings, and cozy homemade treats made with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin pan or line with mini liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Fill each mini muffin cup about three-quarters full with batter.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While muffins are warm, dip each one into melted butter.
- Roll the buttered muffins in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Coat the muffins while they are still warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks evenly. Avoid overmixing the batter for the fluffiest texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 70 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Easy Cinnamon Sugar Mini Muffins
Can I make these without a mini muffin pan?
Yes. You can use a regular muffin pan, but you’ll need to increase the baking time to about 18–20 minutes and adjust the coating amount.
Why are my muffins dry?
Dry muffins usually come from overbaking or overmixing. Mix just until combined and check for doneness early.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the muffins ahead, store them plain, and coat with butter and cinnamon sugar just before serving for the best texture.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is very kid-friendly. Measuring ingredients and rolling muffins in cinnamon sugar are fun, safe tasks with supervision.
Do these muffins need frosting?
No frosting needed. The cinnamon sugar coating adds plenty of sweetness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Mini Muffins for Quick Snacks are proof that simple recipes can be truly special. With their soft centers, sweet cinnamon coating, and quick prep time, they’re perfect for busy days and cozy moments alike. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a staple in your home.