Save Tender, festive muffins swirled with cinnamon and topped with a crunchy streusel—lighter in calories but full of holiday flavor.
These muffins quickly became a family favorite during the holiday season, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
- Muffin Batter: 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar packed, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup (60 ml) light olive oil or melted coconut oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-fat milk
- Cinnamon Swirl: 2 tbsp (30 g) light brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Streusel Topping: 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp (25 g) light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp (28 g) cold unsalted butter diced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour granulated sugar brown sugar baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk applesauce Greek yogurt oil eggs vanilla and milk until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Fill Muffin Cups:
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Sprinkle each with about 1/2 tsp of the cinnamon swirl then top with the remaining batter. Use a toothpick to gently swirl.
- Make Streusel:
- For the streusel, combine flour brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the muffins.
- Bake:
- Bake for 2022 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save Sharing these muffins with family during holiday mornings makes every moment warm and special.
Notes
For extra festive flair add 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries or walnuts to the batter. Serve warm for best flavor.
Required Tools
12-cup muffin tin Mixing bowls Whisk Measuring cups and spoons Fork or pastry blender Wire rack
Nutritional Information
Per muffin Calories 165 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 25 g Protein 3 g
Save These muffins are a delightful holiday treat that balances flavor and health with each bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds fiber and a nuttier flavor without compromising texture.
- → How can I make the streusel topping crispier?
Use cold butter and avoid overmixing when combining ingredients for the streusel to achieve a crunchy, crumbly texture after baking.
- → Is it possible to add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely. Adding chopped walnuts or dried cranberries enhances flavor and texture, making the muffins more festive and rich.
- → What is the best way to swirl the cinnamon in the batter?
Fill muffin cups halfway with batter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, then top with remaining batter and gently swirl using a toothpick for a marbled effect.
- → How should these muffins be stored to maintain freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze to preserve longer, thawing before serving.