Cinnamon Streusel Muffins with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

If you’re a fan of soft, buttery muffins with a crumbly cinnamon topping and a sweet vanilla glaze, these Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are about to become your new favorite treat! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with coffee or tea. The combination of a tender muffin base, a spiced streusel topping, and a drizzle of vanilla glaze makes these muffins irresistible.

This recipe is easy to follow and will fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. Let’s dive into the details so you can whip up a batch of these bakery-style muffins at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Tender Texture: The muffin base is light, fluffy, and perfectly moist.
• Sweet and Crumbly Topping: The cinnamon streusel adds a crunchy, flavorful layer to every bite.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
• Homemade Bakery Vibes: These muffins rival anything you’d find at your favorite coffee shop.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

For the Muffins

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and softness to the muffins.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Contributes to a light, fluffy texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the muffins moist.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the muffins.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and flavor.
• 3/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist.

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/3 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the streusel together.
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
• 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed: Creates a crumbly, buttery topping.

For the Vanilla Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: The base for the sweet glaze.
• 1-2 tbsp milk: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds flavor and ties the glaze to the muffins.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Muffin Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions. (Start and end with the dry ingredients.)
5. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

Step 4: Divide the Batter

1. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the muffin batter.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
2. 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.

Step 7: Make the Vanilla Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Add more milk, a few drops at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired drizzling consistency.

Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze

Once the muffins are completely cooled, use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the vanilla glaze over the tops of the muffins. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

1. Use Cold Butter for the Streusel: This helps create a crumbly texture that holds its shape during baking.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense muffins. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
3. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.
4. Let the Muffins Cool Before Glazing: Adding the glaze while the muffins are hot can cause it to melt and run off.
5. Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a few drops of milk. If it’s too thin, mix in a little more powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are perfect for any time of day. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy them:

• Breakfast: Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
• Brunch: Add these muffins to your brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and yogurt.
• Snack: They’re an ideal mid-day pick-me-up.
• Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Fruit: Fold in 1/2 cup of diced apples or blueberries for a fruity twist.
2. Nutty Streusel: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
3. Cinnamon-Swirl Muffins: Swirl 1 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar into each muffin before adding the streusel topping.
4. Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
5. Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the batter before adding the streusel topping.

Nutritional Information

(Per Muffin, based on 12 muffins):

• Calories: ~250
• Carbohydrates: ~33g
• Protein: ~3g
• Fat: ~12g
• Fiber: ~1g

Storage and Freezing

Storage:

• Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour or whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will result in denser muffins.

2. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white granulated sugar, but the streusel won’t have the same caramel-like flavor.

3. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes! The muffins are delicious on their own or with just the streusel topping.

4. Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?

Absolutely! Buttermilk adds a slight tang and extra moisture to the muffins.

5. Can I make these muffins mini-sized?

Yes, use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.

6. How do I make the muffins dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients. You may need to bake in two batches depending on the size of your muffin tin.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Streusel Muffins with Vanilla Glaze are a bakery-quality treat you can easily make at home. With their buttery, moist texture, crumbly cinnamon topping, and sweet glaze, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these muffins will become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Try them today and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors in every bite!

Print