Cinnamon Swirl Dirt Bomb Muffins
Delight in the soft, fluffy texture of these Cinnamon Swirl Dirt Bomb Muffins, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack! Enjoy a burst of warm spices with a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating that elevates these delightful muffins. Ideal for sharing, these treats will quickly become a favorite among family and friends. Experience the rich flavors of nutmeg and cardamom intertwined with the sweetness of sugar, creating a deliciously memorable bite every time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
3 cups minus 3 tablespoons (sifted)
baking powder
1 tablespoon (sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (sifted)
ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (sifted)
ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon (sifted)
unsalted butter
3/4 cup (softened)
granulated sugar
1 cup (for batter)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
low-fat milk
1 cup (at room temperature)
unsalted butter
3/4 cup (melted, for coating)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (for coating)
ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (for coating)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center. Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour (minus 3 tablespoons), baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cardamom, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3
In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl midway for even mixing. Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next.
4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, alternating with the low-fat milk. Mix gently by hand to combine, taking care not to overmix – the batter should remain airy and somewhat thick.
5
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full and leaving the tops irregular for a rustic look.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7
While the muffins cool, melt the remaining unsalted butter in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon.
8
Once the muffins are slightly cooled, dip each one entirely (top, sides, and bottom) into the melted butter. Use a pastry brush if necessary to coat areas that aren't fully covered. Immediately roll the muffins in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.
9
Serve the muffins warm or allow them to reach room temperature before enjoying. Perfect for sharing and savoring!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon Swirl Dirt Bomb Muffins?
They are soft, fluffy muffins featuring warm spices like nutmeg and cardamom, finished with a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The rack should be positioned in the center of the oven.
How many muffins does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for a standard 12-cup muffin pan.
How should I prepare the muffin pan?
Generously grease the muffin pan with non-stick spray or butter.
Which dry ingredients should be sifted together?
You should sift the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cardamom together.
How do I combine the butter and sugar for the batter?
Cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What is the best way to add eggs to the mixture?
Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next.
How should the dry ingredients and milk be added?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the low-fat milk.
Should I use an electric mixer for the final batter?
No, it is recommended to mix gently by hand to ensure the batter remains airy and is not overmixed.
How full should I fill each muffin cup?
Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full.
How do I achieve a rustic look for these muffins?
Leave the tops of the batter irregular when spooning it into the cups rather than smoothing them out.
How long do the muffins need to bake?
Bake for approximately 25 minutes.
How can I tell when the muffins are finished baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin should come out clean.
Should I cool the muffins in the pan?
Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What components make up the 'dirt bomb' coating?
The coating consists of melted unsalted butter and a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
When should I apply the cinnamon-sugar coating?
Apply the coating once the muffins are slightly cooled.
How do I apply the butter for the coating?
Dip each muffin entirely (top, sides, and bottom) into the melted butter or use a pastry brush.
What is the final step after dipping the muffins in butter?
Immediately roll the buttered muffins in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are thoroughly coated.
What type of milk is used in this recipe?
Low-fat milk at room temperature is used.
How much flour is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups minus 3 tablespoons of sifted flour.
What spices provide the flavor in the batter?
Ground nutmeg and ground cardamom are the primary spices in the muffin batter.
How much cinnamon is needed for the coating?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
How much butter is used in total?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of softened butter for the batter and an additional 3/4 cup of melted butter for the coating.
How much sugar is used in the batter?
One cup of granulated sugar is used for the muffin batter.
How much sugar is used for the coating?
Half a cup of granulated sugar is used for the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Can I serve these muffins warm?
Yes, they can be served warm or allowed to reach room temperature before enjoying.
Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they are described as perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
What is the texture of the muffin batter?
The batter should be airy and somewhat thick.
What makes these muffins a favorite for families?
Their soft texture, warm spice profile, and sweet coating make them a deliciously memorable treat for all ages.