Save Tender, festive muffins swirled with cinnamon and topped with a crunchy streusel—lighter in calories but full of holiday flavor.
I love making these muffins every holiday season as they bring warmth and joy to my breakfast table.
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 Oven:
- 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:
- 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.
- Assemble Muffins:
- 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.
- Prepare 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 20 22 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 My family eagerly awaits these muffins every Christmas morning—it has become our beloved tradition.
Required Tools
12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, fork or pastry blender, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (milk, yogurt, butter). Check all packaged ingredients for potential allergen cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories 165, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 25 g, Protein 3 g per muffin
Save Enjoy these muffins warm for the best festive flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes these muffins lighter than traditional ones?
The batter uses applesauce, Greek yogurt, and light oils to reduce fat and calories while keeping moisture and tenderness.
- → How is the cinnamon swirl created inside the muffins?
The cinnamon swirl is made by layering and gently swirling a mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon into the batter before baking.
- → What ingredients give the streusel its crunchy texture?
The streusel topping combines flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter cut together to create a crumbly, crunchy finish.
- → Can I add nuts or dried fruits to these muffins?
Yes, adding chopped dried cranberries or walnuts to the batter is recommended for extra texture and festive flavor.
- → How should I store the muffins to keep them fresh?
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.