Delicious Snickerdoodle Muffin Recipe: Your New Favorite Breakfast Treat
There’s something undeniably comforting and utterly delightful about the classic snickerdoodle cookie. Its signature blend of cinnamon sugar and a tender, chewy texture has captured hearts for generations. So, when I stumbled upon a Snickerdoodle Muffin Recipe in the Gooseberry Patch The Christmas Table cookbook, I knew instantly I had to try it. The idea of transforming that beloved cookie flavor into a soft, fluffy muffin was simply irresistible! And let me tell you, these muffins deliver on all fronts: they’re wonderfully aromatic, perfectly sweet, and incredibly easy to make. They quickly became a staple in our household, perfect for a cozy morning, a quick snack, or a delightful addition to any brunch spread.
Why You’ll Love These Snickerdoodle Muffins
If you’re a fan of snickerdoodle cookies, prepare to fall in love with their muffin counterpart. These Snickerdoodle Muffins are more than just a breakfast item; they’re a little bite of joy. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation:
- Irresistible Flavor: All the classic cinnamon-sugar goodness of a snickerdoodle cookie, packed into a soft, moist muffin. Each bite offers that distinct, warm spice flavor that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to ingredients like sour cream (or Greek yogurt), these muffins are incredibly tender and never dry. They have a delightful crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Quick & Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of around 20 minutes, you can have a batch of warm, homemade muffins ready in under an hour. This makes them ideal for busy mornings or an impromptu baking session.
- Versatile Treat: While fantastic for breakfast or brunch, these muffins also make a lovely dessert, an afternoon snack with coffee or tea, or a comforting treat to share with friends and family.
- Family Favorite: The familiar and beloved taste of snickerdoodles ensures these muffins are a hit with both kids and adults. They’re sure to disappear quickly!
The Secret to Perfect Snickerdoodle Muffins: Achieving the Ideal Cinnamon Sugar Topping
One crucial detail I learned while making these muffins is the delicate balance required for the cinnamon sugar topping. It’s what gives snickerdoodles their iconic crunch and flavor, but when it comes to muffins, it’s easy to go overboard. If you get a bit “hog wild” and heavily coat the muffin dough with too much cinnamon sugar before baking, you might end up with muffins that taste absolutely delicious but have a slightly cracked, less appealing appearance.
The excessive sugar on the surface can caramelize too quickly and stiffen, preventing the muffin from rising uniformly and creating fissures in the dome. While taste remains paramount, a visually appealing muffin adds to the overall enjoyment. The trick is to apply a generous but even coating – enough to impart that signature flavor and a delicate sparkle, without overwhelming the batter. Gently rolling or sprinkling the dough balls ensures a beautiful, smooth dome with a delightful cinnamon-sugar crust. Don’t worry, even if they crack a little, they’ll still be wonderfully tasty!
Essential Ingredients for Your Snickerdoodle Muffins
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success. Most of these are likely already in your pantry!
- Butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb. Using softened butter is key for proper creaming with sugar, creating air pockets for a light texture.
- White Sugar (divided): Sweetens the muffins and forms the basis of the classic cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a warm, aromatic note.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, provide structure, and contribute to the richness and moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient, giving structure to the muffins.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the muffins rise, creating that lovely domed top and fluffy texture.
- Cream of Tartar: The secret ingredient for that classic snickerdoodle tang! It reacts with baking soda to aid in leavening and provides a distinctive flavor profile that sets snickerdoodles apart.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds incredible moisture and a slight tang, resulting in a super tender and rich muffin. Don’t skip this for truly delicious results!
- Cinnamon (ground): The star spice, providing warmth and the iconic snickerdoodle flavor, both in the batter and in the topping.
Recommended Kitchen Tools for Baking Success
Having the right tools can make your baking experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few essentials for whipping up these delightful muffins:
- Large Mixing Bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients. We’re big fans of a glass batter bowl that has a handle; it makes mixing easier and keeps the bowl steady on the counter.
- Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand): For beating the butter and sugar until fluffy, an electric mixer is a huge help. It ensures a consistent, well-aerated batter.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl and gently folding in ingredients without overmixing.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, so good quality measuring tools are a must.
- Muffin Pan: A standard 12-cup muffin pan is needed. You might want to have two on hand if you plan to double the recipe or want to bake quickly.
- Paper Muffin Liners: These make for easy cleanup and help the muffins release perfectly from the pan.
- Ice Cream Scoop: A regular-sized ice cream scoop is excellent for portioning out the muffin batter evenly into the muffin tin, ensuring consistent baking and size.
- Shallow Bowl: For combining the cinnamon and sugar for the topping, making it easy to coat the muffin batter.
Snickerdoodle Muffin Recipe Card
Snickerdoodle Muffin Recipe
Easy to make and oh so delicious Snickerdoodle Muffin Recipe.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Calories: 410 kcal per serving
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 2 cup White Sugar, divided
- 2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 Eggs
- 2 ¼ cup All Purpose Flour
- ¾ Teaspoon Baking Powder
- ¾ Teaspoon Baking Soda
- ¾ Teaspoon Cream of Tartar
- 1 ¼ cup Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt)
- 2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Beat softened butter and 1 cup of sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, making your muffins tender.
- Add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the mixture.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Add the dry flour mixture and sour cream alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon for the topping. Mix well until uniformly blended.
- Using an ice cream scoop, portion out the muffin batter. Drop each scoop into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating it well on all sides. Gently shake off any excess.
- Place each coated batter ball into a greased muffin tin, or into muffin liners within the tin. Ensure the tin is prepared to prevent sticking.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 20-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Kitchen Tools
- Muffin Pan
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Rubber Spatula
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Ice Cream Scoop
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
| Nutrition Facts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Snickerdoodle Muffin Recipe | ||
| Amount Per Serving | ||
| Calories | 410 | Calories from Fat 189 |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Fat 21g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat 12g | 75% | |
| Cholesterol 80mg | 27% | |
| Sodium 244mg | 11% | |
| Potassium 136mg | 4% | |
| Carbohydrates 52g | 17% | |
| Sugar 34g | 38% | |
| Protein 4g | 8% | |
| Vitamin A 660IU | 13% | |
| Vitamin C 0.2mg | 0% | |
| Calcium 56mg | 6% | |
| Iron 1.3mg | 7% | |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. | ||
Expert Tips for Muffin Perfection
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is arguably the most important muffin-making rule! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, chewy muffins instead of light, tender ones. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are fine.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more easily, creating a smoother, more emulsified batter that traps air better, leading to a lighter texture.
- Fill Muffin Liners Appropriately: For nicely domed muffins, fill your muffin liners about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This leaves enough room for them to rise without overflowing.
- Preheat Oven Completely: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting the muffins in. A hot oven helps the muffins rise quickly and evenly, setting their structure properly.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the muffins are done.
- Cooling: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up slightly and prevents them from getting soggy at the bottom.
Variations & Add-ins to Customize Your Snickerdoodle Muffins
While the classic snickerdoodle flavor is divine, don’t hesitate to get creative with these muffins:
- Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Add ½ to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Snickerdoodles: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: In the fall, try adding a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a seasonal touch.
- Streusel Topping: For an extra decadent treat, instead of just the cinnamon sugar coating, add a streusel topping (butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon) before baking.
- Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest can brighten the flavors in the batter beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
These Snickerdoodle Muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Classic Breakfast: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning start.
- Brunch Delight: Serve them as part of a larger brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, eggs, and bacon.
- Sweet Treat: They make a fantastic dessert on their own, or try them warmed slightly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Lunchbox Treat: A delicious addition to school or work lunchboxes for a mid-day pick-me-up.
- Homemade Gift: Package a few muffins beautifully for a thoughtful homemade gift for neighbors or friends.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To keep your Snickerdoodle Muffins fresh and delicious:
- Countertop Storage: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container can help absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: These muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about making Snickerdoodle Muffins:
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
- Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream. It provides a similar tang and moisture, contributing to a wonderfully tender muffin.
- What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
- Cream of tartar is what gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and helps with the chewy texture. While you can omit it, the muffins won’t have the classic snickerdoodle taste. If you must substitute, you could try using an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar, but it won’t be exactly the same.
- How long do these muffins last?
- Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will stay fresh for 3-4 days. They are best enjoyed within the first two days.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately (except for combining the two) the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply combine them and bake. Alternatively, bake them completely and freeze them for later enjoyment.
- Can I make mini muffins?
- Certainly! Adjust the baking time accordingly; mini muffins typically bake for about 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Other Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved these Snickerdoodle Muffins, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic breakfast and brunch ideas:
- Caprese Eggs Benedict
- Copycat Cracker Barrel Pancakes
- Sausage Biscuit and Gravy Casserole
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
- Lemon Dutch Baby
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and convenient Crock-Pot Recipes.
We hope you enjoy baking and devouring these Snickerdoodle Muffins as much as we do. They are truly a delightful addition to any morning or a sweet pick-me-up throughout the day. Happy baking!
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Recipe originally shared on October 18, 2013. Updated in September 2020 and expanded in November 2023.