Gluten-Free Cinnamon Muffins

There’s something incredibly comforting about the scent of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, especially when it comes from a batch of freshly baked muffins. These Gluten-Free Cinnamon Muffins are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or just looking for a delightful treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these muffins are moist, fluffy, and will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe for Gluten-Free Cinnamon Muffins has quickly become a staple in my baking repertoire. It’s simple enough for a weekday breakfast but special enough for gatherings. The muffins are incredibly versatile; you can enjoy them plain, slathered with butter, or even topped with a sprinkle of sugar for a sweet crunch. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Each bite is a cozy reminder of the warmth of home, making them not just a treat but a hug in muffin form.

What Goes In

To create these delightful muffins, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll be using:

• 1 ½ cups 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend – This is the base of our muffins and gives them structure.
• ¾ cup brown sugar (dark or light) – Adds wonderful sweetness and moisture.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Works in tandem with the baking powder for the perfect lift.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The star of the show, providing that warm, spicy flavor.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors in the muffins.
• ¾ cup milk (any variety) – Adds moisture; you can use dairy or non-dairy alternatives.
• ½ cup canola oil or melted coconut oil – Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs – Binds everything together and adds richness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A dash of sweetness and depth to the flavor.
• ½ cup 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (for topping) – To create a delightful crumble on top.
• ½ cup brown sugar (dark or light, for topping) – Sweetens the crumble topping and adds texture.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping) – Adds extra flavor to the topping.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for topping) – Balances the sweetness of the crumble.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – Binds the topping ingredients together and adds richness.

Must-Have Equipment

Before we dive into the baking process, here’s a quick list of equipment you’ll need:

• Muffin tin – Essential for shaping our muffins.
• Mixing bowls – You’ll need a couple to combine the dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk – Perfect for blending the ingredients thoroughly.
• Spatula – Great for folding the batter and ensuring everything is mixed well.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key in baking!
• Cooling rack – To cool your muffins after baking.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Muffins: From Prep to Plate

Now, let’s get started on making these delightful Gluten-Free Cinnamon Muffins. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or line it with paper liners. This will prevent the muffins from sticking to the tin.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of gluten-free flour, ¾ cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup of milk, ½ cup of canola oil (or melted coconut oil), 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Bring It Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

In a separate small bowl, combine the ½ cup of gluten-free flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 3 tablespoons of softened butter. Mix with a fork or your fingers until crumbly.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Sprinkle the topping mixture generously over each muffin.

Step 8: Bake

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

Step 9: Cool

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Dietary Customizations

These Gluten-Free Cinnamon Muffins are easy to customize based on your dietary preferences:

• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or another plant-based milk and substitute the butter with coconut oil.
• Nut-Free: Ensure your gluten-free flour blend is nut-free and opt for canola oil if you’re sensitive to coconut.
• Lower Sugar: You can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the batter by up to half and still achieve delicious results.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting Tips

Baking can sometimes be unpredictable, but here are a few tips to help you troubleshoot:

• If your muffins are too dense, try measuring your flour using the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• If they are dry, consider adding a bit more milk or oil next time to increase moisture.
• If they are too sweet, reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly to suit your taste.
• If you notice the tops are browning too quickly, cover the muffins loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

The best part about these Gluten-Free Cinnamon Muffins is how well they store:

• Cooling: Always let your muffins cool completely on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Storing: Keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: These muffins freeze wonderfully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Rewarming: To enjoy them warm, simply microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Common Questions

Can I use a different type of gluten-free flour?

Yes! Just ensure that your flour blend is a 1:1 baking blend, which typically includes xanthan gum or guar gum for structure.

What if I don’t have baking powder?

You can create a substitute by combining 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar with ½ teaspoon of baking soda for every teaspoon of baking powder needed.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use plant-based milk and oil.

How can I make these muffins more flavorful?

Enhance the flavor by adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger. You can also incorporate vanilla bean paste for an extra depth of flavor.

Cook This Next

If you enjoyed these Gluten-Free Cinnamon Muffins, you might also like:

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread – A moist and flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack.
• Healthy Zucchini Muffins – A great way to sneak in some veggies!
• Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake – Decadent and rich, this cake is sure to impress.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies – A classic treat that everyone will love!

Let’s Eat

Now that you’ve created your delicious Gluten-Free Cinnamon Muffins, it’s time to indulge. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or warmed up later in the week, these muffins are sure to be a hit. Pair them with your morning coffee, serve them as a snack, or enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner. The best part? You can feel good about sharing them with family and friends, knowing that everyone can enjoy these delightful bites of cinnamon goodness. So gather your loved ones, and let’s dig into these warm, fluffy muffins!