What ingredients make these muffins lighter?

Using unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, and light olive oil reduces fat and calories while keeping the muffins moist.

How do I achieve the cinnamon swirl effect?

After filling muffin cups halfway, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, then add remaining batter. Use a toothpick to gently swirl before baking.

Yes, adding chopped dried cranberries or walnuts enhances texture and flavor, especially for a festive touch.

Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter; cut in butter until crumbly, then sprinkle over batter before baking.

Yes, these muffins contain no meat products and fit a vegetarian diet, but include dairy and eggs.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Tender, festive muffins swirled with cinnamon and topped with a crunchy streusel—lighter in calories but full of holiday flavor.

I first baked these muffins during the holiday season and they quickly became a family favorite for breakfast and dessert alike.

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

Step 1:: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
Step 2:: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 3:: In a separate bowl, whisk applesauce, Greek yogurt, oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Step 4:: Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5:: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
Step 6:: 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.
Step 7:: 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.
Step 8:: Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9:: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Sharing these muffins with my family over the holidays always brings us closer and fills our home with joy.

Use light brown sugar packed gently for the best swirl texture and flavor.

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Add chopped dried cranberries or walnuts to the batter for an extra festive flair and texture.

Enjoy these moist and flavorful muffins fresh for the best taste and texture.

→ What ingredients make these muffins lighter?: Using unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, and light olive oil reduces fat and calories while keeping the muffins moist.
→ How do I achieve the cinnamon swirl effect?: After filling muffin cups halfway, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, then add remaining batter. Use a toothpick to gently swirl before baking.
→ Can I add nuts or dried fruit to these muffins?: Yes, adding chopped dried cranberries or walnuts enhances texture and flavor, especially for a festive touch.
→ What is the best way to make the streusel topping?: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter; cut in butter until crumbly, then sprinkle over batter before baking.
→ Are these muffins suitable for vegetarians?: Yes, these muffins contain no meat products and fit a vegetarian diet, but include dairy and eggs.
→ How should I store leftover muffins?: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.