These Holiday Spiced Muffins are the kind of treat that instantly fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. With their golden domes, tender crumb, and aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, they evoke the cozy spirit of festive mornings and winter gatherings. Each muffin is crowned with a buttery brown sugar crumble that adds a delightful crunch and caramelized sweetness, making them irresistible straight from the oven.
Perfect for holiday brunches, gift baskets, or a quiet moment with a cup of chai, these muffins are both comforting and celebratory. The batter comes together quickly, and the recipe is forgiving—ideal for both seasoned bakers and spontaneous weekend cravings. Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, these muffins deliver the kind of joy that only homemade baked goods can.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¾ cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Brown Sugar Crumble:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter or non-stick spray.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside in the fridge while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumping.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add oil (or melted butter), milk (or buttermilk), and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix—some lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle a generous amount of the brown sugar crumble over each muffin.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: