Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These cinnamon and raisin muffins are the perfect answer for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a delightful addition to your afternoon tea. This recipe offers a simple approach to homemade baking, making it ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm spices and sweet raisins!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses common ingredients, readily available in most grocery stores. Let’s get started!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Made Easy
Follow these simple steps to create these delightful muffins. They're quicker than you think!
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for perfectly fluffy muffins.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand – both work perfectly well.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
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Fold in Raisins and Cinnamon: Gently fold in the raisins, cinnamon, and walnuts (if using). This preserves the texture of the raisins and prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full.
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Muffins
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Muffin Top Magic: For extra-tall muffin tops, fill the cups almost to the top.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Raisin: Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
- Apple Cinnamon Raisin: Incorporate ½ cup of diced apples for a fruity variation.
- Spiced Pecan: Swap the walnuts for pecans and add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
These cinnamon and raisin muffins are a delicious and easy addition to any meal or snack time. The combination of warm spices and sweet raisins creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and satisfying. Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of homemade goodness!