What ingredients lighten the muffins?

Applesauce and low-fat Greek yogurt replace some fats to reduce calories while keeping the muffins moist.

How is the cinnamon swirl created?

A mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon is layered within the batter and gently swirled before baking.

Cold unsalted butter mixed with flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a crumbly topping that crisps during baking.

Yes, chopped dried cranberries or walnuts can be folded into the batter for added texture and taste.

A 12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring tools, and a fork or pastry blender for streusel preparation are ideal.

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are fully baked.

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

I love baking these for Christmas morning because they fill the house with warm cinnamon scents and make a perfect holiday breakfast.

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.

My family gathers every Christmas morning to enjoy these muffins fresh from the oven, making our celebrations even more special.

Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast treat during the holidays.

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

Try adding chopped cranberries or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor variations.

These muffins offer a festive and lighter alternative perfect for holiday breakfasts any time.

→ What ingredients lighten the muffins?: Applesauce and low-fat Greek yogurt replace some fats to reduce calories while keeping the muffins moist.
→ How is the cinnamon swirl created?: A mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon is layered within the batter and gently swirled before baking.
→ What makes the streusel topping crunchy?: Cold unsalted butter mixed with flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a crumbly topping that crisps during baking.
→ Can I add extra flavorings?: Yes, chopped dried cranberries or walnuts can be folded into the batter for added texture and taste.
→ What baking tools are recommended?: A 12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring tools, and a fork or pastry blender for streusel preparation are ideal.
→ How do I know when they're done baking?: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are fully baked.