These Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are fluffy, sweet, and super easy to make! They’re a perfect way to use up leftover sourdough starter while adding yummy cinnamon flavor.
If you’re like me, the crispy streusel topping is the best part! I love having these warm with a cup of coffee. They also freeze well, so more treats for later! ☕️🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This recipe shines with sourdough discard, adding flavor and moisture. If you don’t have sourdough, you could substitute with plain yogurt or unsweetened applesauce for a similar texture, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
All-Purpose Flour: Using all-purpose flour keeps these muffins light and fluffy. If you’re looking for a whole grain option, consider using whole wheat flour. It may make the muffins denser, so you might want to mix it with some all-purpose flour if you’re unsure.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is great for sweetness. For less refined options, you could use coconut sugar or even honey, but remember, honey will add moisture and change the batter’s consistency.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor, but if you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter would work well too. Just make sure it’s at room temperature when mixing in.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth. If you’re looking for a twist, try using cardamom or nutmeg for a different spice profile. You can mix spices to your taste!
How Do I Get the Perfect Streusel Topping?
The streusel topping is what makes these muffins special and crunchy! To create the perfect streusel, you’ll want to handle the butter carefully. Cold butter will help achieve that delightful crumbly texture.
- First, mix the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl until combined.
- Then, take your cold butter and cut it into small pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly uniform!
- Make sure the butter stays cold as you mix, which helps the streusel bake up nice and crunchy. If it starts to soften, pop it in the fridge for a bit.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or any preferred milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and 18-22 minutes for baking, plus a little time for cooling. Overall, you will have delicious muffins ready in about 40-45 minutes. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or a tasty snack throughout the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a muffin tin with paper liners or give it a light greasing to prevent any sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will provide a nice base for your muffins.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, pour in the sourdough discard, melted butter (make sure it’s cooled slightly), milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth and well-combined mixture. This will be the wet part of your muffins.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter has some lumps—this will make your muffins fluffy!
5. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Now it’s time to fill those muffin cups! Spoon the batter into each cup, filling them about 3/4 of the way full. This allows room for the muffins to rise nicely.
6. Make the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Then, take the cold butter and cut it into small pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This is what gives the muffins that delightful crunchy topping!
7. Sprinkle the Streusel:
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon streusel mixture over the tops of each filled muffin cup. This will add a deliciously sweet crunch after baking.
8. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them! The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are a lovely golden brown.
9. Cool and Transfer:
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help keep them from becoming soggy.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These muffins are best served warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy your homemade Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Streusel Muffins!
Can I Use Sweetened Sourdough Discard?
While unfed sourdough discard works best for these muffins to maintain a balanced flavor, you can use sweetened discard if that’s all you have. Just reduce the added sugar slightly to compensate for the sweetness.
Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the recipe true to form.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing to avoid sogginess!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins to the Batter?
Definitely! Feel free to add in ingredients like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that adding too many inclusions might change the baking time slightly—check for doneness with a toothpick.
