20 Irresistible Muffin Top Recipes Perfect for Breakfast

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Written By Lorraine Koller

DIY expert, architect, 20+ years in crafting, home improvement, and interior design.

There’s nothing quite like a warm, freshly baked muffin to start your day. And while traditional muffins are always a treat, let’s be real – the tops are where it’s at. That sweet, crispy, buttery goodness is what makes a muffin truly special. In this article, we’re going to dive into the world of muffin tops and share 20 irresistible recipes that will make your taste buds do the happy dance. From classic flavors like blueberry and chocolate chip, to more unique options like lemon poppy seed and pumpkin spice, there’s something for everyone in this collection of mouthwatering muffin top recipes.

Blueberry Streusel Muffin Tops

These tender and flavorful muffin tops are packed with fresh blueberries and topped with a crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these treats are sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Streusel topping (see below)

Streusel Topping:

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and blueberries; stir until just combined.
4. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
5. Top each muffin top with streusel topping (see below).
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops

Moist and flavorful, these muffin tops are the perfect treat to brighten up your day. With a rich chocolate flavor and a crunchy streusel topping, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Streusel topping (see below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Top each muffin top with streusel topping (see below).
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Streusel Topping:

– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Mix dry ingredients and cold butter in a bowl until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of muffin tops before baking.

Banana Nut Muffin Tops

A delicious twist on traditional muffins, these bite-sized Banana Nut Muffin Tops are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add mashed banana, chopped walnuts, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among mini muffin cups.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
6. Allow to cool in pan for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Tops

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Tops Recipe: Brighten up your morning with these moist and flavorful muffin tops infused with the warmth of lemon and crunch of poppy seeds!

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, lemon juice, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in poppy seeds.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Double Chocolate Muffin Tops

Moist and rich double chocolate muffins topped with a crunchy streusel topping, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– Streusel topping (see below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Top each muffin with streusel topping (see below).
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Streusel Topping:

– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Mix dry ingredients and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of muffins before baking.

Cinnamon Sugar Muffin Tops

Sweetly Simple Cinnamon Sugar Muffin Tops Recipe

These tender, cinnamon-spiced treats are the perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch table.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. While still warm, dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Pumpkin Spice Muffin Tops

Pumpkin Spice Muffin Tops: Sweet and savory, these bite-sized treats are perfect for fall gatherings or as a cozy afternoon snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each top.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow tops to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Apple Cinnamon Muffin Tops

Start your day with a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. These moist and flavorful muffin tops are infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and diced apples to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each top.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
6. Allow muffin tops to cool on a wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).

Cook Time: 18-20 minutes

Raspberry Almond Muffin Tops

Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these scrumptious Raspberry Almond Muffin Tops. Moist, flavorful, and infused with the sweetness of raspberries, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in chopped raspberries and sliced almonds.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Carrot Cake Muffin Tops

A twist on classic carrot cake, these muffin tops are moist and flavorful with the perfect balance of spices and sweetness.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, grated carrots, and chopped walnuts (if using).
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter onto prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Peanut Butter Chocolate Muffin Tops

Peanut Butter Chocolate Muffin Tops Recipe

Moist and flavorful muffins topped with a rich peanut butter and chocolate mixture – the perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and peanut butter until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Top each muffin with 1-2 chocolate chips and gently press into the batter.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
8. Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Yield: Approximately 12 muffin tops

Oatmeal Raisin Muffin Tops

Start your day with a sweet and satisfying treat! These oatmeal raisin muffin tops are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in raisins.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each muffin top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Strawberry Cheesecake Muffin Tops

Elevate your breakfast game with these sweet and indulgent muffin tops infused with the flavors of strawberry cheesecake.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in sliced strawberries.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow muffins to cool completely before topping with cream cheese mixture (softened cream cheese + granulated sugar, whisked until smooth).
9. Serve and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes

Maple Pecan Muffin Tops

Elevate your breakfast or snack game with these sweet and crunchy Maple Pecan Muffin Tops! These bite-sized treats are packed with the flavors of pure Canadian maple syrup and toasted pecans.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Coconut Lime Muffin Tops

Coconut Lime Muffin Tops Recipe

These scrumptious muffin tops are infused with the brightness of lime and the creaminess of coconut, making them perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, coconut, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, lime juice, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each muffin top.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Zucchini Bread Muffin Tops

These moist and flavorful muffin tops are perfect for breakfast or a snack, and they’re packed with the nutritious goodness of zucchini.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup grated zucchini
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
– Confectioners’ sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in grated zucchini.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Top with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Vanilla Bean Muffin Tops

Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these tender and flavorful Vanilla Bean Muffin Tops. Perfect for a special occasion or everyday indulgence, these golden-brown treats are sure to delight.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Servings: 12-15 muffin tops

Espresso Chip Muffin Tops

Brighten up your morning with these rich and indulgent muffin tops infused with the bold flavor of espresso.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the espresso and chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Cherry Almond Muffin Tops

Cherry Almond Muffin Tops Recipe

Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these sweet and savory muffin tops, infused with the flavors of cherry and almond.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup cherry preserves
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and cherry preserves.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in sliced almonds.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow muffin tops to cool on a wire rack before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Gingerbread Muffin Tops

Gingerbread Muffin Tops Recipe
These soft and spicy muffin tops are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Made with crystallized ginger, these treats will warm your heart and home.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon crystallized ginger, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, and chopped crystallized ginger. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Summary

Get your day started with a delicious muffin top! This article features 20 mouthwatering recipe ideas, each one more irresistible than the last. From sweet treats like Blueberry Streusel and Strawberry Cheesecake to savory options like Zucchini Bread and Pumpkin Spice, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in classic flavors or try something new with recipes like Maple Pecan and Gingerbread. With such a wide variety of options, you’re sure to find the perfect muffin top to start your day off right.

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