What makes these muffins lighter?

They use unsweetened applesauce, low-fat Greek yogurt, and light olive or coconut oil to reduce fat without sacrificing moisture.

How is the cinnamon swirl created?

A mixture of light brown sugar and cinnamon is added in layers and gently swirled into the batter before baking.

Yes, replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat adds fiber and a nuttier flavor without affecting texture much.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate to keep them fresh longer.

Adding chopped dried cranberries or walnuts to the batter adds festive flavor and texture variations.

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

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and lightness, making it a family favorite every holiday season.

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

Preheat oven:: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
Mix dry ingredients:: In a large bowl whisk together flour granulated sugar brown sugar baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon and nutmeg.
Mix wet ingredients:: In a separate bowl whisk applesauce Greek yogurt oil eggs vanilla and milk until smooth.
Combine ingredients:: Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Make cinnamon swirl:: In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
Assemble muffins:: 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.
Prepare streusel:: 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.
Bake:: Bake for 20 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool muffins:: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

This recipe brings back warm memories of holiday mornings shared with loved ones enjoying fresh muffins and hot coffee.

For extra festive flair add 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries or walnuts to the batter. Serve warm for best flavor.

12-cup muffin tin Mixing bowls Whisk Measuring cups and spoons Fork or pastry blender Wire rack

Calories 165 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 25 g Protein 3 g per muffin

Enjoy these lightened muffins any time you desire a cozy festive treat with less guilt.

→ What makes these muffins lighter?: They use unsweetened applesauce, low-fat Greek yogurt, and light olive or coconut oil to reduce fat without sacrificing moisture.
→ How is the cinnamon swirl created?: A mixture of light brown sugar and cinnamon is added in layers and gently swirled into the batter before baking.
→ Can I substitute whole wheat flour?: Yes, replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat adds fiber and a nuttier flavor without affecting texture much.
→ How should I store the muffins?: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate to keep them fresh longer.
→ Are there any suggestions to enhance flavor?: Adding chopped dried cranberries or walnuts to the batter adds festive flavor and texture variations.