What gives these muffins their tender texture?

The combination of applesauce and Greek yogurt adds moisture and tenderness without extra fat, keeping the muffins light yet soft.

How is the cinnamon swirl created inside the batter?

A mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon is dolloped into the batter layers and gently swirled with a toothpick for an even, flavorful swirl.

The streusel combines flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter, mixed until crumbly and sprinkled atop the muffins before baking.

Yes, chopped dried cranberries or walnuts can be folded into the batter to add texture and extra festive flavor.

Yes, all ingredients used comply with a vegetarian diet, containing no meat or animal-derived gelatin.

Use a 12-cup muffin tin lined with paper liners or sprayed with nonstick spray, along with mixing bowls and a whisk for smooth batter.

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

This recipe quickly became a favorite during holiday mornings with family gatherings and is always a crowd-pleaser.

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.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl:: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
Fill Muffin Cups:: 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.
Make 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:: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

These muffins have been a holiday staple bringing joy and warmth to family breakfasts year after year.

12-cup muffin tin mixing bowls whisk measuring cups and spoons fork or pastry blender wire rack

Contains wheat gluten eggs and dairy including milk yogurt and butter. Check all packaged ingredients for potential allergen cross-contamination.

Each muffin has approximately 165 calories 6 g total fat 25 g carbohydrates and 3 g protein.

This lightened Christmas coffee cake muffin recipe makes holiday mornings sweeter without the guilt.

→ What gives these muffins their tender texture?: The combination of applesauce and Greek yogurt adds moisture and tenderness without extra fat, keeping the muffins light yet soft.
→ How is the cinnamon swirl created inside the batter?: A mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon is dolloped into the batter layers and gently swirled with a toothpick for an even, flavorful swirl.
→ What ingredients make up the crunchy streusel topping?: The streusel combines flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter, mixed until crumbly and sprinkled atop the muffins before baking.
→ Can I add nuts or dried fruit to these muffins?: Yes, chopped dried cranberries or walnuts can be folded into the batter to add texture and extra festive flavor.
→ Are these muffins suitable for a vegetarian diet?: Yes, all ingredients used comply with a vegetarian diet, containing no meat or animal-derived gelatin.
→ What baking tools are recommended for best results?: Use a 12-cup muffin tin lined with paper liners or sprayed with nonstick spray, along with mixing bowls and a whisk for smooth batter.