Cozy Caramel-Drizzled Spice Muffins

There’s something magical about the aroma of warm spices wafting through your kitchen on a crisp morning. These Caramel-Drizzled Spice Muffins are the epitome of comfort baking – tender, perfectly spiced muffins crowned with a generous drizzle of homemade caramel sauce that transforms them from everyday treats to something truly special.

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

• Perfect balance of warm spices and sweet caramel
• Incredibly moist and tender crumb
• Make-ahead friendly
• Impressive enough for guests, simple enough for everyday
• No mixer required!

The Secret to Perfect Spice Muffins

The key to these irresistible muffins lies in the combination of molasses and buttermilk. The molasses adds depth and complexity, while buttermilk ensures a tender crumb that stays moist for days. And let’s not forget about that caramel drizzle – it’s the perfect finishing touch that takes these from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup molasses

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Make the Muffins:

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well with non-stick spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together:
   • Flour
   • Baking powder
   • Baking soda
   • Salt
   • All spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves)

   This helps distribute the spices evenly throughout the batter.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together:
   • Brown sugar
   • Eggs
   • Buttermilk
   • Vegetable oil
   • Vanilla extract
   • Molasses

   Until smooth and well combined.

4. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold together using a rubber spatula just until combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour – overmixing will lead to tough muffins!
5. Fill & Bake:
   • Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups
   • Fill each about ¾ full
   • Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
   • Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack

Make the Caramel Drizzle:

1. Cook Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat without stirring until the mixture turns amber colored (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Remove from heat
   • Carefully add cream and butter (mixture will bubble vigorously)
   • Stir in salt until smooth
   • Let cool slightly before drizzling over cooled muffins

Pro Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for the best rise and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: A few small lumps in your batter are perfectly fine.
• Watch the Caramel: It can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Look for an amber color, similar to honey.
• Make Ahead: The caramel sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat slightly before using.

Storage & Make Ahead Tips

• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
• Freeze unfrosted muffins for up to 3 months
• Caramel sauce keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

Variations

• Apple Spice: Fold in 1 cup of diced apples
• Nutty: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter
• Extra Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cardamom for more warmth
• Streusel Topped: Add a crumb topping before baking

Perfect Pairings

Serve these muffins with:

• Hot coffee or tea
• Fresh apple cider
• Vanilla ice cream (serve warm with extra caramel!)

Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Paper liners
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling rack
• Medium saucepan (for caramel)

Nutritional Information

Per muffin with caramel drizzle

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 28g

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These Caramel-Drizzled Spice Muffins are perfect for fall baking, holiday brunches, or any time you need a little extra comfort in your day. The combination of warm spices and sweet caramel creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.