Oatmeal Muffins are the kind of breakfast treat that feels like a wholesome hug, combining the hearty bite of oats with a soft, moist crumb and a hint of cinnamon sweetness. They’re a welcome companion for your morning coffee or a nourishing snack to keep you fueled all day long. Whether you’re baking these for your family, packing them in lunches, or just enjoying one straight from the oven, Oatmeal Muffins deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients come together to make magic happen. Each plays an important role, adding its own special touch to the flavor, texture, or tenderness of your Oatmeal Muffins—so don’t be tempted to skip any!
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide that classic, hearty bite and make the muffins ultra-satisfying.
- Milk: Soaks into the oats for extra moisture and helps soften their texture.
- All-purpose flour: Lends structure and fluffiness to the muffins.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the oats perfectly.
- Baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise beautifully.
- Baking soda: Works together with the baking powder for an extra lift and a light, airy crumb.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy spice that brings all the flavors together.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and provides structure.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Delivers a rich, buttery flavor and helps lock in moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Offers a fragrant finish that makes these muffins simply irresistible.
How to Make Oatmeal Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Oats
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your muffin tin with paper liners or a light coating of grease. In a medium bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats and milk. Give them a quick stir, then let them sit for 10–15 minutes. This soaking step is what makes the muffins extra tender, as the oats drink in all the moisture—don’t rush it!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While the oats soak, whisk together your flour, packed brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Not only does this evenly distribute the baking powder and soda (helping the muffins rise evenly), but it also breaks up any brown sugar clumps for a smoother batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Once the oats have softened, stir in the egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract directly into the oatmeal mixture. Mixing them with the oats first ensures everything is nicely incorporated and that those flavors meld right into the base.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Now, pour your wet oat mixture over the dry ingredients and gently fold them together with a spatula or wooden spoon. The secret to tender Oatmeal Muffins is not overmixing—just stir until no dry flour remains. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Pop them in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Oatmeal Muffins
Garnishes
These muffins shine with a simple swipe of soft butter, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top. You can even top them with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries for a decorative (and delicious) touch.
Side Dishes
Oatmeal Muffins pair perfectly with a fruit salad, a cup of yogurt, or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast. For a brunch spread, try them alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a sweet-savory combo everyone loves.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, split the muffins and layer with cream cheese and sliced strawberries, turn them into mini breakfast sandwiches, or tuck them into a pretty basket lined with a tea towel for a cozy table centerpiece. They’re also fantastic as lunchbox treats or after-school snacks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Oatmeal Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The muffins stay soft and moist, making them an easy grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
Freezing
Oatmeal Muffins freeze beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then wrap each one in plastic wrap or pop them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-baked warmth again, simply microwave a muffin for about 20–30 seconds straight from the fridge or thawed from the freezer. For a slightly crisp top, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
You can substitute instant oats in a pinch, but the muffins will be more dense and won’t have that signature hearty texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats really make a difference here!
How do I make Oatmeal Muffins dairy-free?
Swap the milk for a dairy-free option like almond or oat milk, and use melted coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative in place of the unsalted butter. The taste and texture will still be just as delicious.
What mix-ins can I add for variety?
Try folding in up to 1/2 cup of raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts before baking. You could also add dried cranberries, blueberries, or even a sprinkle of seeds for extra crunch.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The muffins will stay moist and tender.
How do I keep the muffins from sticking to the liners?
Let your Oatmeal Muffins cool for at least 5 minutes in the pan before moving them to a rack. Using good quality paper liners or a light spritz of nonstick spray also helps prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
Give these Oatmeal Muffins a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “breakfast!” They’re easy to whip up, endlessly adaptable, and packed with cozy flavor. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing—so enjoy every moment and muffin.
Print
Oatmeal Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and wholesome oatmeal muffins that are perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. These moist and flavorful muffins are a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin.
- Soak oats: Combine oats and milk, let sit to soften.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Mix egg, melted butter, and vanilla with soaked oats. Add to dry ingredients.
- Bake: Fill muffin cups, bake for 18–20 minutes until done.
- Cool: Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can customize with raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips.
- Try dairy-free option with almond or oat milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
