Made from pantry staples, these Brown Sugar Muffins have been a favorite for as long as I can remember!
We are a muffin loving family! These Brown Sugar Muffins are definitely a family favorite, along with these Cinnamon Muffins and Chocolate Chip Muffins.
I have a horrible memory. Ask me what I wore to work on Monday – I probably won’t remember. Shopping without a grocery list? Only if I want to make it home with half of what I walked in to buy. And you know how some people can remember their first childhood memory at age 2? Not me.
Before I got married, I lived in complex of townhomes. The majority of the people living in the complex were either students or single professionals. So it was pretty common for people to move in and move out quite regularly. Well, there was a boy who moved in a few units away from me. We got to talking once, and he asked me if I remembered him. I completely drew a blank. And then he reminded me that we had been set up on a date months before this. Although we only went out on that one date – I really should have remembered him by sight, and especially by name. But I didn’t. And I really felt stupid after that!!
But for some reason, I remember food. I can look back through the photos on my computer, and I could probably tell you what cookbook each of the meals came from. It really makes me wonder why it is that my mind remembers food, but everything else, I struggle with. Maybe it’s because I like food so much – and it really leaves an imprint in my mind.
These brown sugar muffins are definitely hard to forget. My husband was looking over my shoulder as I was on the computer the other day, and although he couldn’t remember most of the meals in the pictures I was looking at, he definitely remembered these. I grew up on these. My mom would make them often, and I think that they were my favorite muffin that she made. And it really doesn’t get any simpler than this. All of the ingredients are pantry staples for me, so it takes a couple minutes to mix everything together, and after 20 minutes of baking, you have warm muffins. So make some memories with these muffins!!
More favorite muffin recipes:
Banana Muffins
Banana Brickle Muffins
Peanut Butter Banana Bran Muffin Recipe
Morning Glory Muffins
Oatmeal Muffins with Applesauce
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Brown Sugar Muffins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Made from pantry staples, these Brown Sugar Muffins have been a favorite for as long as I can remember!
Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup nuts, chopped coarsely (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Grease or line 14-16 muffin cups with paper liners.
In a large bowl, stir the brown sugar and the butter together. Add the milk, egg and vanilla as stir to combine. Add the flour, baking soda and salt and mix just until incorporated. If using, stir in the nuts.
Divide the mixture between the prepared muffin cups, about 2/3 full each.
Bake in the preheated oven until a tested inserted in the center comes out clean, 15-20 minutes.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 muffins
- Calories: 292
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 354 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg
Keywords: brown sugar muffins
Anonymous says
These were very easy and good. I used dark brown sugar instead of light, and sprinkled cinnamon sugar on top before baking. Also did half with chocolate chips and pecans. I will say they were better fresh from the oven, the next morning they were dry
★★★★
Jay says
Easy to make and they came out perfect! I added a little cinnamon into the batter and sprinkled turbinado sugar on top just before baking. Nice texture, moist and flavorful without being overly sweet. I will certainly make these again.
★★★★★
Shirley says
Tasteless went in garbage
Deborah says
I’m sorry you didn’t love them – I know not every recipe is a winner for everyone. Hopefully you can find one that you love!
Susie says
This was my first time making these muffins and they are so good! I added chopped pecans and chocolate chips. It was a very easy recipe to make and I ended up with 18 muffins. My kids will gobble them up after school! 🙂
★★★★★
Deborah says
The pecans and chocolate chips are perfect! So glad you loved them!
Heather says
So easy to make and they taste great, the girls at the horse show will love this sugar boost!
★★★★★
Hayley Graham says
These are sooo good! I make at least 2 batches a week. They are delicious as written and sometimes I use dark brown sugar and reduce milk to 6 oz and add 2 oz of molasses. Yummm
★★★★★
Katsycat says
They were okay. Not very sweet.would add a little more brown sugar. I did add nuts to help them keep moist for a longer time. . Not sure if I would make again. The batter is a thick batter. I got 17 muffins. I would try them everyone has their own taste.
★★★★
Dian Myers says
We liked this recipe. Although, I think it needs more nuts. I added dried cranberries to a few of them, and it really punched up the taste. We will make these again. I made only 12 in my muffin stone, so it took longer to bake, maybe an extra 8-10 minutes.
★★★★
Kathy Collins says
I switched the ingredients to keto friendly flour and brown sugar and they were delicious!! I’m not sure what the carb count is but still delicious.
★★★★★
anyi says
these look so good!! could i use dark brown sugar as a substitute for the light brown sugar?
Deborah says
I haven’t tried it myself, but I’m guessing it would work!
Bobcat says
Great muffins!! I filled the cups, and started at 425 for five minutes, and then 15 at 375. They poofed and filled out nicely.
★★★★★
Robin says
I have made these a few times. We smell them cooking and can’t wait to eat one. They are really good with butter.
★★★★★
Ashley says
These have become a staple In Our family! Love them, and so so easy. Come out perfect and delicious every time. Heated with bit of butter is perfection!
kathy says
These were good but I wouldn’t make them again. It’s great if you need something quick and happen to have all these ingredients (as I did) on hand. Perhaps they will taste better after overnight. As I said, they were good but nothing spectacular
Sadie Lemer says
These muffins were delicious! I used the recipe in my science fair project and they are definately going to help me get a win!
★★★★
Dragonfly says
Can I make this into a cake?
★★★★★
Deborah says
I haven’t tried it – you could probably make it into a loaf just fine. Muffin batter is thicker than cake batter (usually) and will most often dome some in the middle. This could affect it if you are baking it in a cake pan.
mindy gibson says
I make these alot. love them
★★★★★
Callie says
Family favorite and so easy to make! You probably have all the ingredients on hand too.
★★★★★
Mary Fritz says
Loved this recipe! I made 2 batches of 12 muffins and they all look delicious! Definitely going to share the muffins and the recipe with my friends.
Justin P says
We make this recipe fairly often for the kids’ breakfast, and we all love it! Very simple and very yummy.
★★★★★
Mary says
Can you substitute for almond flour and coconut sugar
Deborah says
I haven’t tried either – sorry!
Create goodness says
I made these the other day and my whole family loved them. Iv done zucchini bread as well and love it. , so I was wondering if I could add the zucchini to this recipe and it still taste amazing?
★★★★★
Erin says
You should be more thorough in your instructions. Like, you obviously warmed the milk. For this lack of detail, my mix is chunky. So… thanks.
Deborah says
Hi Erin – I actually don’t warm my milk. The mixture will get a little bit lumpy from the butter, but it will all smooth out when they bake.
Chandra says
I have a question… could u use dark brown sugar instead of light? Just curious
Deborah says
Yep – you could!
Casey says
Just tried these for an after school snack and we live them! Made them into mini muffins. Thanks!
Deborah says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them – the perfect after school snack!
jackie adair says
I made these Muffins today to serve with our favorite Sunday dinner.They were DELICIOUS, Even my husband that does NOT eat muffins ate 2. I put a little twist on the recipe. After filling the muffin cups I sprinkled a little brown sugar on the top of each muffin before baking. It gave it a nice little sugary crust topping.I will definitely be making them again.
Deborah says
I love the idea of sprinkling sugar on top! So glad you liked them!
M says
Made these in mini bundt pans… drizzled with a powder sugar glaze that I flavored with a touch of lemon extract! They were a huge hit.
★★★★★
Sgal says
This recipe got me super excited, especially since I had all the ingredients, so as soon as I saw it, I got right on it. The result was, eh, ok, they had no taste. I got to thinking, what would be good with these muffins, that would still keep them healthy? Answer…..NUTELLA!!! Amazing!!! Add a glass of milk to go with it.
★★★
Krista says
Can you substitute vegetable oil or coconut oil for the butter?
Deborah says
I haven’t personally tried it, but I would guess that it would work!
Jennifer says
I’m wondering if I could use Almond milk?
Deborah says
I haven’t tried them with almond milk, but I’m guessing it would work.
Eric says
I own a B&B on the Eastern Shore and always looking for yummy treats to serve my guests. These looked/sounded great, but they didn’t come out as expected. They didn’t have as much flavor as I had expected and they were fairly dry. I can always tell when something I serve isn’t a bit “hit” when I clear the table and the items are not eaten or a bit is taken and the rest left. I made a 1/2 batch and of the 8 muffins, 7 were left. Ouch. So I thought either I did something wrong as all the comments on here were so positive, or perhaps I can make a couple of adjustments and see how they come out. So I remade them and changed a couple things up and they turned out REALLY good. The next time I made them I made 8 and ALL of them were gone and there were only 4 guests! LOL So here’s what I changed/did: I a) made sure to use dark brown sugar where I had used lite brown sugar the first time, and b) I added a little bit of maple syrup (about 1 tbl) to the batter. Wow – what a HUGE difference and everyone commented on how great they were. The flavor profile was improved and they were very moist. These are definitely going to be regulars at my B&B!
★★★★
Cathy says
Tried this recipe last night, they were very good! They made up so quick with few dishes lol, very easy recipe. I only made 12 larger muffins, and I did add some cinnamon and nutmeg as my crew enjoys anything with cinnamon. I’m sure one could get creative with different add-ins also. I wonder if you were to add a finely chopped apple or a cup of frozen berries (I have a ton of blueberries in my freezer!) would you decrease the milk or butter at all?
This is a great recipe when you want to have something quick & easy to make, a great little snack to have with a cup of tea! Thank you!
Deborah says
I’m so glad you found it and loved it! I haven’t tried any add ins, but I’d try keeping everything the same and just adding the apples or blueberries. Let me know if you try it and how it turns out!
Gen says
I made these muffins today and was very disappointed. They look nice but have absolutely no flavor. I thought that since they were “brown sugar” muffins, they would be a little on the sweet side. Nope! No flavor whatsoever. I will be discarding this recipe.
Deborah says
I’m so sorry you didn’t care for them. I know everyone has different tastes. I hope you find that perfectly sweet muffin recipe for you!
Stephanie Heffner says
These not only look delicious, they ARE delicious! 👍👍
★★★★★
Cynthia Dise says
Thanks for this one easy to make and a tasty treat…
Romi says
I just made these and follow the recipe exactly. Very disappointed since the muffins came out very bland and not at all tasty. Definitely wasn’t sweet enough and while there were soft muffins, there was no flavor. When I bit into one, it reminded me of something and then I realized they tasted like pancake batter. Will not be making this again.
Colleen Rice says
Wondering if I can grease the muffin tins with butter?? Just sounds more delicious…can’t wait to try them!!
Maria says
Hi Deborah,
I was wondering if you’ve ever tried adding cinnamon or chocolate chips to these muffins?
Thanks!
Kathryn says
I have made these 2 times now…….both times at about 2 am 😀
These are SO easy and yummy!!
Thank you for recipes that take 5 minutes to put together with stuff most people already have in their pantry!!
★★★★★
Deborah says
Haha – I love that you’ve made them at 2am! So glad you are enjoying the muffins!
Susanna says
Would this work with buttermilk? Also, anyone have a guess on baking time for mini muffins? Thanks!
Deborah says
I haven’t tried them with buttermilk, so I couldn’t say how they would turn out. For mini muffins, I start checking them around 10 minutes.
Michelle says
I made these this morning. They were incredible and so simple and fast with pantry staples. I ate two before packing up a few for my mother in law. When I got home, my husband had eaten the remaining 6. I’m considering making them again tomorrow!
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
★★★★★
Deborah says
I’m glad the whole family is enjoying them!
Diana says
Hello! i’ve tried these with semi sweet chocolate chips and they were fantastic!
Did you bake this batter in a sheet pan? …maybe you can give me some advices about the proportions.
Thanks! kisses :*
★★★★★
Deborah says
I love the addition of chocolate chips! I haven’t tried baking it in a sheet pan, so I’m not sure how it would work. Sorry!
Mrs. Ron says
Hi! Can I replace butter with vegetable oil?
Ana says
These muffins are delicious and have a great texture. I think the next time I make them I’ll add a teaspoon of cinnamon to add a bit of spice. Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Lydia Cartmill says
These were so easy and they turned out really great. I was afraid they might be extra sweet and they are not which is really great. I think you had some fresh berries to your plate with one or two of these muffins and you have a great breakfast. I only had dark brown sugar on hand and that is what I used. I think they turned out great, not sure it makes that much difference if you use light or dark unless that’s just your taste preference. Plus I only made the 12 muffins I did not dirty a second pan. I just added a little extra batter to each muffin and they still cooked in the same amount of time and they were perfect.
Courtney says
My kids love these muffins. I have made them many times. Most recently, I tried subbing applesauce for half of the sugar and used one cup of whole wheat white flour and one cup of all purpose flour. They were still very good and sweet enough for us. To make them more exciting for the kids, I have also added a couple of tablespoons of rainbow sprinkles to the batter. This is definitely our favorite muffin recipe. Thank you!
Deborah says
My kids would go crazy over sprinkles in their muffins – I must try that next time! So glad you love these!
Marjorie Sales says
Most muffins have baking powder, these have baking soda…is this correct?
Deborah says
Yep – baking soda! 🙂
Phyllls Johnson says
Recipes are my weakness.. these sound so good..
Irene G says
Just made the Brown Sugar Muffins, they were delicious!! Everyone loved them. This is a keeper. Thank you for sharing.
Lindsay T says
Does light brown sugar or dark brown sugar work best with this recipe?
Deborah says
I use light brown sugar.
Laura Dembowski says
I can literally walk into the grocery store repeating something I need over and over again and walk put without it. I think food memories are particularly strong for some reason, maybe because so many of our senses are involved. These muffins look like they’ll create some awesome new memories!
Shirley says
Sorry 3 thumbs down in this house. 🙁
Deborah says
@Shirley, I’m so sad you didn’t like them! They are a favorite in our house and we make them at least 2 times a month. Hopefully better luck with the next one!
Shirley says
I’m making these this morning hoping they are wonderful ! Sounds like they will be smells like it too they are in the oven.
Kristen says
I made these for breakfast this morning…. mmmmmmmmm!
MoonlitKnit says
Made up a batch of these this evening. They were delicious! No doubt we will be making them again.
Thanks for sharing.
Kristen says
Oh I love anything with brown sugar in it. You can bet these are being bookmarked… probably for tomorrow!
Micki says
I have been lurking for a long time, but finally had a chance to try one of your recipes. I made these for breakfast yesterday and they were quite tasty-I ate four. I’m so embarrassed to admit that. Can’t wait to try them with fresh blueberries. Thanks for sharing!!!
Meeta says
quick, simple – It’s the memories that surround such recipes that make it so delish. I think this is gonna be perfect for one of Soeren and my baking sessions!
BD says
I add chocolate chips….. delicious
April says
These look delicious! And quick and simple to throw together.
Dhanggit says
muffins with brown sugar are really delicious!! it reminds me well of my fave muffin bar in Manila , the brown sugar muffin.
ps, and about forgetting the boy you dated heheh dont worry you are not alone 🙂
Emiline says
Brown suga’ muffins! How come you taste so good?
Or look so good.
I can remember faces, but I can’t remember names. There are people that I’ve worked with for a couple of years, and I still don’t know their names.
sagarinag says
muffins look soo yummmm
Plz visit my new blog and leave a valuable openion on it
Vicarious Foodie says
Simple and delicious muffins that I don’t have to make a special trip to the store for? I’m sold!
Kevin says
You had me with the title! These muffins sound simple and good! I have to write a grocery list and check it twice before going shopping or else I will forget almost half of it…
Katie says
These look great. Who doesn’t love brown sugar and muffins.
Colloquial Cook says
Wow, look at those babies. They are gorgeous, Deborah, you really want to dive in the picture and grab one! Looking forward to trying them!
Indigo says
Deborah – Thanks so much for the link over the html!! As you can probably see I’ve already changed the layout in super-quick time so massive thankyou for your help there; that was perfect!x
Indigo says
I love simple recipes like these, mmm ^__^.
Also; a bizarre question, but it’s about your blog layout – how do you change it so you can have a sidebar on each side? I hope you don’t mind me asking; I have some basic HTML but I can’t work it out to save myself, not without screwing up my whole layout X__X. Thanks!!
Jenny says
I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one with a horrible memory! And it gets worse after you have kids!
Your muffins look beautiful and yummy! Great sounding recipe!
Caroline online says
I’ve never had them – I think I’d like to make them. Thanks for the recipe.
Catherine Wilkinson says
oh, these just sound like pajamas, espresso, and the paper! Wonderful!
Sophie says
I love how the food we grow up on never gets old :). I also love the simple yumminess of this recipe – must save!
www.adorn-jewelry.blogspot.com says
I love making new things, but you always go back to the stuff your mom made for you as a kid! Those are the best tastes ever!
emily
http://www.adorn-jewelry.blogspot.com
Elle says
I love any kind of muffin, and these look especially good!
I’m the same way with a lot of things, forgetting them. Glad it’s not just me!
Patricia Scarpin says
Deb, I used to have that problem, too – could never remember people’s names! Such a shame.
It got better once I started working as a teacher (I did it for 2 1/2 years).
These muffins will be on my mind for quite a while, you bet I won’t forget them! 🙂
Maryann says
I’ll have to try them when the weather cools down, Deb. They look awesome 🙂
Rosa's Yummy Yums says
I have the same memory problem…
Your muffins look great! I love anything which is made with brown sugar…
Cheers,
Rosa
KJ says
These sound so good. I am saving the recipe.
Grace says
you had me at “brown sugar.” i’m totally and completely biased against white sugar and have been known to eat brown sugar straight from the bag (brushing my teeth soon after, of course…). these babies are easy-peasy and wonderful!
kamailesfood says
My sister is in love with all things brown sugar. I’ll have to make these for her.
Gigi says
I think I have found my breakfast for next week! Nothing like good and muffin and a cup of coffee.
Elle says
I can see why these are memorable…simple but perfect in the combination of flavors. I’ll have to try this one!
Steph says
These are the BEST muffins! Great, now I am craving some warm muffins…
Peabody says
Those look sooo good. I love brown sugar. I love muffins, therefore I love brown sugar muffins. 🙂
Mary says
Yum! Brown sugar and muffins. They sounds super delicious!
Brown Sugar says
Oh how true!
Food is the memory stick of life, huh?
Your Brown Sugar Muffins look wonderful!
I’m looking forward to trying them!
Susan from Food Blogga says
I love this recipe, Deborah. So few ingredients, so many delicious flavors!
Krysta says
My husband biggest complaint is I can’t remember what’s in our checking account but I can remember a meal from ten years ago.
noble pig says
These sound wonderful, brown sugar gives things so much more depth and flavor.
eatme_delicious says
Ooo I read the name of the muffins and was hooked! They look great. I think I’d make them as mini muffins. I have a really horrible memory for a lot of things too but I can remember numbers and recount conversations well.
swallowingamoose says
I just wanna know when can we all move in?! I’ll pay rent for room, board, and food. I’ll even wash the dishes. Everytime i come here to your blog i’m immediately starving! So i’m ready to just c’mon over and pig out!
Absolutely Famished,
Heather
Katie B. says
Whoa – wicked easy! And I bet they smell amazing!!
Brown English Muffin says
This does sound yummy I’m going to have to try them!
~ p.s. I found you on Corey’s blog!
Augustina says
these sound like they would be perfect for breakfast. looking forward to trying this recipe out.
Deborah Page says
Great recipe! I found it this afternoon. Grabbed my ingredients from the pantry and fridge ( except for my all purpose flour) yes, no all purpose flour. So, I said to myself, use your self rising flour! I went ahead and mixed the ingredients. Filled the muffin pans. Baked in the oven. Took them out. BEAUTIFUL! Smelled heavenly. My two grown boys came by to visit. Now I have only 4 out of a dozen left. Their Dad helped to! I was told I would have to bake more. Easy, easy, easy. Thanks.
★★★★★
Happy cook says
Muffins with brown sugar that has to be delicious.
I also can’t remember things without a shopping list.
But forgetting the boy you dated, well well well that is what i call a very short memery :-))))