Save Soft, spiced muffin pops featuring a chai-inspired batter, gooey caramel centers, and a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating are the perfect treat for parties or cozy afternoons. These fusion muffins blend Indian chai spices with American dessert flair for an irresistibly fun snack.
I first made these muffin pops for a fall family gathering and they were a huge hit. Watching everyone discover the melted caramel surprise in each pop made the afternoon feel extra special.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cardamom: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter (softened): 1/2 cup
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (for batter) and 2/3 cup (for coating)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Whole milk: 3/4 cup
- Soft caramel candies: 18 pieces
- Unsalted butter (melted): 1/2 cup (for coating)
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare muffin tin:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin (18 wells) or line with mini paper liners.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Combine ingredients:
- Add half dry mixture to wet mixture and stir. Add milk, then remaining dry mixture until just combined.
- Fill muffin cups:
- Spoon 1 tablespoon batter into each muffin cup. Press one caramel candy in center. Cover with another tablespoon of batter to enclose.
- Bake:
- Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until tops spring back when pressed. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.
- Coat muffin pops:
- Dip each pop in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
- Insert sticks:
- Insert a lollipop stick or skewer into each muffin for easy serving if desired.
Save My kids love helping roll the warm muffin pops in cinnamon sugar, making it a tradition every autumn weekend. It's a simple baking project that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Mini muffin tin (18-cup), mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, cooling rack, lollipop sticks or skewers (optional).
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, and possibly soy. Always double-check caramel candy packaging for extra allergen details if serving to guests.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin pop contains approximately 170 calories, 8 g total fat, 24 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save Enjoy these muffin pops fresh from the oven for maximum flavor, or pack them up for delightfully sweet party favors.
Cooking Guide
- → How do I enhance the chai flavor?
Steep a chai tea bag in the milk before adding it to the batter, then let the milk cool before use.
- → Can I substitute the caramel centers?
Yes, try using chocolate pieces or dulce de leche instead of caramel for a unique variation.
- → What creates the crunchy coating?
Dip each baked muffin pop in melted butter, then roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a crisp finish.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they use no meat or gelatin-containing ingredients. Double-check caramel candies for animal-derived additives.
- → What tools are essential for making these?
You’ll need a mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, and optionally lollipop sticks.
- → How many muffin pops does the recipe yield?
This batch makes about 18 muffin pops, perfect for small gatherings or sharing.