12 muffins Recipe

If your mornings need a burst of color, flavor, and nutrition, these Healthy Morning Glory Zucchini Muffins are about to steal the show! With the perfect blend of whole grains, cozy spices, and a garden’s worth of carrots and zucchini, this recipe for 12 muffins delivers a tender crumb packed with wholesome goodness. You won’t believe how vibrant and moist each bite is, thanks to a medley of raisins, nuts, and that irresistible hint of cinnamon. Whether you want an on-the-go breakfast, a lunchbox hero, or a snack with your afternoon coffee, these 12 muffins have you covered—trust me, you’re about to find your new favorite bake!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a short list of everyday ingredients can come together to create unforgettable muffins! Every component here brings a little magic: from whole wheat flour for heartiness to bright veggies for natural sweetness and color, each plays a starring role and ensures these 12 muffins taste as good as they look.

• Whole wheat flour: Gives the muffins a hearty, nutty base and boosts fiber, making them a more wholesome choice.
• Packed brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and moisture, letting the natural sweetness of veggies shine.
• Baking soda: Ensures your 12 muffins rise tall with an airy, soft crumb.
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers warmth and a comforting aroma you’ll crave with every batch.
• Ground nutmeg: Lends subtle spice to deepen the flavors without overwhelming the veggies.
• Ground cloves: Gives just a hint of depth and a tiny pop of boldness in every mouthful.
• Salt: Enhances every sweet, spicy, and earthy note, making flavors truly sing.
• Grated zucchini: Keeps each muffin moist and tender, sneaking in extra nutrition without being obvious.
• Grated carrots: Add gentle sweetness, color, and a classic morning glory twist you won’t want to miss.
• Raisins: Provide chewy pockets of natural sweetness in every bite; golden or regular are both delicious.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans: Contribute crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor that balances the veggies beautifully.
• Large eggs: Bind the mix together for a plush texture and help these 12 muffins hold their irresistible crumb.
• Vegetable oil: Ensures the finished muffins are ultra-moist and soft from top to bottom.
• Milk: Loosens the batter just enough and adds richness without heaviness.
• Vanilla extract: Weaves in a subtle, comforting sweetness that makes the whole kitchen smell wonderful.

How to Make 12 muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your muffin tin ready by lining it with paper liners or giving each cup a light grease and flour. This step guarantees your 12 muffins will release perfectly and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This blend forms the flavorful base for your 12 muffins, ensuring each one gets a perfect distribution of spice and leavening.

Step 3: Incorporate the Veggies, Raisins, and Nuts

Now it’s time to stir in the grated zucchini, grated carrots, raisins, and chopped nuts. Tossing these into your dry mix coats them lightly in flour, which helps prevent sinking and creates a lovely, even texture in all 12 muffins.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. This mixture brings just the right amount of moisture and richness to bring the batter together without overmixing.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture. Gently stir until everything is just combined—don’t worry if you see a few streaks of flour. Overmixing can make the muffins tough, and we want these 12 muffins to be tender!

Step 6: Portion and Bake

Evenly divide the finished batter among your prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds of the way. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The sweet aroma drifting from your oven will be a sure sign you’re close to golden perfection!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your 12 muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step keeps their texture just right and prevents soggy bottoms—absolute muffin bliss!

How to Serve 12 muffins

Garnishes

Dress up your muffins with an extra sprinkle of chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a tiny drizzle of honey for natural shine. If you’re feeling festive, a spoonful of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit on the side turn these into a bakery-worthy treat.

Side Dishes

Pair your 12 muffins with a fresh fruit salad, a smoothie, or a cozy mug of spiced tea for a truly nourishing morning. These muffins also sit beautifully alongside scrambled eggs or plain yogurt, adding a wholesome touch to any meal—breakfast, brunch, or beyond.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to delight a crowd or just brighten your own day, arrange your 12 muffins on a rustic wooden board with berries and edible flowers, or wrap them individually in parchment for charming grab-and-go goodness. They also make fabulous gifts: tuck a few into a basket with a handwritten note for new neighbors or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If you find the tops lose a bit of their freshly-baked bounce, a few seconds in the microwave will perk them right up.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag—these healthy delights freeze well for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or just let them warm up on the counter for about an hour.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked taste: microwave your muffin for 15-20 seconds or warm in a low oven. If you’re in a rush, slice one and toast it for a hint of crispness, then top with nut butter or a dab of honey for a cozy snack.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter crumb, swap in all-purpose flour or even a 50/50 mix. The result will be slightly fluffier but still delicious in your 12 muffins.

Are these muffins sweet enough for kids?

Yes, kids tend to love the sweetness from raisins and brown sugar, and you can even add a few chocolate chips if you want to make your batch of 12 muffins extra tempting for picky eaters!

What other mix-ins work well?

Try chopped apple, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, or coconut flakes for fun flavor twists—just keep the total mix-ins to about one cup so your 12 muffins hold together perfectly.

How do I keep the muffins from sticking to the liners?

Nonstick spray inside your paper liners or using parchment muffin liners will help your 12 muffins release cleanly every time — no more muffin casualties!

Can I make these dairy free?

Yes! Simply swap the milk for a non-dairy alternative (like almond or oat milk) and double-check your mix-ins. You’ll still get 12 muffins with fantastic flavor and that signature fluffy crumb.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the wholesome joy and vibrant flavors these 12 muffins bring. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a quiet breakfast, each bite is a little celebration of what real, fresh ingredients can do. Give these Healthy Morning Glory Zucchini Muffins a bake and let them brighten your day—you deserve it!

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