If you love cozy, warmly spiced baked treats that remind you of cherished moments by the fire, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins Recipe. These delightful mini muffins burst with the rich flavors of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and molasses, creating a moist, tender crumb with a deep golden color that just invites you to take another bite. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or paired with your favorite cup of tea, these muffins are a simple yet utterly satisfying way to bring comfort and spice into your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins Recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role. From the molasses that gives the muffins a rich depth to the array of warm spices that create that classic cozy flavor, these essentials combine to make every bite memorable.
- Molasses: This dark syrup adds a unique, robust sweetness and moist texture.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the molasses’ flavor while lending a tender crumb.
- Melted butter: Infuses richness and helps the muffins stay moist.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the muffins’ fluffy rise.
- Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent for a light texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a classic, warm spice note to the muffins.
- Ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing and depth of flavor.
- Ground cloves: Provides an aromatic, slightly sweet heat that rounds out the spice blend.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your batter ensuring structure and bite.
- Hot water: Helps dissolve the dry ingredients and smooth the batter.
How to Make Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing your mini muffin tin. This step ensures your little muffins come out easily and have a perfect golden base without sticking.
Step 2: Combine Molasses, Brown Sugar, and Butter
In a bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture looks glossy and well combined. This rich base is the secret behind the muffins’ deep flavor and moist texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg
Add the large egg to the molasses mixture and beat it in until fully incorporated. This helps bind the ingredients for a tender, fluffy muffin.
Step 4: Add the Spices and Baking Soda
Stir in the baking soda, ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, mixing evenly so that every bite will have that signature warm spice that defines the Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins Recipe.
Step 5: Stir in the Flour
Gently add the all-purpose flour and mix until it forms a thick batter. Be careful not to overmix here—you want a tender crumb, not a tough one.
Step 6: Smooth the Batter with Hot Water
Slowly pour in the hot water while stirring continuously, until the batter is smooth and pourable. The heat helps the flavors meld beautifully and gives the batter a lovely sheen.
Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin cavities, filling each almost to the top. These are mini muffins, so the generous fill means they’ll rise perfectly without spilling over.
Step 8: Bake Until Just Set
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You’re looking for edges that are set, with centers that are puffed but still soft—this balance is the hallmark of a perfectly baked Sailor Jacks Spice Muffin.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This waiting time lets them set fully so you can remove them without breaking. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature for a comforting, spiced treat anytime.
How to Serve Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
While these muffins are incredible on their own, adding a pat of softened butter or a dollop of cream cheese frosting can elevate their spiced notes. A sprinkle of powdered sugar also adds a pretty touch and hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve your Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins Recipe alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or a tangy citrus salad to balance the richness. A hot cup of chai tea or coffee complements the spices wonderfully, turning your snack into a complete experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these mini muffins on a tiered plate for afternoon tea or break one open to create a mini muffin sandwich with apple butter or honey. They also make fantastic grab-and-go treats when packed in a cute box or wrapped in parchment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and fresh, making them perfect for snacking through the week.
Freezing
If you want to make ahead, these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can freeze well for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. Microwaving for 15 to 20 seconds works in a pinch, but the oven method preserves their lovely texture best.
FAQs
Can I make these muffins without molasses?
Molasses gives these muffins their unique depth and moisture, but you can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey if needed, though the flavor will be slightly different and less rich.
Are these muffins good as regular-sized muffins?
Absolutely! Just adjust your baking time to around 18 to 20 minutes and make sure to fill the muffin cups appropriately to maintain a moist center.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
You can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in equal amounts, but be sure to check if your blend contains xanthan gum for structure, or add it separately to maintain texture.
What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?
Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing the flour too tightly into the measuring cup, which can lead to dense muffins. Lightly spoon the flour and level it off with a knife for best results.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make excellent additions. Fold them into the batter just before spooning it into the muffins to add texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug in muffin form. Their cozy spices and tender crumb are perfect for sharing with family or savoring on a quiet morning. I encourage you to bring these charming little muffins into your kitchen—you might just find a new favorite to bake again and again.
Print
Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins are moist, warmly spiced mini muffins flavored with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. These quick and easy-to-make treats are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or tea time, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup hot water
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
- Add Egg: Beat in the large egg thoroughly until completely incorporated into the molasses mixture.
- Add Spices and Leavening: Stir in the baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves ensuring the spices are evenly mixed throughout.
- Add Flour: Fold in the all-purpose flour and mix until a thick batter forms, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add Hot Water: Slowly pour in the hot water while stirring continuously to create a smooth, pourable batter.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin cavities, filling each nearly to the top.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the muffin edges are set and the centers are puffed up but still soft to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- The hot water helps achieve a lighter texture by activating the baking soda properly.
- These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins for additional texture and flavor.
