Pin Tender biscuit muffin balls filled with sharp cheddar and crystallized ginger, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and drizzled with maple syrup—a sweet and savory treat perfect for breakfast or snacking.
The first time I made these muffin balls, my kitchen filled with the cozy aroma of butter and cinnamon. Every bite was a surprise—the ginger added warmth, and the melty cheddar was simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- Biscuit Dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed), 3/4 cup whole milk
- Filling: 3 oz sharp cheddar cheese (cut into 12 small cubes), 3 tablespoons crystallized ginger (finely chopped)
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- Maple Drizzle: 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in Butter:
- Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Milk:
- Add milk and mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Shape Dough:
- Turn dough onto a floured surface; gently knead a few times, then divide into 12 equal pieces.
- Add Filling:
- Flatten each dough piece into a disk. Place 1 cheddar cube and a sprinkle of chopped ginger in the center, then seal the dough around the filling, rolling gently into a ball.
- Prepare Muffin Tin:
- Place each ball seam-side down in the prepared muffin tin.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Brush with Butter:
- While still warm, brush each muffin ball with melted butter.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll each buttered muffin ball in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Finish & Serve:
- Drizzle warm muffin balls with maple syrup before serving.
Pin We love making these together on chilly mornings—rolling the dough and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar is always a fun family task.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, pastry cutter or fork, muffin tin, pastry brush, shallow bowl for coating the muffin balls.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, butter, cheddar) and gluten (wheat flour). May contain traces of nuts if crystallized ginger is produced in shared facilities.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 200, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 5 g
Pin Enjoy these muffin balls fresh from the oven with extra maple syrup for dipping. Perfect for cozy mornings or quick snacks!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute cheese types?
Yes, try gouda or gruyère for different flavor profiles—both melt beautifully in these muffin balls.
- → Is it necessary to use crystallized ginger?
Crystallized ginger adds sweet zing, but you can omit or replace with finely chopped fresh ginger for a milder bite.
- → How do I keep the cheese centers gooey?
Serve the muffin balls warm from the oven to enjoy soft, gooey cheese inside every bite.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare dough and filling a day ahead. Bake just before serving for freshest texture and gooey centers.
- → How do I achieve an even cinnamon sugar coating?
Brush with melted butter while still warm, then roll generously in cinnamon sugar for a perfect spicy-sweet crust.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish uses no meat or meat-based ingredients. Check cheese to ensure vegetarian-friendly sourcing.