Breakfast Muffins

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Pan**:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This recipe makes about 12 muffins, but if you prefer mini muffins, you can adjust the baking time accordingly.

#### 2. **Combine the Dry Ingredients**:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly combined. If you’re adding any nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, you can toss them in with the dry ingredients to coat them lightly in flour. This will help them stay evenly distributed throughout the batter.

#### 3. **Mix the Wet Ingredients**:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas (or applesauce). The bananas give these muffins a naturally sweet flavor and add moisture, making them soft and tender. If you’re using applesauce, it’s a great way to keep the muffins moist while cutting down on sugar.

#### 4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will ensure your muffins stay light and fluffy. The batter will be a little thick, which is exactly what you want.

#### 5. **Scoop and Bake**:
Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. You can use a standard ice cream scoop for an even amount of batter in each muffin cup. Bake for **18-22 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

#### 6. **Cool and Serve**:
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! If you’d like, you can serve them warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.

### Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Muffins:

– **Quick and Easy**: These muffins come together in no time, making them perfect for those busy mornings. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have a batch of warm, homemade muffins in under 30 minutes.
– **Nutrient-Packed**: By including oats and bananas (or applesauce), these muffins offer a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals to keep you feeling satisfied throughout the morning.
– **Customizable**: One of the best things about these breakfast muffins is that they are super customizable. Add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips give you endless possibilities to tailor the muffins to your preferences.
– **Meal Prep Friendly**: Make a batch of these muffins over the weekend, and you’ll have a quick, nutritious breakfast for the week. They store well in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days, or freeze them for longer storage (up to 2 months). Just pop one in the microwave for a quick breakfast on those really rushed mornings.
– **Perfect for the Whole Family**: These muffins are a hit with both kids and adults. They’re sweet without being overly sugary and offer a good balance of carbs, fiber, and protein. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra fruit (hello, bananas or applesauce!).

### Tips for Perfect Breakfast Muffins:

– **Don’t Overmix**: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing the batter can result in dense, heavy muffins.
– **Use Ripe Bananas**: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the muffins will be. If your bananas are extra ripe, you can even mash them with a fork or blend them to make the process easier.
– **Add a Crunch**: If you love a little texture in your muffins, feel free to add some chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) or seeds (like chia or sunflower) for a healthy crunch.
– **Use Different Flours**: If you want a whole-grain version, swap some or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. You can also try oat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
– **Add Spices for Extra Flavor**: A pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg can take these muffins to the next level if you want to add a warm, cozy touch.

### Final Thoughts:

These **Breakfast Muffins** are the ultimate solution for anyone who wants a quick, delicious, and nutritious start to their day. Whether you’re in a rush, prepping for the week, or just want a satisfying breakfast treat, these muffins deliver on all fronts. Plus, the options for customization are endless—make them your own with your favorite add-ins and flavors!

So, the next time you’re wondering what to make for breakfast, skip the store-bought pastries and bake up a batch of these easy, wholesome muffins instead. You’ll not only save time and money, but you’ll also have a breakfast that tastes good and feels good, too. Enjoy!