On those mornings when your house looks like a scene out of Home Alone, slow down the chaos with a ready-to-go freezer breakfast. With a little bit of prep work, you can have warm, fluffy muffins for an easy breakfast or snack. Yes, you can freeze muffins and even keep them tasting fresh. Here’s how to do it.
Learn more about our favorite make-ahead breakfasts.
Can You Freeze Muffins?
Yes! You can freeze baked muffins and even muffin batter in just a few easy steps. Make sure that you choose the right type of muffins to start. Muffins that have extra toppings like a strudel won’t freeze as well as simpler varieties.
Get started with these foolproof frozen blueberry muffins.
Most baked goods can last in your freezer for about two to three months, so be sure to label your muffins with their name and date they were baked.
How to Freeze Muffins
Step 1: Allow to Cool Completely
Once your muffins come out of the oven, allow them to sit on your stove or a cooling rack until they are room temperature. Trying to freeze hot muffins will take away from the soft, fluffy texture we’re all after.
If you’re freezing muffin batter, pour the batter into a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Freeze in a Single Layer
Once your baked muffins have cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a dish or baking sheet. Pop the sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes or until the muffins are frozen solid.
For muffin batter, place the entire muffin tray into the freezer for about 4 hours, until frozen solid.
Choose from any of our top muffin recipes for breakfast.
Step 3: Place in a Freezer Bag
Then, place frozen muffins in airtight freezer bags, being sure to squeeze out any air. Then place your freezer bag into another freezer bag, again squeezing out any air. This will help prevent freezer burn and dryness.
Repeat until all of the muffins are packed, then label and freeze the bags for up to three months. Thaw (or pop in the microwave for a few seconds—for those crazy mornings) before serving.
Freezing muffin batter? Once each muffin tin is frozen solid, remove the muffin cups and place them in airtight freezer bags for up to two months.
Muffin Recipes Worth Waking up For
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Cranberry Muffins
There's an abundance of cranberries in our area during the fall, and this recipe is one of my favorite ways to use them. I've often given these fresh-baked muffins as a small gift to friends, and they're always well received. —Ronni Dufour, Lebanon, Connecticut
Apple Streusel Muffins
These apple streusel muffins remind us of coffee cake, and my husband and kids love them as a quick breakfast or snack on the run. The drizzle of glaze makes them pretty enough for company. —Dulcy Grace, Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania
S'mores Monkey Bread Muffins
When it comes to mini versions of anything, I'm sold! These muffins are ooey-gooey individual-sized monkey breads made with frozen dinner roll dough, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. They couldn't be easier to make, and kids just love them. —Tina Butler, Royce City, Texas
Sour Cream Chip Muffins
Take one bite and you'll see why I think these rich, tender muffins are the best I've ever tasted. Mint chocolate chips make them a big hit with my family and friends. —Stephanie Moon, Boise, Idaho
Blueberry Streusel Muffins
What a joy to set out a basket of these moist blueberry muffins with crumb topping on the brunch buffet. People rave when they taste them for the first time. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
Cran-Apple Muffins
I like to pile a fresh batch of these muffins on a plate when friends drop in for coffee. Even my grandkids enjoy the cranberry and apple flavor combination. —Millie Westland, Hayward, Minnesota
Orange Corn Muffins
This is an old recipe that I decided to improve upon—and I like this version so much better! Sometimes, I'll make lemon corn muffins by substituting lemon peel if I don't happen to have any oranges on hand. —Hope Huggins, Santa Cruz, California
Banana Mocha-Chip Muffins
These moist muffins combine my two favorite things—chocolate and coffee. The banana is just an added flavor bonus. —Melissa Williams, Taylorville, Illinois
On-the-Go Breakfast Muffins
My muffins are a frequent request from everyone in the family. I usually make them on Sunday nights, so when we're running late on weekday mornings, the kids can grab these to eat on the bus. —Irene Wayman, Grantsville, Utah
Shirred Egg Corn Muffins
For our brunches, we bake eggs in cornbread cups. With cheddar sauce and more cheese sprinkled on top, they make a cute little meal-in-one package. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins
Bold autumn flavors of sweet potatoes, cranberries and cinnamon give seasonal appeal to these golden muffins. I recommended them for a change-of-pace treat with a meal, packed into a lunch box or as a snack. —Diane Musil, Lyons, Illinois
Berry Cream Muffins
If you can't decide which berries to use in these muffins, you can't go wrong using half raspberries and half blueberries! —Linda Gilmore, Hampstead, Maryland
Zucchini-Chocolate Chip Muffins
Whenever I make these muffins, I freeze several. As I'm leaving for work in the morning, I pull one out and enjoy it at the office with a cup of coffee. —Janet Pierce DeCori, Rockton, Illinois
Pumpkin-Apple Muffins with Streusel Topping
My mother always made these tasty muffins whenever our family got together at her house. Now they’re a family favorite at my house, and my in-laws love them, too! —Carolyn Riley, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Basic Banana Muffins
This banana muffin recipe goes over so well with kids. Not only are these banana bread muffins like cupcakes, but they’re ready, start to finish, in just half an hour! —Lorna Greene, Harrington, Maine
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins
I saw this recipe in a newspaper years ago and have changed it quite a bit. I make these muffins at least once a month and get many requests for the recipe. —Cheryl Bohn, Dominion City, Manitoba
Gluten-Free Cornmeal Muffins
Serve these muffins warm with butter, honey or even salsa! Reheat leftovers in foil in the oven...if there are any! —Laura Fall-Sutton, Buhl, Idaho
Orange Zucchini Muffins
For tender muffins, try this tip: When combining the muffin batter, stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Overmixing makes muffins less tender. —Chris Snyder, Boulder, Colorado
Cherry Chip Muffins
When Valentine's Day rolls around, I like to bake these cute muffins in small heart-shaped tins. Drizzled with pink icing, they look adorable and taste wonderful. —Shirley Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Walnut Zucchini Muffins
Shredded zucchini adds makes these walnutty muffins extra tender. If you have lots of zucchini in summer as many of us do, this is a good way to use some of it. —Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana
Aunt Betty's Blueberry Muffins
My Aunt Betty is quite a baker, but I look forward to these mouthwatering blueberry muffin recipe the most. She gives me enough so that I can freeze and enjoy them for weeks. —Sheila Raleigh, Kechi, Kansas
Jumbo Blueberry Muffins
In Michigan there are lots of blueberries, so I enjoy trying recipes with them, like a jumbo version of a classic muffin. — Jackie Hannahs, Brethren, Michigan
Cappuccino Muffins
These are my favorite muffins to serve with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. Not only are they great for breakfast, they make a tasty dessert or midnight snack. I get lots of recipe requests whenever I serve them. The espresso spread is also super on a bagel. —Janice Schulz, Racine, Wisconsin
Orange-Berry Yogurt Muffins
These are my husband's favorite muffins so I love to keep them on hand. They freeze and reheat beautifully. Just warm them in the oven for 30 seconds and you're ready to go! —Amber Cummings, Indianapolis, Indiana
Apple Spice Muffins
I came up with this recipe when I was out of my usual muffin-making ingredients. I improvised, and the results were terrific! —Beckie Lapointe, Abbotsford, British Columbia
Favorite Banana Chip Muffins
These banana chocolate chip muffins are one of the first things my husband gets hungry for when he’s home from deployment. I make sure to have the overripe bananas ready. They’re a family tradition. —Kimberly Duda, Sanford, North Carolina
Pecan Pie Mini Muffins
While these are delicious year-round, you could easily turn them into an edible Christmas gift. They look festive on a decorative tray wrapped in red or green cellophane or tucked into a giveaway cookie plate. And don't forget to include the recipe so your recipient can enjoy this treat over and over again! —Pat Schrand, Enterprise, Alabama
Sausage Cheese Muffins
These small savory muffins are fun to serve as appetizers or at brunch. With just five ingredients, the tasty bites are easy to whip up to take to a party, the office or a friend. —Willa Paget, Nashville, Tennessee
Jumbo Caramel Banana Muffins
Love banana bread? These flavorful muffins, drizzled with sweet caramel icing, will fit the bill in a big way. —Katherine McClelland, Deep Brook, Nova Scotia
Glazed Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Bursting with berries and drizzled with a light lemony glaze, these muffins are moist, tender and truly something special. This is one recipe you simply must try for family and friends. —Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
Monkey Muffins
These bite-sized peanut butter, banana and chocolate chip muffins will be a favorite with your family and friends. It's also a good way to use up overripe bananas! —Amie Longstaff, Painesville Township, Ohio
Ginger Pear Muffins
This wonderful recipe has been in my files for years. The chunks of fresh pear make each bite moist and delicious. —Lorraine Caland, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Banana Macadamia Muffins
These muffins taste even better the next day, so to save time, I often make them the night before. They stay moist for days. —Stasha Wampler, Clinchport, Virginia
Apple Pumpkin Muffins
The combination of flavors makes this recipe a perfect treat for a cool fall day. These apple and pumpkin muffins are great for breakfast, dessert or an after-school snack. —Beth Knapp, Littleton, New Hampshire
Tropical Muffins
I entered these muffins at our county fair and won the grand champion award for baked goods. They're so moist, they don't need butter. —Sylvia Osborn, Clay Center, Kansas
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins
The title says it all! I use whole wheat flour and applesauce to make the muffins lighter without sacrificing any flavor. We make these chocolate chocolate chip muffins for breakfast at the school where I work. —Theresa Harrington, Sheridan, Wyoming
Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins
Tart, juicy cranberries enhance the delicate pumpkin flavor of these muffins. Sometimes I dust the tops with powdered sugar to add a little sweetness. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
Cream Cheese Raspberry Muffins
Everyone loves these moist, cakelike muffins flavored with raspberries and walnuts. The sweet drizzle of icing makes them pretty enough to serve guests. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins
I bake a lot of different muffins, but this is the recipe I use the most. Their small size makes them difficult to resist! —Joanne Shew Chuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan
Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins
Spicy pumpkin perks up these muffins, and cranberries lend a sweet-and-sour tang. Made with wholesome whole wheat, they're great to bring to a brunch. —Lynne Parrish, Phoenix, Arizona
Lemony Poppy Seed Muffins
These golden goodies are always popular at brunches and bake sales. For a great holiday gift, put the muffins in a pretty basket or other container and add a jar of preserves. Kimberly Baxter, Exeter, Rhode Island
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Nothing beats these quick muffins for irresistible, homemade pumpkin pie flavor. Serve them with any meal or as a satisfying snack. —Michel Karkula, Chandler, Arizona
Deluxe Corn Muffins
These tender corn muffins are the cream of the crop! Tender and moist, the muffins get a pleasing hint of sweetness from the easy homemade honey butter. —Angela Lively Baxter, Tennessee
Poppy Seed Mini Muffins
These moist muffins may be small, but they're always a big hit on a brunch buffet, as a quick snack or as part of a bread basket assortment. The combination of poppy seeds and a hint of lemon makes them irresistible. —Kathryn Anderson, Casper, Wyoming
Cheesecake Pumpkin Muffins
My mother-in-law came up with these tender treats by combining a few of her favorite muffin recipes. Chock-full of pumpkin, they feature both a sweet cream cheese filling and crunchy praline topping. —Lisa Powelson, Scott City, Kansas
Apple-Walnut Muffin Mix
Keep this mix on hand for small-batch baking. Each muffin comes out with a nice, rounded top, crunchy sugar topping, and hints of cinnamon, walnuts and apples. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry Nut Muffins
These are delicious, beautiful muffins. I serve them during the holidays or anytime cranberries are available. The leftovers always make good breakfast treats. Through the years I've tried many cranberry recipes for bread and muffins, but this remains my family's all-time favorite! —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Kids' Favorite Blueberry Muffins
My daughter, Cayla, had just gotten out of bed when we threw together these great muffins. I love cooking with my little girl! —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama
Sausage Breakfast Muffins
I can never seem to get out of bed with enough time to make breakfast. My solution is to make these muffins ahead of time and pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds just before heading out the door. —Sara Sanders, Fountain City, Indiana
Pumpkin Oat Muffins
It isn't considered Thanksgiving or Christmas in my house until these are on the table. Enjoy the flavors of pumpkin pie in easy-to-eat muffin form. &mdashCarol Hale, Sarver, Pennsylvania
Blueberry Yogurt Muffins
With the addition of vanilla yogurt, this basic muffin turns out moist and tender. It’s easy and quick to prepare. My husband loves these muffins for breakfast on mornings when he is rushing out the door. —Cindi Budreau, Neenah, Wisconsin
Cranberry Gingerbread Muffins
This wonderful treat can be served as a breakfast or brunch bread. The spices and cranberries really put people in the holiday spirit! —Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina
Ham and Cheese Muffins
Serve these savory biscuitlike muffins for breakfast, at snack time or along with a hearty bowl of soup. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina
Apple Crunch Muffins
These apple-filled muffins taste like little coffee cakes. I sometimes drizzle hot caramel over the muffins and serve them as dessert. —Brenda Betz, Oakland, Maryland
Blackberry Lemon Muffins
These tender muffins are bursting with flavor, and they remind me of spring. Garnish with grated lemon peel for added color and even more punch from the lemon. —Vicky Palmer, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Zesty Ham and Cheese Muffins
I developed this recipe and it has become a favorite of my mother's. I often make a batch for the two of us to share. The muffins are great for brunch or an on-the-go breakfast. —Julie Hess, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Java Muffins
If you love your morning java like I do, get a double dose by paring this crunchy pecan-topped muffin with your favorite hot cup of Joe. They travel well and are ideal to take to work—for that mid-morning coffee break, of course. —Zainab Ahmed, Mountlake Terrace, Washington
Apricot Banana Muffins
These will satisfy your sweet tooth. If you’re eating them hot, try using a fork and dip them in maple syrup or sprinkle them with confectioners sugar. —Gina Berry, Chanhassen, Minnesota.
Red, White and Blue Muffins
Since my two children are grown, this is the perfect size recipe for just my husband and me. They are easy to prepare, pretty and delicious! —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Nutty Maple Muffins
Sweet, moist and laced with delightful maple flavor, these muffins are packed with pecans. They freeze well and taste as good with walnuts instead of pecans. —Betty Rupert, Chatham, Ontario
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Carrie Madormo, RN