Hearty, wholesome and comforting, oatmeal muffins are a perfect breakfast or snack, especially in cold weather. National Oatmeal Muffin Day, on December 19, celebrates these chewy, nutty muffins, often studded with raisins, blueberries, apples or nuts. They're easy to make in a single bowl, freeze well, and can be as healthy or as indulgent as you like. With holiday visitors arriving, a batch of oatmeal muffins is handy to have on hand.
History of National Oatmeal Muffin Day
The word 'muffin' was used in England by the 1700s for small, yeast-raised breads cooked on a griddle, similar to what Americans now call English muffins.
American muffins developed differently. In the late 1700s, American bakers began using pearlash, an early chemical leavener, to make quick breads rise. The first American cookbook, Amelia Simmons' 'American Cookery' of 1796, includes recipes using pearlash. In the 1800s, baking soda and then baking powder replaced it, making it easy to bake light, cake-like muffins in individual tins.
Oats have been grown in Europe for thousands of years, and were a staple food in Scotland. In the United States, rolled oats became widely available in the late 1800s, and adding oats to baked goods became common. Oatmeal muffins rose in popularity alongside interest in whole-grain baking in the 20th century. Who created National Oatmeal Muffin Day isn't documented.
Why National Oatmeal Muffin Day Matters
Oats add fiber, texture and a pleasant nutty flavor to muffins, making them more filling than many sweet breakfast pastries.
Oatmeal muffins are also flexible. You can reduce sugar, add fruit and nuts, or swap in whole wheat flour, making them a smart base recipe for families.
How to Celebrate National Oatmeal Muffin Day
- Soak the oats: soaking oats in milk or buttermilk first makes muffins more tender.
- Add mix-ins: try blueberries, apples, raisins, bananas or chocolate chips.
- Top with streusel: add an oat crumble for crunch.
- Bake ahead: freeze muffins and reheat for quick breakfasts.
- Try a savory version: make oat muffins with cheese and herbs.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, bring a basket of oatmeal muffins for a December morning meeting, and label any that contain nuts. In classrooms, muffins are a simple baking lesson in measuring, mixing and the 'muffin method', where wet and dry ingredients are combined gently to avoid toughness. History lessons can connect to early American cooking and the first American cookbook. At home, make a big batch with children, letting them choose mix-ins for different sections of the muffin tin. Freeze extras individually wrapped for quick breakfasts during the busy holiday period. You can also bake mini muffins for lunchboxes and after-school snacks.
Fun Facts About National Oatmeal Muffin Day
- Early English muffins were yeast-raised and cooked on a griddle.
- Amelia Simmons' 1796 'American Cookery' used pearlash, an early leavener.
- Soaking oats before baking makes muffins softer.
National Oatmeal Muffin Day FAQs
When is National Oatmeal Muffin Day?
National Oatmeal Muffin Day is December 19.
Can I use steel-cut oats in muffins?
Rolled or quick oats work best; steel-cut oats need to be cooked or soaked first.
Why are my muffins tough?
Overmixing develops gluten. Stir just until the flour disappears.
How long do muffins last?
About two days at room temperature, or up to three months frozen.