Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the muffin cups with cooking spray.
Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the streusel topping. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Prepare the Muffin Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped cherries.
Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Add the Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the muffin batter in each cup, pressing lightly to adhere.
Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Tips for Success:
- If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries instead. Simply thaw the cherries and drain any excess liquid before using.
- Be careful not to overmix the muffin batter, as this can result in tough muffins. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- These muffins are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving if desired.
