How to Fill Muffin Tins
Learn how to fill muffin tins the easy way! This simple trick ensures perfectly portioned cupcakes and muffins—no drips, no mess, and no wasted batter. A game-changer for bakers of all levels!
About this Handy Trick
For a long time, I avoided making muffins and cupcakes because filling the tins was such a hassle. No matter how careful I was, I’d end up with batter dripping onto the counter, sticky fingers, and unevenly sized cupcakes.
But all of that changed when I discovered this one simple trick—and now, filling muffin tins is actually fast, easy, and mess-free.
It’s a game-changer, especially when baking with kids. My son, Logan, has mastered it, and even my younger daughter, Madeline, loves giving it a try. If you’re still using a spoon to fill your muffin tins, trust me—you’ll want to switch to this method. It’s so much easier!
★★★★★
Reader says –
“I started doing this a few years ago and after I’d done it once or twice I thought ‘WHY did I never do this before?!’ It definitely makes the job much easier—especially with kids involved! This is such a great tip to pass on!”
Filling Muffin Tins without the Mess
The secret? A cookie scoop!
I started using this trick about a year ago, and it instantly made baking muffins and cupcakes so much simpler. Instead of awkwardly spooning batter from the bowl and making a mess, I now scoop, squeeze, and release. That’s it!
This method ensures perfectly portioned, evenly sized muffins every time, which means they bake more evenly and look bakery-perfect.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
✔ Evenly Portioned Cupcakes & Muffins – No more guessing! Every muffin is the same size.
✔ Less Mess – No more batter dripped on the counter or stuck to the edges of the pan.
✔ Faster Baking Prep – Breeze through large batches in no time.
✔ Kid-Friendly – A great way to get kids involved in baking!
Tools Needed for Filling Muffin Tins
You only need one simple tool that you might not already have:
- Cupcake Liners (if needed for your recipe)
- Large Cookie Scoop (for standard muffins/cupcakes) → Get a large cookie scoop here
- Small Cookie Scoop (for mini muffins) → Get a small cookie scoop here
- Muffin Tins – Standard or mini size
How to Fill Muffin Tins
Using a cookie scoop is the easiest way to fill cupcake liners neatly and evenly. Here’s how:
- Scoop the Batter – Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) for standard cupcakes/muffins or a small scoop (1 tablespoon) for mini muffins.
- Release the Batter – Hold the scoop over the muffin tin and squeeze the handle to release.
- Repeat & Bake – Fill all the liners evenly, then bake according to your recipe.
That’s it! No dripping batter everywhere, no sticky hands, and perfectly portioned muffins every time. Can you believe how easy it is?
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use the Right Scoop Size – A large scoop is ideal for regular cupcakes, while a small scoop works best for minis.
- Even Batter Distribution – This trick helps ensure consistent baking times since all muffins will be the same size.
- Fast Cleanup – No more batter-covered spoons—just rinse the scoop and you’re done!
- Perfect for Kids – Let little helpers try filling the tins—it’s fun and easy for them to do!
Muffin & Cupcake Recipes to Try This Trick With
This simple trick makes baking cupcakes and muffins so much easier! Try it with these delicious recipes:
Sour Cream Cupcakes – Moist, fluffy, and rich in vanilla flavor, these cupcakes are a foolproof option for those who love a bakery-style texture.
Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – Classic vanilla cupcakes with a rich and creamy vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. A must-try for birthdays or any special occasion!
High-Protein Pumpkin Muffins – These wholesome pumpkin muffins are packed with protein and perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack.
Honey Cornbread Muffins – Lightly sweetened with honey, these cornbread muffins are soft and moist with just the right amount of crumble. Great alongside chili or BBQ!
FAQs
Got questions about how to fill muffin tins? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.
How much batter should I put in each cupcake liner?
For standard cupcakes, fill liners about ⅔ full to allow room for rising. Mini cupcakes need about ¾ full since they bake quickly.
Can I use a different scoop?
Yes, it doesn’t have to be any specific brand as long as it is a scoop with a squeeze handle that holds 3 tablespoons will work for standard muffins. A 1-tablespoon scoop works well for minis.
Does this trick work for all batters?
Yes! Whether your batter is thick (like pumpkin muffins) or thinner (like classic vanilla cupcakes), using a scoop keeps portions even.
Try This Muffin Tin Trick Today!
If you’ve never used a cookie scoop for filling cupcake tins, I highly recommend it! It makes baking so much easier—you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Have you used this trick before? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear your favorite time-saving baking hacks.
On Instagram?
Tag me @goodlifeeats #goodlifeeatsrecipes when you try this trick—I love seeing what you’re baking!
★★★★★
Reader Review
“We love many of the Pampered Chef products AND use the cookie scoop for dropping our muffin batter into the pans, too. It really does save the mess – which saves the clean-up!”
More Kitchen Tips & Tricks
Looking for more helpful kitchen hacks? Check these out:
- How to Make a Lattice Pie Crust – Step-by-step instructions for beautiful pies!
- How to Make Chocolate Curls – An easy way to decorate cakes and cupcakes.
- How to Soften Butter Quickly – No more waiting for butter to soften!
- Best Way to Cut Butter into Flour – My go-to trick for flaky pie crusts!
Who doesn’t love a good kitchen tip? Looking for more kitchen tutorials? Check out the entire Kitchen Tips and Tricks archive for lots of great ideas!
Heather says
I’ve seen the scoop idea before, but does it work as well with thinner batters? In the photos your batter seems pretty thick to me, or maybe my cupcake batters are always way too thin??
Tracy says
I use a bowl w/a spout for easy pouring, works great too!
Annie says
I use my scoop to fill the pans… and to portion frosting! Check it out: http://twitpic.com/2zuiak
Donna says
I’m left-handed too, and bought an expensive scoop with the trigger action, for right handers. the problem for lefties is: when you go to scoop, the metal arm or bail inside the scoop is in the way and you can’t easily dig in to what you’re scooping. However, next time i’m going to try squeezing the handle to move that bail to the other side while i scoop. It’s either that, or give it to one of my right-handed friends.
pat says
Likewise, the small Pampered Chef scoop works wonderfully with the mini cupcake pans…I used to hate cleaning the cupcake pans, but now I always use papers and life is good again…
Dina says
great tip! thanks!
Natasha @ Saved by the Egg Timer says
Me too! I hated it and lately I have been ding the exact same thing with a large cookie scoop. It ends up the perfect amount too.
Jarnette @ Seasons of Life says
We love many of the Pampered Chef products AND use the cookie scoop for dropping our muffin batter into the pans, too. It really does save the mess – which saves the clean up. Great sharing post…
Blessings ~
bigFATcook says
good idea!! And they come out equal size!!
Greets from BFC !!