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!

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.

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

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!

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!