A muffin is a small, individual-sized baked good that looks like a cupcake without frosting. Muffins have a rounded, domed top and a slightly crumbly texture inside. Unlike cupcakes, which are basically small cakes meant for dessert, muffins are often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

Muffins come in many varieties. Blueberry muffins are packed with sweet berries that burst when you bite into them. Bran muffins contain wheat bran and are chewier and often considered healthier. Chocolate chip muffins blur the line between breakfast and dessert. Some muffins, like corn muffins, are more savory than sweet and pair well with chili or soup.

The word can also refer to an English muffin, which is completely different: a flat, round bread that you split in half and toast. English muffins have a rough, holey texture inside that's perfect for catching butter or jam.