Wash hands with soap and water.

Preheat oven to 400 °F. Lightly oil or coat with non-stick spray the cups of a 12 cup muffin pan, or use paper muffin cups.

Mix together white sugar and cinnamon for topping and set aside.

In a large bowl, stir together flour, salt, baking powder, and brown sugar. In a glass liquid measuring cup, measure milk, then add eggs, vanilla (if using), and melted shortening or oil. Mix with a fork until egg is well combined with other ingredients.

Pour milk mixture over flour mixture and stir with a spoon, about 20 strokes, until flour is just moistened. Batter will be lumpy and thick.

Fill prepared muffin cups about 2/3 full with batter. Sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon/ sugar topping over each muffin.