Coffee Cake Muffins

Introduction

There’s something magical about starting the day with a warm, cinnamon-scented treat, and Coffee Cake Muffins bring all the comforting flavors of a classic coffee cake into a convenient handheld size. These muffins have it all: a tender, buttery crumb, a cinnamon-sugar swirl running through the middle, and a perfectly crumbly streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them the ideal treat for any time of day.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, grabbing a quick breakfast on the go, or indulging in an afternoon pick-me-up, these Coffee Cake Muffins are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The cinnamon flavor offers that cozy, warm feeling we all crave, and the crumbly topping adds just the right amount of texture. Plus, they’re wonderfully versatile—enjoy them as is, or get creative by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

What makes these Coffee Cake Muffins even more special is how easy they are to make. With simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you can whip up a batch in no time. The batter comes together quickly, and the streusel topping is as easy as combining a few ingredients in a bowl. It’s a no-fuss recipe that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, and there’s nothing quite like that fresh-baked aroma filling your kitchen as these muffins rise in the oven.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let’s bake a batch of muffins that will make your kitchen smell irresistible and your taste buds sing with delight. Once you try these, you’ll find it hard to resist having just one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are some reasons why these Coffee Cake Muffins will become your go-to:

• Perfectly Portable: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or snacks.
• Classic Coffee Cake Flavor: Packed with a rich, buttery taste and hints of cinnamon.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy them whenever the craving hits.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under an hour, making them a great last-minute treat.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• No Special Equipment Needed: A muffin tin and a mixing bowl are all you need.
• Pairs Perfectly with Coffee: The ultimate companion for your morning cup of joe.
• Homemade Delight: Tastes fresher and better than store-bought alternatives.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 muffins
• Calories per muffin: Approximately 280 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 4g

Ingredients

To make these delectable Coffee Cake Muffins, you’ll need:

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Muffins

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with butter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Mix the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy.

Add the Cinnamon Swirl

1. Prepare Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Layer the Batter: Spoon half the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them halfway. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
3. Top with Remaining Batter: Add the remaining batter on top, filling each cup about three-quarters full.

Make the Streusel Topping

1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter with a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Top the Muffins: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter in each muffin cup.

Bake

1. Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

These Coffee Cake Muffins are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

1. Classic Breakfast: Enjoy them warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
2. Brunch Spread: Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, and eggs for a complete meal.
3. On-the-Go Snack: Wrap one in a napkin for an easy portable treat.
4. Sweet Dessert: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. Gift Idea: Wrap them in a pretty box for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in dense muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For even muffins, use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter.
• Double the Streusel: If you’re a streusel lover, feel free to double the topping for extra crunch.
• Add Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with these fun variations:

• Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate Chip Muffins: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra indulgence.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Vegan Muffins: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and milk.
• Maple Drizzle: Drizzle muffins with a maple glaze for added sweetness.

Freezing and Storage

1. Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
2. Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week if you prefer a longer shelf life.
3. Freezing: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Special Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make these muffins:

• Muffin Tin: For perfectly shaped muffins.
• Paper Liners: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
• Whisk: For evenly mixing the batter.
• Fork or Pastry Cutter: To make the streusel topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to getting the perfect texture for your muffins, so make sure you have a good set of measuring tools.
• Rubber Spatula: Use a spatula for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowls and folding in the ingredients without over-mixing.
• Cooling Rack: Let your muffins cool properly on a cooling rack to keep them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
• Pastry Cutter (Optional): If you’re making the crumb topping, a pastry cutter is super helpful for blending the butter into the dry ingredients for that perfect crumble.

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these Coffee Cake Muffins? You’re not alone! Whether you’re wondering about ingredient substitutions, how to store them, or if you can make them ahead of time, we’ve got all the answers for you. This section covers the most frequently asked questions, so you can feel confident in your baking and enjoy every delicious bite. If you have any more questions after reading through, feel free to ask—I’m here to help!

• Can I use whole wheat flour?
  Yes, but the texture will be denser. Consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
• Can I skip the streusel topping?
  Absolutely! The muffins will still taste delicious without it.
• What’s the best way to warm up leftovers?
  A quick zap in the microwave (10–15 seconds) works wonders.
• Can I make mini muffins?
  Yes, reduce the baking time to 12–15 minutes and keep an eye on them.

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Conclusion

Coffee Cake Muffins are the ultimate way to start your day on a sweet note. These little bundles of joy combine the best parts of a classic coffee cake—cinnamon, sugar, and a buttery crumb topping—into a portable muffin form that’s perfect for breakfast or a midday treat. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, packing them in your lunchbox, or simply enjoying one with your morning coffee, these muffins are sure to become a favorite.

The soft, pillowy texture of the Coffee Cake Muffins pairs perfectly with the crunchy streusel topping, creating that satisfying contrast with every bite. You can even experiment by adding a drizzle of glaze or a sprinkle of nuts for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let these coffee cake muffins bring some joy and warmth to your home. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!

If you’re looking for more baking inspiration, be sure to check out my other muffin and coffee cake recipes. Enjoy baking and sharing!