If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a tender, buttery muffin crowned with a perfectly crumbly topping and a sweet glaze, then this Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s the ideal marriage of soft, moist crumb and that classic coffee cake cinnamon streusel that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re serving breakfast guests or craving a cozy afternoon treat, these muffins deliver all the comforting flavors and textures you love — but with the easy, individual portion appeal of a muffin. Trust me, once you try this Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe, your muffin game will never be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential — they work together to create a balance of fluffy texture, sweet richness, and that golden crumbly topping. Each element adds a unique touch, whether it’s the tangy punch of sour cream or the warmth of cinnamon in the streusel.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure foundation for tender, perfectly risen muffins.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps your muffins rise and stay light.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works with sour cream for a gentle lift and tender crumb.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich, creamy texture and flavor in the batter.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that’s clean and bright.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a deeper caramel note.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness for moist muffins.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and keeps muffins super moist.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping): Creates the base for the signature crumbly streusel.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed (for topping): Sweetens the crumb topping beautifully.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Classic spice that gives the streusel its cozy flavor.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness in streusel.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping and makes it perfectly crumbly.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweet, smooth finish to drizzle on cooled muffins.
- 2-3 tbsp milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect drizzling.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and aroma to the glaze.
How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or generously grease it to prevent stickiness. This ensures your muffins pop out effortlessly once baked and retain their perfect shape.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt — these simple ingredients are what give the topping its signature crumbly, spiced texture. Stir in the melted butter until large crumbs form; this mixture will sit atop your muffins, giving each bite that irresistible crunch and flavor burst.
Step 3: Mix the Muffin Batter
Grab another bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for even distribution of your leavening agents. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this step is key for a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, sweet aroma. Gradually fold in your dry ingredients alternating with the sour cream to create a smooth, thick batter.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Topping
Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin cups until they are about two-thirds full — this gives the muffins plenty of room to rise without overflowing. Then, generously sprinkle the cinnamon streusel on top of each muffin, pressing the topping lightly so it sticks well during baking and achieves that classic coffee cake look.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Bake your coffee cake muffins for 18 to 20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. After baking, let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes; this brief rest helps them settle and makes transferring to a wire rack easier.
Step 6: Drizzle with Sweet Vanilla Glaze
While the muffins cool, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled muffins with a spoon or piping bag for a delicate, luscious finish that elevates these muffins beyond ordinary into something truly special.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes simple is best — a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a few fresh berries on the side really complement the muffins’ sweet and spicy flavors. You can also add a small pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
These muffins shine as a standalone treat but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a smooth latte. For breakfast, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to make a balanced, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try lining a rustic basket with a colorful kitchen towel and nesting your Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe inside for a cozy breakfast-in-bed surprise or brunch party centerpiece. You can also slice a muffin in half and spread cream cheese or nut butter in between for a delightful breakfast sandwich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them fresh and moist is easy when sealed properly, so they stay just as soft as the day you baked them.
Freezing
If you want to savor your Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe later, freeze them by wrapping each muffin individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and make for a quick thawed treat anytime.
Reheating
For the best warm-eat experience, microwave a frozen or refrigerated muffin for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This will revive the moist texture and make the crumb topping deliciously crisp again.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will provide similar moisture and tanginess to keep your muffins tender and flavorful.
How do I make the streusel topping less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the topping by a third or half if you prefer your crumb topping less sweet, but keep the cinnamon and butter for flavor and texture.
Can I add nuts or fruits to this Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even fresh blueberries, can be a delicious way to customize your muffins. Just fold them gently into the batter before filling the muffin cups.
Why do coffee cake muffins sometimes turn out dense?
Dense muffins can happen if the batter is overmixed or if the leavening agents are not fresh. Mix just until combined and always check your baking powder and baking soda expiration dates.
Is this recipe suitable for making mini muffins?
Definitely! Just reduce the baking time to around 10-12 minutes and keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Mini muffin liners work perfectly for bite-sized delights.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about baking a batch of moist, cinnamon-swirled coffee cake muffins that fill your kitchen with the scent of home. This Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe is a treasure to keep on hand for any occasion when you want a little sweetness paired with a comforting texture. I hope you love making these as much as I do — let them become your go-to treat that brings smiles to the breakfast table and beyond!
Print
Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coffee Cake Muffins are a delightful treat combining a moist, tender crumb with a sweet cinnamon crumb topping and a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they balance rich buttery flavors with a touch of sour cream for extra moisture.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, ½ cup packed brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until large crumbs form. Set this mixture aside to top the muffins later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ½ tsp salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the sour cream, mixing until just combined to prevent overworking.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Add Crumb Topping: Evenly distribute the crumb mixture over each muffin, gently pressing down to adhere to the batter.
- Bake: Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze and Drizzle: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled muffins before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and light.
- Filling the muffin cups about two-thirds prevents overflow during baking.
- The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Adjust milk quantity in the glaze to achieve desired drizzle consistency.
- Use fresh baking powder and baking soda for best rise.
