If you’ve been on the lookout for a delightful twist to your everyday morning routine, this Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe is here to steal your heart and your taste buds. Imagine tender, moist muffins bursting with a perfect balance of cinnamon-spiced crumb topping and a delicate vanilla glaze that brings everything together. These muffins are comforting, easy to whip up, and have just the right amount of sweetness that pairs fantastically with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these coffee cake muffins will quickly become your go-to for cozy, homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes, the simplest ingredients make for the most amazing treats, and this Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the soft, rich butter for moisture, or the cinnamon that adds that signature warming spice.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups + 1 cup for topping): The base for a tender, fluffy muffin and the crumbly crust.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the muffins rise to light perfection.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Adds a gentle lift and balances the acidity from the sour cream.
- Salt (½ tsp + ¼ tsp for topping): Enhances all the flavors subtly.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup softened + ½ cup melted for topping): Brings richness and moisture to the muffins and creates that irresistible crumb topping.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the batter evenly.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup packed + ½ cup packed for topping): Adds a hint of caramel sweetness and depth.
- Large eggs (2): Give the muffins structure and a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp + ½ tsp for glaze): Infuses the muffins with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Keeps the muffins moist and adds a subtle tanginess.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp for topping): The spice that makes this coffee cake truly special.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup for glaze): Creates a sweet, creamy glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.
- Milk (2-3 tbsp for glaze): Adjusts the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or giving it a good greasing. This simple step ensures your muffins cook evenly and pop out easily when they’re done.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and ¼ tsp salt. Pour in the ½ cup melted unsalted butter and stir gently until large crumbs form. This crumbly topping is the star of the show, giving each muffin that signature crisp, buttery crunch you’ll adore.
Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Batter
Whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt in a bowl. In a larger bowl, cream ½ cup softened unsalted butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy—this will give your muffins a lovely airy texture. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Gently fold in the dry flour mixture alternately with 1 cup sour cream until everything is just combined—overmixing will make the muffins tough, so be gentle!
Step 4: Assemble the Muffins
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Then, sprinkle the prepared crumb topping generously over each muffin, pressing down lightly so it sticks and creates that irresistible crunchy layer.
Step 5: Bake the Muffins
Pop your muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes so they firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can wait that long!
Step 6: Optional Glaze
For an extra touch of sweetness and a gorgeous finish, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled muffins, letting it drip down the sides. This step is optional but totally worth it for that cafe-quality look and taste.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
While the crumb topping and glaze make these muffins shine, you can add your own flourish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a few slivered almonds on top before baking. This adds texture and a little extra wow to your presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve these muffins alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a comforting mug of hot chocolate. They’re also wonderful with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a more substantial brunch option.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your muffins on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of assorted jams, honey, or even nut butters for a fun self-serve spread. For an elegant touch, serve them warm with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a small sprig of fresh mint or thyme.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These delicious coffee cake muffins keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Storing them this way preserves their moist crumb and keeps the crumb topping crisp.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Reheating
To bring your coffee cake muffins back to life, warm them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave them on medium power for 20-30 seconds. This will refresh the crumb topping’s crunch and revive their soft, tender inside.
FAQs
Can I substitute sour cream in the Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk as an excellent substitute. They will maintain the moisture and tang in the muffins, although the texture might be slightly different.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Be sure it’s a 1:1 replacement to keep the texture as close to the original as possible.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts mix beautifully into the batter or crumb topping for added crunch. Diced apples or blueberries folded gently into the batter are also fantastic for a fruity twist.
How can I make the crumb topping extra crispy?
For a crisper crumb, chill the crumb topping in the fridge for about 30 minutes before sprinkling it on the muffins. Also, ensure that the melted butter is evenly distributed in the crumb mixture to help create those wonderful crispy clusters.
Can I make mini coffee cake muffins with this recipe?
Yes, you can! Use a mini muffin pan and adjust the baking time to around 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking since smaller muffins cook faster.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a delightful Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite. These muffins are simple to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s one of those classic treats that never fails to bring smiles. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and tender Coffee Cake Muffins topped with a cinnamon-sugar crumb and an optional sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these muffins combine a soft sour cream batter with a crumbly cinnamon topping for a classic coffee cake flavor baked conveniently in muffin form.
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
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until large crumbs form. Set aside this mixture to top the muffins later.
- Prepare the Muffin Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream, mixing just until combined to keep the batter tender.
- Assemble the Muffins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Generously top each muffin with the crumb mixture, pressing it down lightly to adhere well.
- Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, the muffins are done. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- To ensure moist muffins, do not overmix the batter once the flour is added.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream.
- Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute but may affect texture slightly.
- Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
- Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more or less milk depending on your preference.
