If you’re searching for that irresistible bakery treat you can make right at home, look no further than Coffee Cake Muffins. These beauties combine tender, cinnamon-swirled crumb with a golden, buttery streusel for a breakfast (or snack!) that’s both comfortingly familiar and a little bit special. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, gifting them to a friend, or sneaking one for yourself with your morning coffee, these muffins hit all the right cozy notes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Coffee Cake Muffins brings something essential to the table. From the tangy buttermilk to the gently spiced cinnamon, you’ll find that each element works behind the scenes to create those dreamy bakery flavors, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and that iconic golden crumb topping.
- All-purpose flour: Gives your muffins structure and the perfect soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps keep the muffins light.
- Brown sugar: Lends moisture and a caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Baking powder: Ensures your muffins rise high and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for a tender texture.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, cozy spice everyone loves in coffee cake.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and makes the muffins extra tender.
- Buttermilk: Gives a tangy note and keeps everything moist.
- Large eggs: Binds the batter and helps give structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the sweetness.
- For the streusel topping: Flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter lend crunchy-sweet, buttery bits on every muffin.
How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C); a hot oven is crucial for that beautiful muffin dome. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners so cleanup is a breeze and your muffins easily pop right out.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these thoroughly ensures the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed for an even rise.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Grab another bowl and whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter, buttermilk (preferably at room temperature), eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and you no longer see any streaks of egg. The room temperature helps the batter come together without lumps.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon—just until you don’t see dry flour. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine, and this is the secret to tender Coffee Cake Muffins.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among your muffin liners, filling each one about two-thirds of the way. This leaves just enough space for the glorious streusel topping and ensures the muffins bake up with stunning tops.
Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, blend together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a fork or your fingers to cut it in until the mixture becomes crumbly. These little buttery pearls are what make Coffee Cake Muffins so iconic and irresistible.
Step 7: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the streusel generously over each muffin, pressing ever so lightly to help it stick. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible—cinnamon and butter in the air!
Step 8: Cool
Let the muffins cool in the tin for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps set their shape and ensures you get that lovely, crisp crumb on top.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins
Garnishes
For an extra touch, dust your Coffee Cake Muffins with a bit of powdered sugar before serving, or drizzle them with a simple vanilla glaze for festive flair. A little sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted nuts on top can also add color and crunch that takes them over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a mug of your favorite coffee, a classic café au lait, or a comforting cup of tea. Fresh fruit—like sliced strawberries or citrus segments—adds brightness and balances the sweetness, making your breakfast or brunch table look effortlessly inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Coffee Cake Muffins on a pretty cake stand, layered with parchment or a linen napkin, for an instant bakery feel at home. For a brunch buffet, tuck them in a basket lined with a tea towel, or wrap up a batch to gift a friend (they’ll love you forever!). Mini muffin versions are adorable for parties or baby showers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep extra muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is especially warm, you can also refrigerate them; just bring them to room temp before enjoying for the best texture.
Freezing
Want to make Coffee Cake Muffins in advance? Let them cool completely, then wrap each muffin individually and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months—perfect for those busy mornings or impromptu brunches.
Reheating
To bring your muffins back to bakery-fresh warmth, reheat them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or in a low oven at 300°F for 5–8 minutes. This revives the tender crumb and brings back that warm cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you’re out of buttermilk, just mix 1 cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for five minutes, and use it in your Coffee Cake Muffins for the same lovely tang.
How do I prevent my muffins from becoming dry?
The secret’s in not overmixing the batter; stir just until combined. Also, make sure you measure your flour with the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much in, which can leave muffins dry.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this recipe?
Definitely—chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of blueberries or diced apples blend beautifully into the batter without changing the recipe too much. Just fold them in gently right before transferring to the tin.
How do I make the streusel extra crumbly?
Use very cold butter and don’t overwork it; you want small pieces, not a paste. Some bakers even pop the streusel mix into the fridge for a few minutes before sprinkling it over the Coffee Cake Muffins for maximum crunch.
Why did the muffins sink in the middle?
This can happen if your oven isn’t fully preheated or if the batter sits too long before being baked. Be sure to scoop and bake promptly, and check your oven temperature for best results.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Coffee Cake Muffins is like sharing a bit of homey happiness—with yourself, your loved ones, or your whole neighborhood. There’s just something magical about that crumbly topping and the cinnamon-kissed crumb. Give them a try, and I promise this recipe will quickly earn a permanent place in your kitchen!
Print
Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Coffee Cake Muffins are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. They are moist, tender, and topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel that adds a crunchy texture. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the streusel topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients and then fold them into the dry ingredients. Divide the batter into the muffin cups.
- Make the Streusel Topping: Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the muffin batter.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
Notes
- Enjoy these muffins warm with a cup of coffee.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
