Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

There’s something irresistibly cozy about Coffee Cake Muffins—the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with warm cinnamon-spice aromas and makes mornings feel extra special. Each muffin is soft, buttery, and crowned with a golden, crumbly streusel for that classic coffee cake experience in a compact package. Whether you’re grabbing one alongside your daily brew or serving a batch for a brunch with friends, these muffins deliver comfort and just the right touch of indulgence.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Coffee Cake Muffins lies in their simple, familiar ingredients. Every component adds its own magic—richness from the sour cream, deep flavor from brown sugar, and an irresistible crunch from the streusel—all coming together for that unforgettable homemade taste.

• All-purpose flour (1¾ cups for muffins, ½ cup for streusel): The foundation for structure and a soft crumb.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the batter while keeping it light and tender.
• Light brown sugar (¼ cup for muffins, ½ cup for streusel): Adds moisture and depth with a touch of caramel flavor.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons) and baking soda (½ teaspoon): Essential for the perfect rise and fluffiness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon for muffins, ¼ teaspoon for streusel): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon for muffins, 1 teaspoon for streusel): Gives that signature coffee cake spiced aroma and taste.
• Sour cream (⅔ cup): Makes the muffins ultra moist and tangy—you can swap in Greek yogurt if you’d like.
• Whole milk (½ cup): Helps thin the batter and creates that light, cake-like texture.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute richness.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup for muffins, 4 tablespoons for streusel, all melted): Infuses each bite with luxurious flavor and softness.
• Vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons for muffins, ½ teaspoon for glaze): Rounds out the flavor and brings warmth to the batter and drizzle.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup for glaze): The base for a simple, sweet, and beautiful finishing touch.
• Milk (1–2 tablespoons for glaze): Thins the glaze just enough for drizzling.

How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

Set the stage for baking success by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give each cup a light greasing so your Coffee Cake Muffins release easily later. Having this ready makes the rest go smoothly!

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine your flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms big, lovely crumbs—you want it to clump rather than become a paste. This is your secret to that bakery-style crumb topping!

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures all the leavening ingredients are distributed throughout, giving you even, fluffy muffins.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the sour cream, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. This blend brings in moisture and richness, creating a perfectly tender muffin.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined and there are no big streaks of flour—don’t overdo it, or your muffins might turn out dense instead of light and airy.

Step 6: Fill and Top the Muffins

Divide your batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Now for the best part: pile on the streusel topping, making sure every muffin gets a good amount of that cinnamony, buttery crumb.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown. Let the muffins cool in the pan for about five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 8: Glaze (Optional)

If you’re feeling fancy, stir together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled Coffee Cake Muffins for an extra-special finish that sparkles atop the crumb.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always lovely, but a drizzle of glaze adds an extra-sweet kick. For a little elegance, try sprinkling chopped toasted nuts or a pinch of extra cinnamon on top right before serving—these are easy ways to make your muffins look especially inviting.

Side Dishes

Coffee Cake Muffins are absolutely dreamy alongside a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt. They also pair beautifully with your morning coffee or tea. For a heartier brunch, plate them with scrambled eggs or a savory cheese frittata for a balance of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try stacking your Coffee Cake Muffins on a pretty tiered stand or serving them in rustic baskets lined with a linen napkin. If you’re gifting, wrap them individually in parchment and tie with twine—homemade muffins are always a welcome treat for neighbors or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Coffee Cake Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The streusel stays crisp and the crumb stays tender, especially if you keep them away from excess humidity.

Freezing

These muffins freeze like a dream! Once fully cooled, pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm your Coffee Cake Muffins in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, to recapture that “fresh-from-the-oven” texture. The streusel will crisp up again and the muffins will taste like you just baked them.

FAQs

Can I make these Coffee Cake Muffins without sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream and will give your muffins the same tang and moistness. You can use it in equal amounts without changing the recipe.

Why did my streusel sink into the muffins?

If the streusel topping sinks, it’s often because the batter is too thin or the crumb was packed down. Make sure your mixture is crumbly (not pasty) and gently sprinkle it on top so it sits nicely during baking.

How can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Chopped pecans or walnuts are delicious mixed into the streusel or the batter for extra crunch. About ½ cup of nuts works well—just stir them in with the dry ingredients or sprinkle on before baking.

Are these Coffee Cake Muffins very sweet?

They’re perfectly balanced: sweet, but not cloying. The streusel gives a pop of extra sugar and spice, while the muffin itself is just right for pairing with coffee or tea.

Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized ones?

Definitely! Just divide the batter among mini muffin tins (this recipe should yield about 24 minis) and reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing treat with all the soul of classic coffee cake but in a perfectly portable form, these Coffee Cake Muffins really are a must-bake. They’re easy, cozy, and guaranteed to make any morning just a little bit sweeter. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!

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