Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

If you’re longing for something sweet, cozy, and utterly nostalgic, Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins are the answer. These tender, cinnamon-swirled muffins take everything we love about old-fashioned coffee cake—crumbly streusel topping, warming spices, and a delicate crumb—and tuck them thoughtfully into individual portions. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this recipe carries all the warmth of childhood kitchen memories right into your modern-day routine.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these muffins is how straightforward yet vital each ingredient is. Every component works together to create the irresistible layers of soft cake, aromatic cinnamon, buttery streusel, and, if you wish, a sweet glaze that melts into every bite. Here’s how to make Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins shine.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet pillowy base for the muffins and the streusel.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffin batter for a classic, comforting taste.
• Light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture, caramel-like flavor, and deeper color to the muffins and topping.
• Baking powder: Gives the muffins their airy lift and soft texture.
• Ground cinnamon: The spice star of the show, infusing everything with that signature coffee cake aroma.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness—don’t skip it!
• Unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and a tender crumb; you’ll also need cold butter for the streusel, so have both handy.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding structure and richness.
• Milk: Keeps the crumb moist and soft—whole or 2% milk both work well.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens and rounds out the flavor profile with warm, sweet undertones.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze, optional): Dissolves easily for a quick, pretty drizzle.
• Additional milk (for glaze, optional): Helps thin the glaze for easy drizzling.
• Extra vanilla extract (for glaze, optional): Amplifies the classic flavor in the finishing touch.

How to Make Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Heat the Oven

Begin your muffin adventure by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or give it a quick greasing. This ensures the muffins release perfectly, with no sticking disasters.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Combining all the dry ingredients first makes sure the leavening and cinnamon get evenly distributed throughout every muffin.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. The kitchen fills with a sweet, buttery aroma at this step—it’s the promise of delicious things to come!

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix. Some lumps are perfectly fine and actually help keep your Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins tender, just like Grandma would do it.

Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it in using a pastry cutter or fork until you have coarse, crumbly bits. This crunchy, sweet streusel is what makes these muffins unforgettable.

Step 6: Assemble the Muffins

Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter, then sprinkle each one generously with the streusel topping. Pile it high for a bakery-worthy look—after all, more crumble is always a good thing with Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the muffins for 18–22 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Take in the delicious scent of cinnamon and sugar that fills your kitchen while you wait.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Let the muffins rest in the pan for five minutes to set, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack. For the optional glaze, stir together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, and drizzle over fully cooled muffins. This final touch adds a hint of sweetness and a lovely bakery-look shine.

How to Serve Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins

Garnishes

If you want to take your Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins up a notch, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or that luscious vanilla glaze makes them even more magical. You could also try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped toasted pecans for crunch and flair.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a big mug of coffee or tea—hence the name! For a heartier breakfast, serve them alongside a fruit salad or a cozy scramble. Their sweet, cinnamon crumble is perfectly balanced with savory or fresh sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins on a pretty plate or tiered stand for brunch, wrapping them up in a tea towel basket for picnics, or packing them with a little note as a sweet lunchbox treat. They also shine as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The crumb stays lovely and soft, and the streusel keeps its gentle crunch.

Freezing

For long-term storage, freeze unglazed Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins in a sealed bag or container for up to two months. To prevent sticking, wrap each muffin individually or layer parchment between them.

Reheating

To enjoy a muffin just like it’s fresh from the oven, pop one in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. If you’ve frozen them, let thaw at room temperature before reheating and glazing.

FAQs

What makes these muffins different from regular coffee cake?

Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins are portable, single-serve versions of classic coffee cake. They feature all the cinnamon-sugar goodness and buttery crumble, but in muffin form—which means more crispy edges and a higher streusel-to-cake ratio in every bite.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! You can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier taste and a little extra fiber, though the texture will be slightly denser. Stick to standard flour if you want a lighter crumb.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk. The flavor will shift a bit, but you’ll still get those comforting cinnamon notes and a sweet streusel crunch.

Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops the gluten in your flour, which can lead to tough, dry muffins. For the most tender Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins, stir until the ingredients are just combined—even if a few lumps remain.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe doubles beautifully; just bake in batches or use multiple muffin pans. These muffins are always a hit at potlucks or gatherings, making them ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Final Thoughts

If you crave something that tastes like home and fills your kitchen with nostalgia, you can’t go wrong with Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins. Give this recipe a try, share them with someone you love, and watch these muffins become a new family favorite—one batch at a time!

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