
The smell of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen instantly feels like home. Coffee Cake Muffins bring together everything we love about a warm slice of coffee cake and tuck it neatly into a handheld treat. With their buttery crumb topping and tender muffin base, they’re perfect for slow mornings or quick grab-and-go snacks. Sweet, spiced, and oh-so comforting, these muffins taste like a bakery treat made right in your kitchen. This is one recipe you’ll definitely want to save – Pin it now for later!
Why You’ll Love These Coffee Cake Muffins
- ⏱ Quick and easy muffins recipes with simple steps
- 🥣 Cozy cinnamon muffins with crumb topping for warm flavor
- 🧁 Muffin recipes with crumble that taste bakery-style
- 👨👩👧 Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
- 🍰 Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Tools and Preparation
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet to keep the batter tender
- Whisk and spatula – for blending smoothly without over-mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy matters for the perfect crumb
- Muffin tin – standard 12-cup pan gives even baking
- Paper liners – help with cleanup and keep muffins moist
- Cooling rack – ensures muffins don’t get soggy as they cool
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not over-mix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling about two-thirds full.
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack. If desired, whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over cooled muffins.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins
- Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or tea
- Serve as a brunch centerpiece with fruit and eggs
- Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert
- Share as a thoughtful homemade gift in a basket
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use room-temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Do not over-mix the batter or the muffins will be dense.
- Melt butter for the crumb topping and let it cool slightly before mixing.
- Fill muffin cups evenly for consistent baking.
- Let muffins cool before drizzling glaze so it sets nicely.
- Store crumb topping in the fridge for 5 minutes before sprinkling for a chunkier texture.
Best Pairings and Side Dishes
Coffee Cake Muffins shine alongside a hot cappuccino or a glass of cold milk. For a full breakfast spread, serve them with fresh fruit or scrambled eggs. They also complement a savory brunch dish like quiche. If you enjoy muffins with crumb topping, you might also love my Blueberry Muffin Bake for a fruity twist. Another great option is pairing with a Cinnamon Cake Muffins recipe if you want double the cinnamon comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-mixing the batter makes muffins tough.
- Using cold butter in the crumb topping prevents proper crumbles.
- Over-filling muffin cups can cause overflow.
- Skipping paper liners may lead to sticking.
- Baking at too high a temperature dries out the crumb.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for 5–6 days, though muffins may lose softness.
- Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, store in a zip-top bag, freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
FAQs
What makes Coffee Cake Muffins different from regular muffins?
Coffee Cake Muffins feature a buttery cinnamon crumb topping that gives them the flavor and texture of classic coffee cake but in portable muffin form.
Can I use cake mix to muffins for this recipe?
Yes, you can prepare the muffin base using a boxed cake mix. Just adjust sugar amounts if needed and add the crumb topping for that bakery-style finish.
How do I keep the crumb topping from sinking?
Make sure the crumb topping mixture is slightly chilled and crumbly before sprinkling. Gently press it into the batter so it bakes on top without sinking.
Are these muffins freezer friendly?
Absolutely! Wrap and freeze them, then thaw overnight or warm briefly in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Final Thoughts from Emma’s Kitchen
These Coffee Cake Muffins are a hug in muffin form. They’re soft, sweet, and crowned with a cinnamon crumble that makes every bite special. Whether you bake them for a Sunday breakfast or a weekday treat, they’ll bring smiles to the table. If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments – I love hearing your stories and kitchen wins!
Print
Coffee Cake Muffins
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
Soft and sweet Coffee Cake Muffins with a cinnamon crumb topping and optional glaze the perfect cozy treat for breakfast, brunch, or snacking.
Ingredients
- For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Crumb Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not over-mix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling about two-thirds full.
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack. If desired, whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over cooled muffins.
Notes
Do not over-mix the batter for tender muffins. Chill the crumb topping slightly before using. Let muffins cool completely before glazing for best texture. Store tightly wrapped for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
