Name: Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ¾ cups (450g) all purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups (347g) granulated sugar; 3 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; 2 large eggs; 1 ¼ cup (295ml) buttermilk; ½ cup (118ml) vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 Tbsp (43g) unsalted butter, melted; ⅓ cup (71g) brown sugar; 1 ½ tsp cinnamon; ¾ cup (90g) all purpose flour; ⅓ cup (71g) brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup (28g) powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

If you have been hunting for a mouthwatering treat that perfectly blends the warm spices of cinnamon with a soft, moist texture, then this Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe is your new best friend. These muffins boast a tender crumb, a luscious cinnamon sugar center, and a crumbly topping that brings every bite to life. Whether you serve them at breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon pick-me-up, these muffins make a comforting yet elegant choice that will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits in the middle filled with a crumbly, light brown mixture with a grainy texture, scattered with fine flour dust around the sides inside the bowl. Above it are two white bowls, one on the left with a mound of white flour and a shiny silver spoon resting in it, and another on the right filled with a soft pile of light brown sugar with a crumbly texture. Two cinnamon sticks lie on the lower left corner of the image on a rustic dark wooden table, which is mostly covered by a soft white and gray striped cloth beneath the glass bowl. The surface is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first delightful step to creating these irresistible Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe. Each carefully chosen component plays a starring role, contributing to the muffins’ superb texture, rich flavor, and that iconic cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen.

All-purpose flour (3 ¾ cups): The foundation of your muffins, providing structure to hold everything together perfectly.
Granulated sugar (1 ¾ cups): Adds the necessary sweetness to balance the warm spices.
Baking powder (3 tsp): Critical for ensuring your muffins rise beautifully and develop a tender crumb.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances flavor by balancing sweetness and highlighting the cinnamon notes.
Cinnamon (1 tsp + additional amounts): The star spice that shines through in every bite, delivering that cozy, comforting taste.
Nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds subtle earthiness, complementing the cinnamon without overpowering it.
Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the batter.
Buttermilk (1 ¼ cups): Gives the muffins a tender crumb and slight tanginess that elevates the flavor profile.
Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the muffins moist and soft day after day.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses a sweet fragrance that rounds out the spices beautifully.
Unsalted butter (3 Tbsp melted + ¼ cup melted for crumb): Vital for that rich, buttery crumb topping and the cinnamon sugar layer.
Brown sugar (⅓ cup + ⅓ cup): Contributes deep molasses notes to both the cinnamon sugar center and the crumb topping.
Powdered sugar (¼ cup): For the optional glaze, adding a delicate sweetness with a smooth finish.
Milk (1 tsp): Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency if you decide to drizzle.

How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Layer

Start by melting the butter gently, then stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until the mixture thickens into a glossy, spreadable filling. Set this aside to cool and thicken further while you move on with the batter. This little secret ensures every muffin has a gooey, cinnamon-sweet surprise right in the center.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients is what creates that tender yet sturdy muffin base and allows the spices to be evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together. This luscious wet mix ensures your muffins stay moist and flavorful. Mixing these ingredients well before adding the dry components helps achieve a smooth, cohesive batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently by hand just until everything is combined. Remember, overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so it’s fine if a few lumps remain. The batter should be quite thick and hearty at this point.

Step 5: Rest the Batter and Preheat the Oven

Cover the bowl with a towel and let the batter rest for 15 minutes. This resting time is crucial for hydrating the flour, which creates a more tender crumb. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425ºF, preparing for the initial temperature burst that will help your muffins rise beautifully.

Step 6: Make the Crumb Topping

Mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until you achieve a crumbly, sandy texture that can be pressed together. Using your hands to form little clumps helps create that delightful crumb topping that crunches perfectly on every bite of these Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe.

Step 7: Prepare the Muffin Pan

Line a 12-count muffin tin with 6 liners, placing them in every other cup. Baking only six muffins at a time allows them room to spread and achieve that gorgeous domed top reminiscent of bakery-style muffins.

Step 8: Assemble the Muffins

Begin by spooning 2 tablespoons of batter into each liner, then drop a teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture into the center and gently spread it out. Top with an additional 4-6 tablespoons of batter, fully covering the cinnamon sugar center. Fill the cups generously to allow for the perfect muffin rise.

Step 9: Add the Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over each muffin, pressing lightly to adhere. For an extra sparkle and texture, feel free to add a sprinkle of sanding sugar on top.

Step 10: Bake the Muffins

Place the pan in the oven and bake at 425ºF for 7 minutes to promote a strong rise. Then reduce the heat to 350ºF and continue baking for 16 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring them out. Repeat baking with the remaining batter, remembering to reset the temperature to 425ºF initially for each batch.

Step 11: Add the Optional Glaze

Combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl, adjusting the powdered sugar until the glaze reaches your desired thickness. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins for an elegant, sweet finish that complements the cinnamon notes wonderfully.

How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

The image shows several muffins with a crumb topping arranged in a dark muffin tray on a table with a white marbled texture. The muffins have a light brown crumbly top layer with a rough texture. One muffin in the front is partially unwrapped with a peel-back white paper liner, revealing a soft, light tan inner cake layer with a darker cinnamon-colored swirl inside. The crumb topping is uneven and gives a crunchy look, while the muffin inside appears fluffy. Two cinnamon sticks are placed near the muffins, adding to the warm, cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving adds a delightful touch of sweetness and visual appeal. You might also top the muffins with a little extra crumble or a few toasted nuts for a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy latte, making them ideal for breakfast or brunch. Fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait with honey and granola can balance the richness and add some freshness on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy brunch spread, serve these muffins on a rustic wooden board surrounded by bowls of cinnamon sugar, whipped butter, and honey. Alternatively, slice one in half and use it as a base for a decadent breakfast sandwich with cream cheese and fresh berries. Presentation is your playground, and these muffins invite plenty of delicious creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked, store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep them fresh, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb extra moisture and maintain the crumbly topping’s texture.

Freezing

These cinnamon coffee cake muffins freeze exceptionally well! Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy or warm them gently in the oven or microwave for that fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

To bring your muffins back to their fluffy, warm glory, microwave them for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 350ºF oven for 10 minutes. Adding a little pat of butter before reheating can make them taste even more indulgent.

FAQs

Can I substitute buttermilk in this Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe?

Yes, you can! Use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use as a buttermilk substitute. This helps maintain the tender crumb and slight tang that buttermilk provides.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from falling off?

Press the crumb topping gently onto the muffin batter before baking. Also, avoid handling the muffins too roughly once baked. The topping should adhere nicely after baking and cooling.

What if I don’t have cinnamon?

If you don’t have cinnamon, try substituting with pumpkin pie spice or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg if you have one of them. The flavor will shift but remain warmly spiced and delicious.

Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to around 12-15 minutes and keep an eye on them. The smaller size will bake faster but still deliver all the lovely cinnamon layers.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! These muffins freeze well and can be made ahead, making them great for meal prepping breakfast or snacks. Just thaw and reheat as needed for a quick, delicious treat.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you get to enjoy making and sharing this Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe with your loved ones. It’s a wonderful way to fill your home with warmth, delicious spice, and memory-making moments. Once you bite into these muffins, flaky crumb topping, gooey cinnamon sugar core, and tender cake, you’ll understand why this recipe has such a devoted following. Happy baking!