Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

If you’re looking for a bakery-style coffee cake muffin recipe that is incredibly easy to whip up at home, this recipe is the one you've been looking for! These muffins have a tender cinnamon-swirled interior, a buttery streusel topping, and a sweet vanilla glaze. Plus, you can make 'em in just 5 simple steps. They're perfect for a quick breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or to impress at your next brunch.

Why I Love This Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

I first stumbled upon these delicious coffee cake muffins when my sister brought a batch to our family brunch. I was instantly hooked -each muffin was moist, fluffy, and had just the right amount of cinnamon sugar swirl and crunchy crumble topping.

After tweaking her recipe slightly - just to perfect the muffin texture - I now make these regularly. My family loves them for breakfast, and they always disappear fast when we bring them to potlucks and family get-togethers.

Ingredients You'll Need To Make These Muffins

Here's everything you'll need to make these coffee cake muffins:

For the Muffins:

• 1 egg
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil)
• ⅓ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar

Streusel Topping:

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Vanilla Glaze:

• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ tablespoon milk (plus additional teaspoon if thinner glaze is preferred)

How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins

Just a handful of steps are all you have to follow to make these muffins.

Step 1: Prepare Muffin Batter

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with liners. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, neutral oil, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda, mixing just until you have a smooth batter—do not overmix.

Step 2: Fill Muffin Cups & Add Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of muffin batter into each muffin liner, filling it about halfway. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.

Then add another 1–2 tablespoons of batter on top, filling each cup roughly ¾ full. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter.

Step 3: Prepare Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in melted salted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly bits.

Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over each muffin, pressing lightly to adhere.

Step 4: Bake the Muffins

Bake the coffee cake muffins in your preheated oven for 10–13 minutes, or until they're beautifully puffed, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Add Vanilla Glaze and Enjoy!

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding a little more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze. Drizzle generously over cooled muffins. Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy your homemade coffee cake muffins!

My Expert Tips To Make the Best Coffee Cake Muffins

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep your muffins soft and fluffy, mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can cause dense muffins.
• Perfect Streusel Texture: Ensure your butter is melted but not hot, to achieve the perfect crumbly streusel texture.
• Customize Your Glaze: If you like a thinner glaze, add milk gradually, a teaspoon at a time. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature milk and eggs to help your batter mix more evenly, ensuring fluffier muffins.
• Test Doneness Carefully: Check your muffins a minute or two early; oven temperatures vary, and muffins can quickly go from perfect to overdone.

Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe FAQs

Can I make coffee cake muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake these muffins a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and glaze just before serving for best results.

How do I store leftover coffee cake muffins?

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm slightly in the microwave before serving for the best taste and texture.

Can I freeze coffee cake muffins?

Yes! Allow muffins to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature and glaze just before serving.

Can I use a different topping instead of streusel?

While the streusel topping is classic, you can also try topping them with sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or even chocolate chips. Just sprinkle on your preferred topping before baking.

Can I make these coffee cake muffins gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

My Final Thoughts

These easy coffee cake muffins are guaranteed to be a hit, whether it's breakfast on the go or brunch with family and friends.

With a tender crumb, sweet cinnamon swirl, crunchy streusel topping, and delightful vanilla glaze, they're the perfect bakery-style treat you can easily make at home.

Once you taste these muffins, they'll quickly become your go-to breakfast recipe!

More Breakfast Recipes to Try Next

• McDonald's McGriddle
• Crepe cake
• Denny's pancakes
• Denny's French toast