If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines fluffy, tender muffins with a sweet, crunchy topping, the Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe is exactly what your morning or afternoon needs. These muffins boast a perfect balance of cinnamon-infused batter and a buttery streusel topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Every bite offers that classic coffee cake flavor you love, but with the convenience of a grab-and-go muffin that’s ideal for busy days or casual get-togethers. Once you try this recipe, I promise these coffee cake muffins will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking perfect Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe. Each item is straightforward and familiar, yet together they create a fragrant and delightfully textured final product that’s simply irresistible.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the batter, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the muffins brown beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and moistness to the muffins.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the muffins their lovely rise and airy crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with that warm, comforting spice signature to coffee cake.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness, making the crumb tender.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor with a sweet, floral note.
- For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the crumbly base of the topping.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness to the topping.
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Creates the buttery, crunchy texture when baked.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the streusel its signature spicy kick.
How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s at the perfect temperature so your muffins bake evenly. Meanwhile, line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. This little prep guarantees that your muffins will slip out easily after baking without sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and that fragrant ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the rising agents and spices evenly, setting the stage for a perfectly balanced muffin base.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture will bring together richness, moisture, and a gentle vanilla flavor, all crucial for tender and flavorful muffins.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and stir gently until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing, which can make the muffins dense and tough. A few lumps are okay; they’ll bake out and help keep your muffins light and airy.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix the topping flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry mix until you have coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping is what makes these coffee cake muffins irresistibly crunchy and sweet on top.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Topping
Spoon the muffin batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full to give the muffins room to rise just right. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping generously over each muffin, making sure every bite has that buttery, crispy finish.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, and the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. This step brings it all together – melting butter, sugar, and cinnamon into a crispy crown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes so they firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps the muffins finish setting and ensures the streusel topping stays wonderfully crisp.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe
Garnishes
These muffins are already a treat on their own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, consider dusting them with powdered sugar just before serving. A light drizzle of vanilla glaze or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate their appeal, making them even more irresistible for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pairing these muffins with a cup of hot coffee or tea creates a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. They also make a fantastic complement to fresh fruit or yogurt for a more substantial morning meal. The cinnamon and sweetness in the muffins harmonize beautifully with fresh berries or a crisp apple slice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, arrange the Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe on a tiered cake stand surrounded by edible flowers or fresh fruit. Serve with small jars of honey, butter, and jam to let guests customize their muffins. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with a string makes an adorable gift or on-the-go treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy these cozy treats anytime without baking again.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later, these muffins freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well frozen for up to 3 months and retain their flavor and texture when thawed.
Reheating
To warm frozen or day-old muffins, pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or into a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This quick reheat refreshes the muffins’ soft crumb while reviving that buttery, crisp streusel topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! While whole milk adds richness, you can substitute with any milk you prefer, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the batter’s consistency.
Is it possible to make this Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just check that it contains xanthan gum or add a binding agent to keep the muffins tender and moist.
Can I prepare the streusel topping ahead of time?
Definitely! The streusel topping can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before sprinkling it onto the muffins to ensure it bakes up perfectly.
What’s the best way to prevent overmixing the batter?
Mix the wet and dry ingredients together gently and stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour patches. A few lumps in the batter are totally fine—they help keep the muffins light and fluffy.
Can I add nuts or fruit to these muffins?
For sure! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, and blueberries or diced apples can lend extra moisture and flavor. Fold them in gently right before filling the muffin cups.
Final Thoughts
Making these Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping Recipe is a joyful baking experience that rewards you with warm, aromatic muffins perfect for any time of day. The delightful blend of tender crumb and crunchy cinnamon topping is sure to brighten your mornings and delight your loved ones. Don’t wait to try this recipe—you’ll be glad you did!
