Craving a warm, cinnamon-infused treat to go alongside your morning coffee? These Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins are the perfect solution! Bursting with layers of cinnamon sugar and topped with a buttery crumble, they are everything you want in a breakfast muffin—soft, flavorful, and delicious. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that you can whip up anytime you’re in the mood for something sweet yet comforting.
Ingredients
Understanding the essential ingredients that bring these muffins to life is key. Make sure to measure your ingredients correctly to ensure your muffins turn out fluffy and flavorful every time.
Muffin Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (450 grams)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Layer Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
Crumb Topping Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90 grams)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ stick unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup)
Glaze (Optional Ingredients)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp milk
Required Kitchen Tools
Here are the essential tools you’ll need to make your Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins:
- Mixing Bowls – You’ll need a few bowls to mix the muffin batter, cinnamon sugar, and crumb topping.
- Whisk, Fork, or Spatula – Use these to stir your ingredients and combine them properly.
- Muffin Pan – A standard 12-cup muffin pan to bake your muffins.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Properly measure your ingredients with accurate cups and spoons.
- Pastry Brush (Optional) – Useful for spreading the melted butter, but a spoon would work too.
- Cooling Rack – Allow the muffins to cool properly after baking.
Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Layer
Before you begin making your muffin batter, it’s important to prepare the cinnamon sugar filling mixture. Here’s a quick guide to creating the perfect cinnamon swirl inside each muffin:
- Melt the Butter:
Begin by melting 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This will ensure the cinnamon sugar mixture binds well and creates a delicious swirl within the muffin. - Combine Ingredients:
In a small bowl, stir in ⅓ cup of brown sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon into the melted butter. Mix them thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and creates a thick, cinnamon-rich consistency. Set this aside to let it thicken while you move ahead with the muffin batter.
Preparing the Muffin Batter
Now that your cinnamon sugar mix is ready, it’s time to tackle the muffin batter. This will be the base for your deliciously soft and fluffy Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a perfectly thick and smooth batter.
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, gather and mix your dry ingredients:
- Flour, sugar, and spices:
Measure 3 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour (450 grams) and combine with 1 ¾ cups of granulated sugar , 3 teaspoons of baking powder , 1 teaspoon of salt , 1 teaspoon of cinnamon , and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg .Tip: To prevent clumping, sift the flour and spices for a smoother batter. - Mix with a spoon or whisk:
Stir the dry ingredients together using a spoon or whisk until they are well combined. Set the bowl aside for now.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a larger mixing bowl, you’ll combine the wet ingredients:
- Whisk eggs and buttermilk:
Crack 2 large eggs into the bowl, and then pour in 1 ¼ cup buttermilk . Whisk them together until the yolks break down and the liquid mixture looks smooth. - Add oil and vanilla extract:
Add ½ cup vegetable oil and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the egg-buttermilk mixture. Stir gently to combine all the wet ingredients, but there’s no need to overmix. Just ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
Step 3: Gradually Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—bringing the dry and wet ingredients together:
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
Take small batches (about a cup at a time) of the dry ingredients and gradually mix them into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold the mixture together. The batter should come together smoothly but will be quite thick. That’s what you want for richly dense and moist muffins!Tip: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as it can make the muffins tough. Just stir until the dry ingredients are combined.
Step 4: Let the Batter Rest
Here’s a quick trick for bakery-style fluffy muffins:
- Rest the batter:
Cover the bowl with a towel and let the muffin batter rest for 15 minutes . This resting period gives the flour a chance to hydrate, allowing the muffins to rise better and have that perfectly rounded top!
During this rest time, go ahead and preheat your oven to 425°F . This high temperature at the start of your baking process will help create a nice, domed muffin top.
Making the Crumb Topping and Assembling the Muffins
The crumb topping is what adds that extra layer of texture and sweetness to these muffins, resembling a coffee cake with every bite. Follow these steps carefully for a delectable crumbly topping.
Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping
While your muffin batter is resting and the oven is preheating, let’s whip up the crumb mixture:
- Combine dry ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90 grams), ⅓ cup brown sugar , 1 teaspoon cinnamon , and ¼ teaspoon salt . Stir these ingredients together with a spoon to evenly distribute the flavors. - Add melted butter:
Pour ¼ cup melted unsalted butter (½ stick) into the dry mixture. Use a spatula to slowly combine everything. At first, the mixture may look sandy or crumbly—that’s perfectly normal. Keep stirring until the mixture looks wet, yet lumpy.Tip: Use your hands to gently squeeze some of the crumb mixture together, forming small clusters. These clumps will add extra texture to the muffins. - Set the crumb mixture aside.
Step 2: Prep the Muffin Pan
Now that all the components are ready, let’s get the pan ready for these muffins:
- Line the muffin pan:
If you want your muffins to have that classic domed shape like bakery muffins, line a 12-count muffin pan with only 6 muffin liners —meaning, you’ll fill every other muffin well. This gives the muffins extra space to “spread” and rise beautifully.However, if you enjoy regular-sized muffin tops, you can line all 12 spots, and that works great too.
Tip: Spray the top of the muffin pan lightly with nonstick spray to prevent muffin tops from sticking.
Step 3: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar
Now it’s time to assemble the muffins, layering them with that delicious cinnamon sugar mix you prepared earlier.
- Fill the muffin liners halfway:
Spoon 2 tablespoons of the batter into each lined muffin cup. The batter will be thick, so pack it down and smooth it out slightly with the back of your spoon. - Add the cinnamon sugar layer:
Take 1 teaspoon of the previously prepared cinnamon sugar mixture and drop it into the center of each muffin. Using your fingers or a spoon, gently spread the cinnamon sugar across the surface of the batter. - Top with more batter:
Now add 4 to 6 tablespoons of batter on top of the cinnamon sugar to fully cover it. Fill the muffin liners all the way to the top—this helps create that bakery-style dome!
Step 4: Add the Crumb Topping
Once your muffin batter is layered with the cinnamon sugar, it’s time for the final, delicious touch—the crumb topping!
- Sprinkle the crumb:
Generously sprinkle the prepared crumb mixture on top of each muffin. Use your fingers to gently press the crumbs onto the batter so they stick. Don’t be shy with the crumb; the more you add, the better! - Optional: Add sanding sugar:
If you have sanding sugar , sprinkle a pinch over each muffin for added sparkle and crunch. This step is optional but adds an elegant bakery-style finish.
Baking the Muffins and Adding the Optional Glaze
Ready to bring on that delicious aroma of cinnamon-swirled muffins filling your kitchen? Let’s get these muffins in the oven and finish them off with a sweet glaze, if desired.
Step 1: Bake the Muffins
- Prepare to bake at high heat first:
Place the muffin pan in the center of your preheated oven at 425°F . By starting at a higher temperature, you’ll create steam, which helps the muffins rise quickly, forming a domed top. - Bake at 425°F for 7 minutes:
Let the muffins bake at this high temperature for exactly 7 minutes. This step is crucial for getting tall, bakery-style muffin tops. - Lower the temperature to 350°F:
Without opening the oven door, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for an additional 16-20 minutes . The muffins are done when the crumb topping is golden and crispy, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.Tip: Since muffin sizes can vary depending on how much batter you add, it’s a good idea to start checking them for doneness around 15 minutes. - Let the muffins cool:
Once baked, remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes . Afterward, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.Warning: Don’t skip the cooling! It allows the crumb to set properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
If you love a little extra sweetness like many of us do, adding a simple glaze will elevate your muffins to the next level.
- Mix the glaze:
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup powdered sugar , ½ teaspoon vanilla extract , and 1 teaspoon milk . Stir gently until smooth. If the glaze is too thin, you can add more powdered sugar (1-2 teaspoons at a time) to thicken it. Conversely, if the glaze appears too thick, thin it out with an extra drop or two of milk.Tip: You want the glaze to be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to drizzle easily. - Drizzle the glaze:
Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over each muffin. You can be as liberal or minimal as you like. The glaze will sink into the crumb topping, adding a delightful layer of sweetness.
Step 3: Enjoy!
Your Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins are finally ready for that first taste! Whether you enjoy them warm or at room temperature, with or without the optional glaze, these muffins promise to delight with every bite.
Storage Tips: Keep Your Muffins Fresh
- Storing at Room Temperature:
Place the cooled muffins in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2-3 days . To help maintain their crisp crumb topping, make sure they are kept in a cool, dry place. - Freezing the Muffins:
If you’d like to save some for later, freeze the muffins. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months . To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations, you’ve just completed some bakery-style Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins with layers of cinnamon sugar delight, an irresistible crumb topping, and an optional vanilla glaze! These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon treat alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Feel free to experiment with other add-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even swapping the cinnamon for pumpkin spice in the fall. Whatever the variation, you’ll fall in love with these muffins every time.
Enjoy every bite! 😊
