Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins – Soft, Sweet, and Easy to Make

Wow, have you ever tasted a muffin that made you say “yum” out loud? This Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffin did that to me. Let me tell you more.

They smell sweet and warm. The cinnamon topping is crumbly and so good. It reminds me of a cozy morning at home.

I can’t stop thinking about them. They are easy to make, too. I just mix, sprinkle, and bake!

So, let’s bake them together. Grab your bowl and spoon. You will love every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and Cozy Flavors: The sweet cinnamon sugar swirl and crumbly topping make every bite comforting.
• Soft and Moist: Thanks to buttermilk and oil, the muffins stay tender and delicious for days.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick steps—great for beginners.
• Perfect for Any Time: Ideal as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead and freeze for busy mornings.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Bake Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 18-22 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes 12 muffins—perfect for sharing with family or friends. Want more? Simply double the ingredients.

Difficulty:
Easy—suitable for beginner bakers but satisfying for experienced ones too.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing Bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Muffin Tin (12-count)
• Paper Liners or Non-Stick Spray
• Small Knife or Toothpick (for swirling)

Ingredients for Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins

For the Muffins:

• All-purpose Flour: Provides structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the muffins.
• Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice.
• Ground Nutmeg: Optional, but gives depth.
• Eggs: Binds everything together.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the muffins soft and tender.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture without making the muffins heavy.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• Unsalted Butter (melted): Richness for the swirl.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet, with a hint of molasses.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm, classic flavor.

For the Crumb Topping:

• All-purpose Flour: Creates the crumb texture.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetness with a slight caramel note.
• Unsalted Butter (cold): Forms the crumbly bits.
• Ground Cinnamon: Ties everything together.

How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins – Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these muffins is simple, but each step plays a part in getting that soft, moist texture with a sweet cinnamon swirl and a crumbly topping. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare Your Baking Space

Before mixing anything, it’s always a good idea to get everything ready:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a 12-count muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
• Gather all your ingredients so you’re not rushing around later.

Having your baking space set up makes everything smoother.

2. Make the Crumb Topping

The crumb topping is what gives these muffins that classic coffee cake look and texture.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
2. Cut in the Butter:
   • Add 4 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes).
   • Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms small crumbs.
   • It should look like damp sand with little clumps.
   • Set this aside. You’ll sprinkle it on top later.

3. Mix the Cinnamon Swirl

This cinnamon swirl is what gives the muffins that sweet spiced ribbon inside.

1. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons melted butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
2. Stir until it forms a thick, syrupy mixture.
3. Set it aside.

You’ll swirl this into the muffin batter later, so keep it close.

4. Prepare the Muffin Batter

This is the base of your muffins—soft, light, and slightly sweet.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together:
     • 2 cups all-purpose flour
     • ¾ cup granulated sugar
     • 2 teaspoons baking powder
     • ½ teaspoon salt
     • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
     • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together:
     • 2 large eggs
     • 1 cup buttermilk
     • ½ cup vegetable oil
     • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3. Combine Wet and Dry:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
   • Gently stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
     (The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy. That’s okay.)

Overmixing can make the muffins dense, so a few lumps are fine.

5. Fill the Muffin Liners (with the Swirl)

Now comes the fun part—layering and swirling.

1. Spoon a little muffin batter into each liner (about 1 tablespoon per cup).
2. Add a small spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
3. Add another layer of muffin batter to cover the swirl (each liner should be about ¾ full).
4. Swirl it:
   • Take a toothpick or small knife and gently swirl the batter and cinnamon mixture together.
   • You’re not mixing it completely—just a few gentle swirls.

This will give your muffins that beautiful marbled effect when baked.

6. Top with Crumb Mixture

Finally, sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin.

• Be generous—this is what gives the muffins their classic coffee cake look.
• Press the crumbs down lightly so they stick to the batter.

7. Bake the Muffins

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven (375°F/190°C).
2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Cool:
   • Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
   • Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How Do You Know They’re Done?

• The tops should be lightly golden brown.
• The crumb topping will feel slightly crisp.
• A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—but no wet batter.

How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins

These muffins are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:

• Breakfast Treat: Enjoy warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Snack: Perfect for a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
• Brunch Spread: Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or eggs.
• Dessert: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

You can also drizzle a simple glaze over the muffins for extra sweetness:

• Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
• Stir until smooth, then drizzle over the muffins once they’ve cooled.

Storing Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins

These muffins stay fresh for several days when stored properly.

Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place.

Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.

Freezer:

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Variations for Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins

Want to try something different? Here are a few ways to switch things up:

1. Add Nuts:

• Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping for a crunchy twist.

2. Swap the Spices:

• Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a spicier flavor.
• Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg for a fall-inspired version.

3. Make it Healthier:

• Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a more natural sweetness.
• Swap vegetable oil for applesauce to reduce fat and add a subtle fruit flavor.

4. Add Fruit:

• Fold in ½ cup of chopped apples or blueberries into the batter for a fruity twist.

5. Streusel Upgrade:

• Add ¼ cup of oats to the crumb topping for an extra hearty texture.

Serving and Storage

• Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months—wrap each muffin individually.

Tips and Tricks for Success

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter

• Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
• A few lumps are normal—overmixing can make the muffins dense.

2. Cold Butter for Crumb Topping

• Keep the butter cold when making the crumb topping.
• This helps create those delicious, crisp crumbs.

3. Use Buttermilk for Moisture

• Buttermilk gives the muffins a tender crumb and a slight tang.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute:
  • Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
  • Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then use it as buttermilk.

4. Check for Doneness Early

• Ovens vary, so start checking your muffins around the 18-minute mark.
• Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready.

5. Let the Muffins Cool

• Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
• This helps them set properly and prevents the crumb topping from falling off.

Nutrition Information (Per Muffin)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	260 kcal
Carbohydrates	38g
Sugars	21g
Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	4g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	180mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but the muffins may be slightly less tender. You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.

Can I skip the crumb topping?
Yes, but the topping adds a classic coffee cake texture. You can also reduce the amount if you prefer less sweetness.

Can I add nuts or fruit?
Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well in the topping. You can also fold in blueberries or diced apples into the batter.

Why are my muffins dry?
This usually happens from overbaking or overmixing. Start checking at 18 minutes and mix the batter just until combined.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins are a simple yet satisfying recipe that brings the comforting flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery crumb topping into each bite. They’re easy to make, great for any time of day, and freeze well for those busy mornings.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a batch of warm, homemade muffins ready to brighten your day. Happy baking!