Perfect Coffee Cake Muffins with Irresistible Cinnamon Streusel Topping

Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home. These coffee cake muffins bring that dream to life, offering the perfect harmony of a tender, soft crumb and a wonderfully sweet, crunchy streusel topping. Infused with a classic blend of warm cinnamon, rich brown sugar, and buttery streusel, each muffin tastes just like your favorite bakery-style coffee cake, but in a convenient, perfectly portioned, grab-and-go form. This straightforward recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably easy to make, promising to become a cherished household favorite for busy mornings or relaxed weekend brunches.

Tray of bakery style coffee cake muffins.

This ultimate coffee cake muffin recipe is designed for anyone who adores a cozy, spiced muffin that boasts a delicate crumb and a sweet, crunchy finish. Unlike traditional coffee cake, which is typically baked in a large pan and requires slicing, these muffins are individually portioned. This makes them exceptionally versatile and ideal for meal prep throughout the week, quick breakfasts on hurried mornings, or elegant brunch gatherings. The generous layer of cinnamon-sugar crumble on top adds precisely the right amount of sweetness, enhancing the flavor without ever being overly rich or cloying.

One of the most appealing aspects of these cinnamon coffee cake muffins is their incredible versatility and adaptability. You can effortlessly prepare them in advance, store them for later enjoyment, or even freeze them to savor over weeks. They also offer a fantastic canvas for customization with various add-ins like toasted nuts, fresh or dried fruits, or a decadent drizzle of glaze for an extra touch. They are utterly perfect on their own, offering a comforting bite, or wonderfully paired with your morning coffee or tea, making them a truly delicious homemade alternative to expensive café treats. Enjoy the simple pleasure of a gourmet-quality muffin made right in your own kitchen.

single serving coffee cakes on a serving tray, one on a small white plate in foreground.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Adore These Coffee Cake Muffins

Remarkably Quicker and Easier than Traditional Coffee Cake. This cinnamon coffee cake muffin recipe is designed for efficiency, taking approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. This speed makes them ideal for last-minute treats for the kids after school, an impromptu gathering with friends, or simply satisfying a sudden craving for something sweet and comforting. Forget the long baking times and complex layering of a full coffee cake—these muffins deliver all the flavor with minimal fuss.
Perfectly Portioned Single Servings. Say goodbye to the struggle of portion control. Each muffin is a delightful individual serving, making them excellent for managing intake and incredibly convenient for busy lifestyles. Their compact size is also perfect for little hands, making them a family-friendly option. Furthermore, they are an absolute lifesaver for a busy morning, providing a quick, satisfying, and delicious grab-and-go breakfast solution.
Bakery-Fresh Flavor with a Healthier Edge. There’s no denying the deliciousness of store-bought coffee cake muffins, but they often come with a hefty calorie count. For instance, some popular warehouse club coffee cake muffins can contain upwards of 740 calories each! Our homemade cinnamon muffin recipe offers an equally fabulous, if not superior, taste experience, but with significantly fewer calories—around 421 calories per muffin. This means you can indulge in that bakery-quality taste with a little less guilt.
Highly Customizable and Versatile. Whether you prefer extra crunch, a touch of chocolate, or a fruity burst, these muffins are a perfect base for your creativity. Their adaptability makes them a recipe you’ll return to again and again, experimenting with different add-ins to suit any mood or occasion.

Speaking of our favorite warehouse club, have you tried our sensational copycat version of Costco chocolate chip cookies yet? They are incredibly good and definitely worth a bake!

Mastering the Ingredients & Clever Substitutions

Whisk in a mixing bowl with flour, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.

Butter (Unsalted is Key): We highly recommend using unsalted butter for both the streusel and muffin batter. This preference stems from the varying salt content across different butter brands, which can make baked goods too salty if not controlled. If your pantry only holds salted butter, simply omit any additional salt from the muffin batter to maintain the perfect flavor balance. For the streusel, a tiny pinch of salt in the flour mix will be sufficient.
Sour Cream (for Tender Texture): This ingredient is a secret weapon for achieving a wonderfully tangy flavor and an incredibly tender, moist consistency in your baked goods. It functions much like buttermilk, contributing to the soft crumb found in pancakes or Bisquick buttermilk biscuits. For a seamless substitution, an equal amount of plain-flavored whole milk yogurt or Greek yogurt works perfectly in these coffee cake muffins.
All-Purpose Flour (for Structure and Tenderness): For muffins with an exceptionally tender, cake-like texture, consider a clever substitution: replace half of the all-purpose flour in the muffin batter with cake flour. Cake flour has a lower protein content, resulting in a softer crumb. **Important note: Only apply this substitution for the muffin batter. For the cinnamon streusel crumble topping, stick to 100% all-purpose flour for the best crumbly texture.
Sugar (Granulated and Brown): Granulated sugar provides sweetness and crispness to the streusel, while a combination in the batter ensures a balanced sweetness. Brown sugar can also be used in the streusel for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
Eggs (Room Temperature Essential): Large eggs, ideally at room temperature, contribute to the muffin’s structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with butter and sugar, creating a smoother batter.
Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract (Flavor Powerhouses): These two ingredients are crucial for the signature coffee cake flavor. Use good quality cinnamon for a warm, aromatic spice, and pure vanilla extract for a depth of flavor that artificial versions can’t match.
Leavening Agents (Baking Powder & Baking Soda): These work together to give the muffins their characteristic lift and fluffy texture. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rising.

Exciting Recipe Variations to Try

Ultimate Crumb Cake Muffins: Elevate the streusel experience by adding an extra layer of streusel not just on top, but also in the middle of the muffins. Spoon half the batter, add streusel, then the rest of the batter, and finally more streusel on top before baking.
Decadent Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Muffins: Introduce a delightful surprise by mixing in a handful of chocolate chips (mini or regular) into the muffin batter. This adds a rich, sweet twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Authentic Bakery-Style Muffins: To truly mimic professional bakery muffins, use tall paper muffin liners and fill them generously. Additionally, start baking at a higher temperature for the first few minutes (as detailed in our pro tip below) to achieve a spectacular domed top.
Nutty & Fruity Fun Add-ins: Get creative with your additions! Try incorporating chopped pecans, walnuts, dried cranberries, or finely diced apples into the batter. For an extra touch of indulgence, a simple cinnamon glaze drizzled over the cooled muffins can make them even more delicious and visually appealing!
Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins: Prepare a simple cream cheese filling (softened cream cheese, a little sugar, and vanilla). After spooning the batter into the muffin cups, drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top, then swirl gently with a toothpick before adding streusel.

Essential Equipment for Baking Perfection

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. For these coffee cake muffins, here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls (3): You’ll need separate bowls for the streusel topping, dry muffin ingredients, and wet muffin ingredients to ensure proper mixing and prevent overmixing.
Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer): A stand mixer is highly recommended for creaming butter and sugar effectively, making the batter light and fluffy with minimal effort. An electric hand mixer is a great alternative if you don’t have a stand mixer.
Silicone Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl and gently folding in dry ingredients without overworking the batter.
Muffin Pan (12-cup): A standard 12-cup muffin pan is perfect for this recipe. Ensure it’s non-stick or properly greased.
Muffin Cup Liners (Optional): Paper or silicone muffin liners make for easier cleanup and presentation. They can also help achieve taller muffin tops if using sturdy liners.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting the Perfect Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

Achieving bakery-quality coffee cake muffins at home is simpler than you think with these key steps and tips:

Ensure All Ingredients are at Room Temperature.
This is a critical step for almost any cake or muffin recipe. Cold ingredients, particularly eggs and butter, are much more difficult to properly incorporate into the batter. Room-temperature ingredients emulsify more effectively, creating a smoother, more uniform batter that bakes up lighter and fluffier. Plan ahead by taking butter and eggs out of the fridge at least 30-60 minutes before you start baking.
Utilize a Stand Mixer for Optimal Results.
While not an absolute necessity, if you possess a standing mixer, it will make the process of mixing the muffin batter incredibly easy and efficient, ensuring a consistent texture. If a stand mixer isn’t available, an electric hand mixer is an excellent alternative that will also produce fantastic results. Mixing by hand is possible, but requires more arm strength and attention to prevent overmixing.

Mixing cinnamon muffin recipe ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Crucially, Avoid Overmixing the Batter.
All-purpose flour contains proteins known as gluten. Just as our muscles strengthen with exercise, gluten develops and strengthens the more it is worked or beaten. When it comes to delicate baked goods like this cinnamon muffin recipe, overworking the gluten will result in muffins that are tough, dense, and dry, rather than tender, soft, and moist. Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until they are just combined, and a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable.

Spooning batter into a baking pan for cinnamon muffin recipe.

Allow Sufficient Space for Muffins to Rise in the Pan.
In a regular-sized muffin pan, each “well” typically holds approximately 1 cup of batter. To prevent the muffin batter from spilling over the top rim during baking and creating a mess, aim to fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full. This leaves enough space for the muffins to rise beautifully, especially with our special baking tip, ensuring a perfect domed top without overflow.

🎯 Pro Tip for Bakery-Style Muffins!

For the absolute best bakery-style coffee cake muffins with impressive, tall domed tops, employ this clever baking trick: start by baking your muffins at a high temperature of 400°F (200°C) for the initial 5 minutes. This burst of heat causes the muffins to rise rapidly. After this initial period, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the remaining bake time. This method helps create those desirable tall, domed muffin tops while ensuring the inside remains incredibly soft and fluffy!

Batter for cinnamon streusel muffins in a baking pan.

Confirm Doneness with the Toothpick Test.
It can sometimes be challenging to determine if the interior of baked goods is thoroughly cooked, especially when they have a golden-brown exterior. The simplest and most reliable way to check for doneness is to gently insert a wooden toothpick into the very center of one of the muffins. If the toothpick comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your muffins are perfectly ready to be removed from the oven! If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.

If you adore cinnamon as much as we do, our sourdough cinnamon bread is an absolute must-try! It’s infused with rich cinnamon flavor and boasts a wonderfully chewy texture.

Woman's hand holding cinnamon streusel muffins.

Delightful Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These bakery-style cinnamon coffee cake muffins are a true delight on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages to truly enhance their cozy, indulgent flavors. The warm, inviting notes of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla in these muffins are exquisitely complemented by a rich, creamy latte, a robust cup of black coffee, or even a soothing cup of herbal tea.

For a more substantial or heartier pairing, consider serving them alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt topped with fresh mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries, perhaps with a drizzle of golden honey. The tanginess of the yogurt and the freshness of the fruit create a beautiful contrast to the sweet muffins. If you’re seeking a savory balance to your sweet treat, these muffins are surprisingly delicious when paired with classic breakfast items such as fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or savory breakfast sausage for a truly satisfying brunch spread. Want a little extra indulgence? A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, or serve them alongside a batch of blueberry muffins for a delicious and varied breakfast platter. Whether you thoughtfully scoop them onto a plate for a sit-down meal or simply enjoy them on the go, these muffins are always a crowd-pleasing hit!

Looking for more inspiring weekend breakfast ideas?

There’s nothing quite like a sweet weekend brunch featuring thick slices of strawberry French toast, warm and toasted slices of cinnamon swirl bread, or a basket brimming with our delightful Bisquick blueberry lemon muffins!

If your palate leans more towards savory, you absolutely can’t go wrong with hearty egg and hash brown cups paired with slices of perfectly toasted whole wheat sourdough bread.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Cake Muffins

Why is it called coffee cake?

Interestingly, very few recipes for coffee cake actually include coffee as an ingredient. Our coffee cake muffins, for example, contain no actual coffee. Most culinary historians and enthusiasts agree that “coffee cake” earned its name because it is traditionally served *with* coffee, making it a perfect companion for your morning or afternoon brew.

Can I freeze streusel muffins?

While you technically can freeze streusel muffins, it’s important to note that the streusel topping may lose some of its crispness due to moisture during the thawing process. For the best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy cinnamon streusel muffins fresh. However, if you plan to freeze them, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.

How do I store these muffins to keep them fresh?

Because these cinnamon muffins feature a delightful streusel topping, the best way to maintain their freshness and prevent the topping from becoming soggy is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The moist air inside a refrigerator can unfortunately make the crumb topping soft and less appealing. When stored properly at room temperature, your muffins will typically stay fresh and delicious for 3-5 days.

Can I add extra flavors or ingredients to the muffin batter?

Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully versatile and encourages customization. Feel free to mix in your favorite additions like chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), or dried fruit (cranberries, raisins) for a fun and personalized twist. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the batter, usually ½ to ¾ cup of add-ins is plenty for a batch of 12 muffins.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free or vegan?

While this specific recipe is not formulated as gluten-free or vegan, you can often adapt it. For gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. For vegan, replace butter with a plant-based butter alternative, eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer, and sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or vegan sour cream alternative. Be aware that texture and rise may vary with these substitutions.

Fresh cinnamon streusel muffins on a serving tray.

More Sweet Treats To Love…

Delightful Recipe for Bisquick Blackberry Cobbler
Classic Bundt Gingerbread Cake Recipe

If you tried this cinnamon streusel coffee cake muffins recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Baked coffee cake muffins with cinnamon streusel.

Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Muffins

Author: Renae Gerhardstein

Rating: 4.96 from 49 votes

These classic coffee cake muffins are incredibly soft, wonderfully fluffy, and generously topped with an irresistible sweet cinnamon streusel. This easy recipe promises a cozy and comforting treat that tastes just like your favorite bakery-style coffee cake, but in a convenient single-serving form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack!

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 muffins

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 421 kcal (per muffin)

Equipment Needed

3 medium mixing bowls
Stand mixer (or electric hand mixer)
Silicone spatula
12-cup muffin pan
12 muffin cup liners (optional, but recommended)

Ingredients

For the Irresistible Streusel Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Fluffy Muffin Batter:

8 tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature (*See Notes for substitution options)
2 cups all-purpose flour (*See Notes for achieving a cake-like texture)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Optional Garnish:

Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting tops of cooled muffins

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt (if not using salted butter for the muffins) using a whisk until everything is thoroughly mixed.
Pour the melted butter and vanilla extract into the dry streusel mixture. Use a fork to gently stir and combine the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs. Set this delicious topping aside.

Part 2: Prepare the Muffin Batter and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard 12-cup muffin pan by lightly greasing each muffin cup or lining them with paper muffin liners.
In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), cream together the softened room-temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the large eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time, beating well for about 15 seconds after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and room-temperature sour cream, beating on medium speed until the mixture appears smooth. Use a silicone spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the dry muffin ingredients: all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing on low speed until the batter is *just combined*. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly normal and indicate a tender muffin. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough muffins.
Evenly divide the muffin batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full. This usually amounts to about 1/4 cup of batter per cup.
Generously spoon about 2 tablespoons of the prepared streusel topping over the batter in each muffin cup, ensuring it covers the muffin batter completely.
For Bakery-Style Domed Tops: Bake the muffins at 400°F (200°C) for the first 5 minutes. After this initial high-heat baking, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the coffee cake muffins are golden on top and the streusel topping is lightly browned and crisp.
To test for doneness, insert a wooden toothpick into the center of one muffin. The muffins are ready when the toothpick comes out clean, or with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Remove the muffin pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. After this brief cooling period, carefully remove the muffins from the pan and transfer them directly to the wire rack to cool completely.
Optionally, for an extra touch of sweetness and elegant presentation, lightly dust the tops of the completely cooled muffins with confectioners’ sugar just before serving.

Chef’s Notes & Expert Tips

Bakery-Style Muffin Secret: As mentioned in our pro tip, the initial blast of 400°F (200°C) heat for 5 minutes, followed by reducing to 350°F (175°C), is key to achieving those coveted tall, domed muffin tops and a light, fluffy interior. Don’t skip this step for truly impressive results!
Recipe Variations Galore:
- Crumb Cake Muffins: For an even more intense crumbly texture, consider layering! Fill muffin cups halfway with batter, add a spoonful of streusel, then top with the remaining batter and a final generous layer of streusel.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in ½ to ¾ cup of your favorite chocolate chips (mini or regular work beautifully) into the muffin batter just before portioning into cups for a rich, sweet twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into either the streusel topping or the muffin batter to add extra texture and a delightful nutty flavor.
- Fruity Freshness: Gently fold in ½ cup of finely diced apples, fresh blueberries, or raspberries into the batter for a burst of refreshing fruitiness.
- Sweet Glaze Finish: For an additional layer of sweetness, prepare a simple glaze by whisking together ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled muffins.
Optimal Storing Instructions: To maintain the best texture, particularly the crispness of the streusel topping, store your coffee cake muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as the moisture in the fridge can make the streusel soggy. When stored correctly, they typically remain fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Freezing for Later: While the streusel might soften slightly upon thawing, these muffins freeze well. Once completely cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or warm gently in the microwave.
Sour Cream Substitution: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, an equal amount of plain whole milk yogurt or plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute, providing a similar tang and moistness to the muffins.
For a True Cake-Like Muffin: To achieve an even more tender, truly cake-like consistency in your muffins, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour in the muffin batter with cake flour. Remember to *always* use 100% all-purpose flour for the cinnamon streusel topping for the best crumbly texture.
Room Temperature Matters: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter that results in a lighter, fluffier muffin.
The Golden Rule: Do Not Overmix! Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense muffins. Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until they are just combined; a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and even desirable for a tender crumb.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!