Warm, cozy, and crowned with cinnamon crumb coffee cake muffins bring bakery-style flavor straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re sipping your morning brew or prepping for brunch, these muffins add a nostalgic, homemade touch that rivals anything you’d find behind a pastry counter.
What Makes Coffee Cake Muffins So Irresistible?
The Swirl, The Crumb, The Glory
There’s something magical about a muffin that’s not just soft, but has layers literally. These aren’t your average store-bought muffins. Every bite of a coffee cake muffin gives you a cinnamon-sugar surprise, a fluffy base, and a buttery, crumbled topping that melts in your mouth. It’s like dessert dressed up for breakfast.
Coffee cake muffins are inspired by classic American coffee cake a cinnamon-swirled treat meant to be savored with coffee. No, there’s no coffee in the batter, but they pair perfectly with your morning cup. If you love baked treats like these, this recipe will win you over.
Why You’ll Want to Bake These Now
- They’re simple to make with pantry staples
- The texture is unbelievably soft and moist
- They have a crispy, bakery-style top
- Perfect for freezing or sharing
- You can customize with a glaze, nuts, or even fruit
Whether you’re craving a sweet start to your day or need a quick win for weekend guests, these muffins check every box: comforting, classic, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients That Make the Difference
Pantry Staples, Better Than Ever
These coffee cake muffins don’t require fancy ingredients but the way they come together makes them taste like they came from a boutique bakery. Here’s why each ingredient matters, and how it contributes to the muffin’s unforgettable flavor and texture.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | Provides the structure and soft crumb you expect from a bakery-style muffin. |
| Baking Powder | The key to those high domes and fluffy centers. |
| Granulated Sugar | Sweetens the batter without overpowering the cinnamon. |
| Brown Sugar | Adds moisture and depth especially in the crumb topping and cinnamon swirl. |
| Eggs | Bind everything together and give the muffins structure and richness. |
| Buttermilk | A not-so-secret weapon for soft, tender muffins with just a hint of tang. |
| Vegetable Oil | Keeps the muffins moist, even a day or two after baking. |
| Vanilla Extract | Rounds out the flavor and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. |
| Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg | These two add warmth, comfort, and that signature coffee cake flavor. |
| Unsalted Butter | Used in both the swirl and crumb gives richness and that melt-in-your-mouth top. |
| Powdered Sugar (optional) | Mix with vanilla and milk for a light, sweet glaze that adds extra wow. |
Cinnamon Sugar: The Surprise Inside
Hidden inside each muffin is a gooey swirl of cinnamon sugar filling. It melts into the center as the muffin bakes, creating a soft, sweet ribbon that makes every bite extra special.
Quick Tip: Always measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off with a knife. Scooping straight from the bag can pack in too much, making your muffins dry.
Crumb Topping: The Star of the Show
Let’s be honest the crumb topping is the real reason we all love coffee cake. This one is made from just 5 ingredients but delivers maximum texture. It’s thick, buttery, and slightly crisp, creating that irresistible contrast with the soft muffin underneath.
Whether you’re baking these for a cozy brunch or a morning pick-me-up, these thoughtfully chosen ingredients guarantee bakery-style results at home.
Foolproof Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Start with the heart of this muffin: the cozy swirl inside.
In a small bowl, mix:
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
Set it aside it will thicken slightly while you prepare the batter. This gooey, fragrant filling is what gives these muffins that coffee cake wow factor.
Mix the Muffin Batter
This batter is thick, rich, and meant to rise tall.
In Bowl 1 (Dry ingredients):
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Stir gently to combine.
In Bowl 2 (Wet ingredients):
- 2 large eggs
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour the wet mix into the dry, stirring by hand just until combined don’t overmix! The batter should be thick and scoopable.
Pro Tip: Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rest for 15 minutes. This helps the flour fully hydrate, giving you taller, softer muffins.
Make the Crumb Topping
While the batter rests, whip up the signature crumb:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
Mix with a spatula until sandy. Use your fingers to squeeze and press the mixture into small clumps. It should feel moist and slightly chunky exactly what you want for that classic coffee cake look.
Assemble Like a Pro
Bakery-style hack: Only line every other muffin cup in a 12-cup pan (fill 6 wells). This gives the muffins space to rise and dome beautifully.
- Add 2 tablespoons of batter to each liner
- Drop 1 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar filling in the center
- Cover with 4–6 tablespoons more batter until the liners are full
- Top generously with crumb mixture don’t hold back! Press lightly to help it stick
- (Optional: Sprinkle with sanding sugar for sparkle)
Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Bake for 7 minutes at 425°F
- Without opening the oven, reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for 16–20 more minutes
- Muffins are done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center
- Let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing
Note: If you use less batter, reduce bake time slightly to avoid overbaking.
Baking & Finishing Touches
The Perfect Bake for Perfect Coffee Cake Muffins
To get those tall, golden muffin tops that look straight from a bakery window, it’s all about oven timing. Bake at 425°F for 7 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for 16–20 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Want to pin this recipe for later? Save it to your Pinterest board and keep it handy for your next brunch spread.
The result? Soft centers, sky-high tops, and a crumbly cinnamon crown that’s worth every bite. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean usually around 16 to 20 minutes depending on how full your muffin cups are.
Let the coffee cake muffins cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing. This helps them set without crumbling and gives you that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Optional Glaze = Bakery-Level Brilliance
Want to take your coffee cake muffins from delicious to dazzling? A simple glaze adds shine and a sweet finish that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon crumb.
To make the glaze:
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir until smooth. If it’s too runny, add a touch more powdered sugar. Drizzle over fully cooled muffins using a spoon or piping bag.
✨ Hack: Want a flavor twist? Swap vanilla for maple extract or add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze!
Storage & Freezing Tips
Store in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Want more options you can freeze for later? We’ve got you covered.
Reheat Tip: Microwave frozen muffins for 25–30 seconds for that just-baked feel.
Why You’ll Crave Them Again and Again
These coffee cake muffins bring together everything we love in a morning treat:
- Moist, tender crumb
- A ribbon of cinnamon sugar
- A buttery, textured topping
- Optional glaze for a touch of elegance
They’re nostalgic, satisfying, and shockingly simple. Once you make them, they’ll become your go-to recipe for everything from Sunday brunch to surprise guests. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly and kid-approved.
Coffee Cake Muffins
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Muffin Pan
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all‑purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 1/4 cups all‑purpose flour
Vanilla Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- few tsp milk or cream to thin
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a 12‑cup muffin tin with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet into dry ingredients and stir just until combined; do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, combine swirl sugar and cinnamon.
- For streusel, mix sugars, cinnamon, salt, flour and butter until crumbly.
- Scoop a bit of batter into each cup, sprinkle swirl mixture in center, then top with remaining batter.
- Divide streusel over muffins, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake 15–18 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool 10 minutes, then remove to rack.
- Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over muffins once slightly cooled.
Notes
FAQs
Did Costco discontinue coffee cake muffins?
Yes, Costco’s coffee cake muffins were discontinued in many locations, much to the disappointment of fans. Luckily, with this easy recipe, you can recreate the classic Costco coffee cake muffins at home moist, spiced, and topped with that iconic cinnamon crumb.
Why is it called coffee cake when it doesn’t contain coffee?
The term “coffee cake” refers to the style of the cake, not the ingredients. It’s traditionally meant to be served alongside coffee, not made with it. Coffee cake muffins follow the same idea flavored with cinnamon, topped with crumb, and perfect with a cup of joe.
Why are they called morning glory muffins?
Morning glory muffins are a completely different recipe. Unlike coffee cake muffins, morning glory muffins are packed with fruits, nuts, and carrots. They’re more of a wholesome, hearty breakfast, while coffee cake muffins focus on comfort and sweetness.
What is the difference between a cake and a coffee cake?
A regular cake is often frosted and intended for dessert. A coffee cake, and by extension coffee cake muffins, have a crumb topping and are typically served for breakfast or brunch. They’re less sweet than standard cakes and often include a cinnamon swirl.
Does Trader Joe’s sell coffee cake?
Trader Joe’s occasionally stocks seasonal coffee cake-style baked goods, including mini versions or loaf cakes. However, they don’t regularly carry coffee cake muffins. Making your own means you control the flavor, texture, and quality every time.
What happened to the old Costco muffins?
Costco changed its muffin variety lineup, phasing out some flavors including the beloved coffee cake muffins. But good news: this homemade recipe brings that soft crumb, sweet swirl, and bakery flavor back without the oversized portion.
Homemade Coffee Cake Muffins, Always Worth It
There’s something deeply comforting about baking a batch of coffee cake muffins from scratch. The smell of cinnamon in the air, the golden crumb topping crisping in the oven, and the warm, tender center make these muffins more than just a sweet treat they’re a feel-good ritual.
Whether you’re prepping for brunch or just treating yourself, these muffins deliver reliable flavor, nostalgic charm, and bakery-quality results with simple, real ingredients. Looking for more cozy baking ideas? We’ve got plenty to explore. You can also follow us on Instagram for fresh recipe drops, behind-the-scenes baking tips, and sweet moments from our test kitchen.
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