Creamy Coffee Cake Muffins | Bakery Style Winter Favorite

If you love the flavor of classic coffee cake, you’ll fall for these creamy coffee cake muffins. They’re soft, buttery, and layered with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, finished with a golden, crunchy topping. The sour cream keeps every bite moist and rich, while the crumb topping and vanilla glaze give them a professional bakery feel. Whether you’re baking for a winter brunch or treating yourself to a cozy morning, these muffins are easy to make and absolutely satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are everything you want in a breakfast treat—comforting, flavorful, and simple to bake.

• Super Moist Texture: Thanks to sour cream and melted butter, they stay soft for days.
• Effortless to Make: Requires only basic tools—no mixer needed.
• Delicious Anytime: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making these soft and spiced muffins, plus what each item contributes to the recipe.

Crumb Topping

• 2/3 cup (93 g) all-purpose flour – forms the crumb structure
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar – adds sweetness and crisp edges
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon – delivers cozy flavor
• 1/8 tsp salt – enhances overall taste
• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted – brings richness and binding
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – adds a fragrant touch

Muffins

• 1 1/2 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour – the base of the batter
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar – lightly sweetens the muffins
• 1 tsp baking powder – helps the muffins rise
• 1 tsp baking soda – reacts with sour cream for lift
• 1/2 tsp salt – balances the sweetness
• 1/3 cup (80 g) milk – adds moisture and lightens the batter
• 1 cup (240 g) sour cream – keeps the crumb tender and moist
• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted – gives richness and flavor
• 1 large egg (50 g), lightly beaten – holds everything together
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – enhances depth of flavor

Cinnamon Sugar Ribbon

• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar – provides a sweet base
• 2 Tbsp light brown sugar – adds warmth and molasses flavor
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon – the essential spice for this swirl

Vanilla Glaze

• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted – gives the glaze a smooth texture
• 1/8 tsp salt – cuts the sweetness
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – brings a soft aroma
• 1 cup powdered sugar – the main base of the glaze
• 2 Tbsp milk – thins the glaze for drizzling

How to Make Creamy Coffee Cake Muffins

Start by preparing the crumb topping, then let it chill so it forms nice chunks. While that sets, you’ll mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then gently fold them together. Fill muffin cups with batter, adding a layer of cinnamon sugar between scoops. Sprinkle with crumb topping, bake until golden, and finish with a smooth vanilla glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
Heat your oven to 425°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly spray the liners so the muffins don’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping
Mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla. Stir until crumbs form, then place the bowl in the freezer.

Step 3: Stir Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla. The sour cream adds a rich, soft texture that sets these muffins apart.

Step 5: Make the Batter
Add the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Use a spatula to fold them together until just combined. The batter should be thick—avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, stir the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon together.

Step 7: Layer the Muffins
Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin cup, about a third full. Sprinkle a little of the cinnamon mixture on top. Add another scoop of batter and finish with the chilled crumb topping.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and continue baking for 14 to 15 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.

Step 9: Let Them Cool
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 10: Add the Glaze
Whisk the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled muffins and let it set before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Use chilled crumb topping to keep the topping chunky and crisp.
• Fold the batter gently to avoid tough muffins.
• Start at high heat so the muffins rise well, then lower the temp to cook through evenly.
• Let the muffins cool before glazing, or the glaze will melt off.

Details

Flavor: A warm mix of cinnamon, vanilla, and buttery sweetness
Texture: Moist inside with a crunchy top and soft glaze
Occasion: Great for weekends, brunch tables, or gifts
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Notes (Variations or Swaps)

• You can use full-fat Greek yogurt if sour cream is unavailable.
• Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch.
• Swap the glaze for a simple dusting of powdered sugar if preferred.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	8g
Protein	4g
Total Carbs	42g
Sugars	24g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are these muffins so soft and moist?
The combination of sour cream and butter locks in moisture while keeping the crumb soft.

Can I use cream cheese instead of sour cream?
Cream cheese is thicker and better for fillings. Sour cream is best in the batter for moisture and texture.

What’s the secret to getting large crumbs on top?
Using melted butter and chilling the crumb mixture before baking helps form large, bakery-style clusters.

Should I keep these muffins in the fridge?
Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for 1–2 days. To keep them longer, freeze and reheat as needed.

Storage Instructions

Cool the muffins completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and freeze. To serve, warm them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until soft and heated through.

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Conclusion

These creamy coffee cake muffins are everything you love about coffee cake in a quick, easy-to-make muffin form. They’re moist, filled with a cinnamon swirl, and topped with a crisp crumb and vanilla glaze. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Make a batch, enjoy a warm bite, and savor every spiced, sweet mouthful.

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