Soft, cinnamon-swirled muffins with a sweet crumb topping! 😍
If you’re looking for the perfect treat to brighten your morning or add a comforting touch to an afternoon break, look no further than these Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins. These moist, fluffy muffins are filled with warm cinnamon goodness and topped with a sugary, buttery streusel that gives each bite a delightful crunch. Drizzled with a simple glaze, these muffins are a nostalgic treat that brings the aroma of freshly baked coffee cake straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy Sunday morning, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself to something sweet, these muffins are sure to impress.
A Family Tradition That Never Gets Old
Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins have always been a favorite in our family. I remember waking up to the smell of cinnamon swirling through the house as Grandma carefully mixed her ingredients, the comforting warmth of her kitchen providing a sense of nostalgia and love. There’s something magical about how the simplest ingredients, combined in just the right way, create something so irresistible.
Over the years, Grandma’s original recipe has been passed down, tweaked a little here and there, but always maintaining the same delicious flavors. These muffins have become a part of our family’s traditions, baked for birthdays, holidays, or just because we crave a little homemade comfort.
Now, it’s time for you to bring a bit of that warmth into your home by trying this easy, yet delightful recipe!
📝 Ingredients
For the muffins:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
For the streusel topping:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven & Prep the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with butter. The aroma of these muffins baking will fill your kitchen, so make sure you’re ready for a delicious scent to take over!
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients for Muffins
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir them together so that everything is evenly distributed, setting the base for a soft, flavorful muffin.
3️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the wet ingredients! Pour in the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and crack the egg into the mix. Stir everything until just combined—be careful not to overmix. This will ensure that your muffins stay light and fluffy!
4️⃣ Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups. Fill each one about ¾ full to give your muffins room to rise and form that perfect dome shape. The batter should be thick and creamy, which helps create the light texture you’ll love.
5️⃣ Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter to make the streusel topping. The key here is to get that crumbly, sugary mixture ready for sprinkling. Once everything is mixed, gently sprinkle the streusel over the tops of each muffin, creating a sweet, crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the soft muffin inside.
6️⃣ Bake the Muffins
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know the muffins are done when they are golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The streusel should also have formed a nice crisp topping, giving your muffins a beautiful, inviting finish.
7️⃣ Make the Glaze
While the muffins cool for a few minutes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm muffins for a little extra sweetness and shine. This simple glaze gives the muffins that coffee cake feel, while also adding an elegant finish.
8️⃣ Serve and Enjoy!
Let the muffins cool just enough so they’re warm, but not too hot to touch. Then, enjoy them with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk! They’re perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert after dinner. The rich cinnamon flavor and sweet glaze make them the ideal companion for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
These Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins are a must-try for any baking enthusiast or lover of cinnamon desserts. Here’s why:
1. Soft and Fluffy Texture
The secret to making these muffins so soft is the perfect balance of wet to dry ingredients. The melted butter and milk create a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth with every bite. The cinnamon adds a warming flavor without overpowering the taste of the muffin itself, giving it a subtle, comforting sweetness.
2. Sweet Streusel Topping
The crumbly streusel topping is the real star here. It adds a nice crunch to contrast the soft muffin and gives each bite a little extra sweetness. Plus, the cinnamon-sugar mixture in the topping infuses the muffins with a delightful warmth that will remind you of fresh coffee cake.
3. Easy to Make
Unlike traditional coffee cakes that require more time and effort, these muffins are easy to whip up in less than an hour. The ingredients are simple and the steps are straightforward, making this recipe perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who loves the idea of homemade treats without the hassle.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
These muffins are as versatile as they come. They’re great for family breakfasts, brunch with friends, or a sweet treat to take to a potluck. If you’re hosting a gathering or want to surprise your family with something special, these muffins are guaranteed to be a hit. They also store well in an airtight container, so you can enjoy them throughout the week!
Tips for the Perfect Muffins
To make sure your muffins turn out just like Grandma’s, here are a few helpful tips:
- Don’t Overmix: It’s tempting to mix the batter until smooth, but overmixing can make the muffins dense. Stir just until combined for light and fluffy muffins.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up and affect the texture of the muffins.
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether your muffins are done, gently press the top of one muffin. If it springs back, they’re ready. If it leaves an indentation, they need a few more minutes in the oven.
- Customize Your Muffins: While this recipe is perfect as is, you can make small adjustments based on what you have on hand. Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for an extra crunch, or try adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
Storing and Freezing Tips
These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well. Here’s how to keep them tasting great:
- Storing: Let the muffins cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you’d like them to stay soft longer, store them in the fridge.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the muffins for later. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Why You Should Try This Recipe Today
Baking these Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins is more than just making a delicious treat; it’s about creating memories and traditions in your own home. The warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and the buttery crumble on top will transport you to a simpler time, while the modern twist of a muffin version makes them perfect for busy mornings or casual get-togethers.
So go ahead—preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to a little nostalgia. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will bring you joy from the first bite to the last.
Let these muffins become a part of your own traditions. Because sometimes, the best memories are made over a warm cup of coffee and a freshly baked muffin. 😋☕
Don’t Forget to Share!
Did you love these muffins? Share your baking experience with friends and family! Snap a photo of your muffins and tag us on social media. We’d love to see how your version turned out and hear all about the memories you made while baking. Happy baking! 🍽️🎉