Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through your kitchen, especially when those muffins are coffee cake muffins! These delightful treats combine a tender, moist crumb with a sweet, crunchy streusel topping, making them perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Imagine biting into a golden brown muffin with a rich and creamy interior, packed with flavors of cinnamon and a hint of vanilla — pure bliss!
Ingredients
To whip up a batch of these delicious coffee cake muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Muffins:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or generously spray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- In a small bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the muffin batter, then generously sprinkle a layer of the streusel topping over the batter.
- Top each muffin with another spoonful of the remaining muffin batter, followed by more streusel on top for that irresistible crunch.
- Bake the muffins in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the muffin batter!
- Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
- These muffins are perfect for pairing with your favorite cup of coffee or tea — enjoy them with a good book!
Cooking Techniques
Mixing the muffin batter gently and avoiding overmixing is key to keeping your muffins tender and fluffy. When making the streusel, keeping the butter cold helps achieve that delightful crumbly texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft muffin base. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavor add-ins and toppings!
FAQ
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a nice tang.
- What can I do if my muffins sink in the middle? This is often due to overmixing or under baking; make sure to mix gently and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Conclusion
These coffee cake muffins are sure to become a family favorite, offering a cozy touch to any meal. With their sweet aroma, tender crumb, and crunchy topping, you’ll find yourself baking a second batch in no time! So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the baking joy begin!