Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins

There’s something so comforting about a homemade muffin, especially when it’s a classic like Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins. Imagine waking up on a slow Sunday morning, the air filled with the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon and brown sugar baking in the oven—sounds like heaven, right? These muffins bring that cozy, nostalgic feeling right to your kitchen, with every bite reminding you of home and family.

These aren’t your average muffins. They’re moist, tender, and topped with a crumbly, buttery streusel that makes them feel extra special. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these coffee cake muffins will quickly become a household favorite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought muffins again!

Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins

Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• Nostalgic Flavors: The cinnamon-sugar streusel topping and the hint of vanilla in the muffin batter will bring you back to those cozy mornings at Grandma’s house.
• Simple Ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples, these muffins are easy to make, but they taste like something from a fancy bakery.
• Perfectly Moist: The texture is light and fluffy, but still rich, thanks to the addition of sour cream in the batter.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors by adding nuts, fruit, or even a drizzle of glaze for an extra touch.
• Family-Friendly: These muffins are sure to please everyone from little ones to adults, making them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins. These simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the muffin batter, giving it that perfect texture.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These work together to make the muffins rise beautifully.
• Salt: To balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: The warm spice that makes these muffins taste just like a classic coffee cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture to the batter, giving the muffins a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Butter: Rich and flavorful, the butter helps create a soft, moist muffin.
• Eggs: Binding the ingredients together and adding richness.
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter and complements the cinnamon topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Brown Sugar: For the topping—gives it that caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Adds a lovely crunch if you prefer some texture in your muffins.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making these muffins is simple, and the result is so worth it! Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using). Add in the melted butter and stir until it forms a crumbly texture. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until combined. The batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. You should be able to get about 12 muffins out of the batter.

Step 7: Add the Streusel Topping

Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin. Don’t be shy—it’s the best part!

Step 8: Bake

Bake the muffins for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden and slightly cracked.

Step 9: Let Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 muffins
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrate: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 17g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 3%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins

These muffins are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to pair them with something, here are a few ideas:

• Coffee or Tea: The classic pairing for coffee cake! A warm cup of your favorite coffee or tea will complement these muffins beautifully.
• Fruit: Fresh fruit like berries, sliced bananas, or apple slices will add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the muffins.
• Whipped Cream: For a more indulgent treat, a dollop of whipped cream on top of a warm muffin makes for an extra special dessert.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the batter the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Then just add the streusel and bake in the morning for fresh muffins in no time.
• Freeze for Later: These muffins freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave or oven for a few minutes.
• Substitute with Applesauce: If you’re out of sour cream or prefer a healthier option, you can swap in unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version of these muffins.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A1: Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream and will give the muffins a similar creamy texture.

Q2: Can I use a different type of nut?
A2: Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would work great if you’re looking for a different flavor.

Q3: Can I add fruit to the muffins?
A3: Yes! Adding fresh or dried fruit like blueberries, raspberries, or raisins would be a great addition to these muffins.

Q4: How should I store these muffins?
A4: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them!

Q5: Can I make these muffins in a mini muffin tin?
A5: Definitely! If you’re using a mini muffin tin, reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in two muffin tins or one larger baking dish for a coffee cake-style version.

Q7: Can I use a sugar substitute?
A7: You can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Q8: Can I skip the streusel topping?
A8: You can, but the streusel is what makes these muffins a true coffee cake experience! If you prefer, you can add a simple glaze instead.

Q9: How do I know when the muffins are done?
A9: The muffins are done when they are golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Q10: How do I make these muffins dairy-free?
A10: You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter and use a non-dairy yogurt or sour cream substitute to make these muffins dairy-free.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins are the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with sweet, nostalgic scents and makes every bite feel like a hug. They’re simple, comforting, and so much better than anything you’ll find at the store. With their soft, fluffy texture and irresistible cinnamon streusel topping, these muffins are sure to become a new family favorite. Make a batch, sit down with a warm cup of coffee, and enjoy the cozy comfort of these homemade muffins. You’ll be so glad you did!

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