I have always loved the cozy feeling of a Sunday morning, with sunlight streaming through the kitchen window and the aroma of freshly baked treats filling the house. Among all my favorite recipes, these Sunday Morning Coffee Cake Muffins hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of childhood weekends when my family gathered around the breakfast table, sharing laughter and stories while enjoying warm, buttery muffins sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Baking these muffins is more than just making a sweet treat; it is about creating moments of comfort and connection.
You will love this recipe because it combines the soft, tender crumb of a classic muffin with the rich, sweet layers of a coffee cake. Every bite offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor, from the lightly crunchy cinnamon topping to the moist, buttery interior. These muffins are designed to be both indulgent and approachable, ensuring that they delight everyone, whether served as a breakfast, brunch, or snack.
What makes these muffins even more appealing is their versatility. You can enjoy them plain, with a cup of coffee, or add your favorite fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips to suit your taste. They also adapt well to dietary preferences with minor adjustments, making them a crowd-pleaser in any household.
Another reason to bake these muffins is how affordable they are. Most ingredients are pantry staples, requiring no special shopping trips or expensive items. Flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and a few spices are all you need to create a delightful batch of muffins that look and taste like they came from a bakery. This makes it easy to bake frequently, whether for family gatherings or simple weekend treats.
Ingredients for the recipe:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup milk
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tablespoon baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
1/2 cup brown sugar
-
Optional: chopped nuts, fruit, or chocolate chips
How to Prepare Sunday Morning Coffee Cake Muffins
Baking these muffins is simple, enjoyable, and perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve tender, flavorful muffins that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with butter. This ensures the muffins release easily and keeps them moist.
-
Prepare the cinnamon topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir well and set aside. This topping will give the muffins a sweet, slightly crunchy layer that enhances the coffee cake flavor.
-
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Ensure the mixture is well combined to distribute the rising agent evenly.
-
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, resulting in a soft, tender crumb.
-
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mixing thoroughly ensures an even texture throughout the muffins.
-
Incorporate the milk and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix gently but thoroughly to avoid overmixing, which can make muffins dense.
-
Optional mix-ins: If desired, fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts, fruits, or chocolate chips. This step adds variety and personalization to your muffins.
-
Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping generously over each muffin.
-
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
-
Cool and serve: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
These muffins are quick and easy, taking less than 10 minutes to prepare before baking. They are highly customizable, allowing you to add ingredients like blueberries, pecans, or chocolate chips without affecting the base recipe. Their universal appeal makes them popular with many people, from kids to adults, and they are perfect for breakfast gatherings, brunches, or simple weekday treats.
Print
Sunday Morning Coffee Cake Muffins: A Nostalgic Treat
These Sunday Morning Coffee Cake Muffins are soft, tender, and layered with sweet cinnamon sugar. They are perfect for a weekend breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack. Easy to make, versatile, and affordable, they bring warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Optional: chopped nuts, fruit, or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
- Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside.
- Whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
- Beat 1/2 cup butter with 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl.
- Add 2 eggs, one at a time, then 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; mix thoroughly.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour; mix gently.
- Fold in optional mix-ins if desired.
- Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling 2/3 full; sprinkle cinnamon-sugar topping over each.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean; rotate halfway for even baking.
- Cool in the tin 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a soft crumb.
Customize with fruits, nuts, or chocolate for variety.
Use plant-based milk for dairy-free options.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
FAQs
1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows for flexibility, and the muffins will still be soft and flavorful.
2. Can I freeze the muffins?
Absolutely. Once cooled, wrap each muffin individually or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven before serving.
3. Can I substitute the milk?
Yes, you can use any plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or soy milk, without altering the taste or texture significantly.
4. How do I make the muffins extra moist?
Ensure you do not overmix the batter. Additionally, using room-temperature ingredients and adding a little extra butter or milk can enhance moisture.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly depending on the flour used.
6. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce granulated sugar by 1/4 cup and still maintain a balanced flavor, though the muffins may be slightly less sweet.