Go Back
When making cinnamon swirl coffee cake muffins, you need a few key ingredients. Each one plays a big role in the taste and texture. Here is what you'll need: - Dry ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Wet ingredients: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Swirl mixture: - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Each ingredient adds flavor and texture. The flour gives structure. The sugar sweetens the muffins. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Cinnamon brings warmth and spice. The buttermilk adds moisture, which keeps the muffins soft. The butter makes them rich. The vanilla enhances all the flavors. The swirl mixture creates that classic cinnamon flavor. It adds a sweet surprise inside. You can also add nuts for crunch. These ingredients come together to make a treat you will love! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven warms, take a muffin tin. Line it with paper liners or lightly grease it with butter or oil. This will help the muffins come out easily. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients well. Whisking ensures no clumps remain and all flavors blend. Set this bowl aside for later. In another bowl, take 1/2 cup of softened butter. Beat it until it becomes creamy. Next, slowly add 1 cup of granulated sugar. Keep beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air, making your muffins soft and tender. Now, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition. This helps each egg mix in fully. Then, stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps in this mixture. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins tough. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts if you want some crunch. This swirl will add a nice flavor and texture to your muffins. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter. Then, sprinkle about a teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Add more batter on top until the cups are about 2/3 full. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl on each muffin. This layering makes every bite special. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. After baking, let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling them on a rack helps keep them from getting soggy. Enjoy the sweet smell of your fresh muffins! To get soft and fluffy muffins, pay attention to how you mix. Start by whisking dry ingredients well. This ensures an even rise. When you add wet ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Aim for a few small lumps in your batter. This keeps it light and airy. Bake them at the right temperature, 350°F (175°C), for even cooking. Want to boost the taste? Add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom. These spices pair well with cinnamon. You can also try almond or coconut extract for a twist. Just a little extra flavor can make a big difference. If you love chocolate, mix in some cocoa powder. Experiment to find your favorite blend. Serving is just as important as baking. Dust the muffins with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. A dollop of whipped cream or yogurt adds creaminess. Arrange muffins on a pretty plate for a nice look. You can also add fresh fruit on the side. These small details elevate your coffee cake muffins. Share them warm for the best experience. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your muffins easily. Try adding different spices like nutmeg or ginger. You can also mix in fruits like blueberries or diced apples. If you love chocolate, add some chocolate chips to the batter. Each option gives a new twist to the classic taste. Making these muffins fit your diet is simple. For gluten-free muffins, use a gluten-free flour blend. You can replace the buttermilk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. To make them vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs and the butter for coconut oil. These changes keep the muffins tasty. These muffins pair well with many drinks. Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a fun treat, serve them with a scoop of ice cream. You can also plate them with fresh fruit or yogurt. Each choice makes for a delightful snack or breakfast. To keep your muffins fresh at room temperature, place them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them soft and moist. Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. These muffins will stay fresh for about three days. For long-term storage, freezing your muffins works great. First, let the muffins cool completely. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This will keep them safe from frost. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes. Cinnamon swirl coffee cake muffins can last about a week in the fridge. If frozen well, they can last up to three months. This makes them a perfect treat to enjoy later! Yes, you can make these muffins ahead. To do this, prepare the batter and fill the muffin cups. Cover them with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. You can bake them the next day. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. If you lack buttermilk, don't worry! You can use regular milk. Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This gives you a good buttermilk substitute for your muffins. The best way to tell is by looking at their tops. They should be golden brown. You can also gently press the top; it should bounce back. If you want, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean, your muffins are ready. Absolutely! If you don't have walnuts or pecans, try almonds or hazelnuts. You can even skip the nuts if you prefer. The swirl will still taste great with just cinnamon and sugar. This blog post covered everything you need to make perfect muffins. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to achieve the best texture. I shared flavor variations and simple storage tips to keep your muffins fresh. Remember, baking is a fun mix of science and art, so don't hesitate to experiment. Enjoy your baking journey, and you’ll be serving up delicious muffins in no time!

Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins

Indulge in the delightful taste of Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins, perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat! These muffins are fluffy, packed with cinnamon goodness, and topped with a sweet swirl that will keep you coming back for more. Follow our simple recipe that takes just 35 minutes to prepare, and enjoy these warm, comforting muffins with your favorite beverage. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Swirl:

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, and continue to beat until light and fluffy.

        Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until smooth.

          Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

            Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using) to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.

              Assemble Muffins: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter. Sprinkle about a teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter in each cup. Add more batter on top until the cups are about 2/3 full. Finally, sprinkle more cinnamon swirl mixture on top of each muffin.

                Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                  Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 12 muffins

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top and a small dollop of whipped cream or a side of yogurt to complement the muffins.