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These Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins are a delicious twist on the classic coffee cake. Inspired by a memorable trip to Long Beach, they’re filled with a dreamy cinnamon swirl, topped with a crumbly cinnamon topping, and finished with a vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the muffins:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¾ cup milk
⅓ cup melted butter
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the crumb topping:

⅓ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the cinnamon swirl:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

For the vanilla glaze:

¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cream (or 1 tablespoon milk)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until the batter is thick and smooth.
For the crumb topping, mix together the flour, sugars, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Stir in melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
For the cinnamon swirl, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Begin filling each muffin cup by scooping 2 tablespoons of muffin batter. Sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon-sugar mixture and swirl it with the back of a spoon. Top with more batter until the cup is about ¾ full.
Add a heaping tablespoon of the crumble topping to each muffin.
Bake the muffins for 15-17 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool slightly, then drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top before serving.

Nutrients (per muffin)

Calories: 335 kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0.4g
Cholesterol: 74mg
Sodium: 210mg
Potassium: 119mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 26g
Vitamin A: 488 IU
Vitamin C: 0.1mg
Calcium: 127mg
Iron: 2mg

A Perfect Twist on Classic Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is known for its rich, cinnamon-filled flavor and crumbly topping, making it a beloved treat for many. These muffins take that same delicious concept and turn it into a portable, individual-sized version that’s even easier to enjoy. The cinnamon swirl in the middle adds a surprise element, and the crumb topping gives each muffin a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, fluffy interior.

The addition of the vanilla glaze drizzled over the top is a final, sweet touch that brings everything together. It’s a perfect combination of texture and flavor, making these muffins the ideal treat for a cozy morning at home, a brunch with friends, or even a sweet snack to enjoy throughout the day.

Why These Muffins Are Special

What makes these Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins stand out is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The muffins themselves are light and fluffy, thanks to the combination of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and baking powder. The milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract ensure the batter is smooth and creamy, creating the ideal base for the other elements.

The cinnamon swirl running through the center of each muffin is one of the stars of the show. It’s a simple yet effective addition that elevates the flavor of each bite. The cinnamon-sugar mixture is the perfect contrast to the richness of the muffin batter, adding a spiced sweetness that’s irresistible.

The crumb topping is another key component. It’s buttery and slightly crunchy, offering a satisfying contrast to the softness of the muffin. It also adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture, making every bite a little more indulgent.

Finally, the vanilla glaze drizzled on top provides the perfect finishing touch. With just a hint of vanilla flavor, the glaze adds a glossy shine and a touch of sweetness that complements the cinnamon and crumb topping. This simple glaze makes the muffins feel extra special and visually appealing.

The Process Behind the Muffin Perfection

Creating the perfect Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins may seem complicated, but the process is surprisingly simple. Start by preparing the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. This allows the ingredients to blend together smoothly and ensures the batter will be light and fluffy.

Once the muffin batter is mixed, it’s time to add the cinnamon swirl. This is where the magic happens! By adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture between layers of batter, you create a beautiful swirl effect that makes each muffin unique. The swirl also ensures that each muffin is packed with cinnamon flavor, making every bite as delicious as the next.

The crumb topping is made by combining flour, sugar, and cinnamon, then mixing in melted butter to create a crumbly texture. This topping is generously sprinkled on each muffin before baking, allowing it to crisp up in the oven and add an extra layer of flavor.

After baking, the muffins should cool slightly before being drizzled with the vanilla glaze. The glaze is made with just powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream or milk, making it simple to prepare and adding a smooth, sweet finish to the muffins.

A Simple Yet Impressive Breakfast or Dessert

These muffins are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for breakfast when you want something sweet to pair with your morning coffee. Their light and fluffy texture make them a delightful way to start your day, and the cinnamon flavor is a comforting, warming note that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

However, these muffins are not just limited to breakfast. They make a fantastic dessert for any occasion, especially when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also a great addition to brunch spreads or holiday gatherings, where they can be served alongside other baked goods.

For those looking for an afternoon snack, these muffins hit the spot. They’re sweet without being overly indulgent, and their light texture makes them easy to enjoy at any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why these Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. First, they’re incredibly easy to make. The ingredient list is simple, and the instructions are straightforward. If you’ve ever baked muffins before, you’ll find this recipe to be quick and hassle-free.

Second, they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, enjoying them on a lazy weekend morning, or packing them into lunchboxes, these muffins work for any occasion. The combination of flavors and textures ensures that everyone will enjoy them, no matter their age or preference.

Finally, the ingredients are pantry staples, meaning you probably already have most of them in your kitchen. The addition of cinnamon and the simple crumb topping gives these muffins a comforting, homey feel, while the vanilla glaze adds a touch of elegance and indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins

While the recipe is simple, here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect muffins every time:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so be gentle and avoid stirring too much.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend together more smoothly.
Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture Gently: When adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the batter, be gentle when swirling it with the back of a spoon. You want to create a swirl, not fully mix it in, to achieve that beautiful marbled effect.
Let the Muffins Cool Before Drizzling the Glaze: Allow the muffins to cool slightly before drizzling them with the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting into the muffin and helps it set nicely on top.
Storage: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze them for up to a month and reheat them when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins are a delightful twist on a classic treat, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite. With their dreamy cinnamon swirl, crumbly topping, and vanilla glaze, these muffins are as indulgent as they are easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or a treat for a special occasion, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Try them today and enjoy a little taste of Long Beach in every bite!

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