Coffee Crumb Muffins

A tender muffin infused with rich coffee flavor and crowned with a sweet, buttery crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat alongside your favorite cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Flavor: The robust coffee taste is perfectly offset by a crisp, sweet streusel.

• Easy Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to bakers of all levels.

• Versatile: Enjoy as written or customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or spices.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Batter can be prepped in advance; muffins freeze well for future enjoyment.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, office breakfasts, or weekend brunches.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Instant coffee granules

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Eggs

• Milk (whole or low-fat)

• Vegetable oil or melted butter

• Vanilla extract

• Brown sugar (for crumb)

• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for crumb)

• Ground cinnamon (optional, for crumb)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup.

2. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in 2 tablespoons of warm milk.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Stir in the remaining milk, coffee-milk mixture, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until just combined.

5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until no streaks of flour remain—do not overmix.

6. For the crumb topping, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon (if using). Cut in the cold butter cubes with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

7. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

8. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin.

9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Yields: 12 muffins
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: approximately 35 minutes

Variations

• Mocha Muffins: Fold 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter.

• Nutty Crumb: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel.

• Spiced Crumb: Increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon and add a pinch of nutmeg.

• Coffee Glaze: Drizzle cooled muffins with a glaze made from powdered sugar and strong brewed coffee.

Storage/Reheating

Store completely cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, microwave a muffin for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

What type of coffee should I use?

Instant coffee granules or espresso powder work best for a pronounced coffee flavor without added liquid.

Can I substitute brewed coffee for the granules?

Yes; replace part of the milk with cooled, strong brewed coffee, reducing overall liquid by the same amount.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from sinking?

Ensure the butter is very cold and the batter surface is not too wet before applying the crumbs.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar content?

You may decrease granulated sugar by up to 1/4 cup, though the topping’s sweetness may be less pronounced.

How should I adjust for high-altitude baking?

Above 5,000 feet, reduce baking powder by 1/4 teaspoon and add 1–2 tablespoons more liquid.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes; refrigerate the mixed batter (covered) for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature and stir gently before baking.

Why are my muffins dense?

Overmixing the batter can develop gluten. Stir just until ingredients are combined.

How do I prevent sticking?

Use paper liners or thoroughly grease the muffin cups with butter or nonstick spray.

Can I add extra spices?

Feel free to include a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or even ginger in the crumb for added warmth.

Conclusion

These coffee crumb muffins strike the perfect balance between rich, aromatic coffee and a buttery, crunchy topping. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, they make for an excellent breakfast, snack, or addition to any gathering. Enjoy fresh or enjoy the convenience of make-ahead baking by freezing extras for later

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