Patrick Simon October 26, 2025

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Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins

Name: Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (1 stick, softened); 1½ cup white sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 eggs; 1 cup milk; ¾ cup sourdough discard or active starter; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cup brown sugar; 5 tablespoons flour (for the cinnamon topping); 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 6 tablespoons butter (melted, for topping); ⅔ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze); ½-1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)

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Sipping on a warm cup of coffee as the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked muffins fills your kitchen is a simple yet blissful pleasure. These Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins invite you to indulge in a cozy moment, perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. Picture the golden tops glistening with sweet cinnamon and their soft, fluffy interiors hiding a delightful, tangy flavor from the sourdough. It’s a treat that feels like a hug on a chilly day, and you’ll want to whip up a batch to share with friends and family.

Reasons to Love Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins

These muffins are not just another baked good; they bring unique flavors and textures to your table. With the tangy depth from the sourdough and the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar, each bite is a harmonious balance. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore these muffins:

Perfectly soft and pillowy, with a crisp, golden top.
The unique flavor of sourdough adds a depth you won’t find in traditional muffins.
Easy to prepare, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
The warm cinnamon-sugar topping elevates the whole experience.

Whether you’re gathering with family for a weekend brunch or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins are bound to make your day a little brighter.

Gather These Ingredients

Before diving into the joy of baking, it’s essential to have all your ingredients on hand. Each element plays a vital role in creating moist and flavorful muffins. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few notes for substitutions:

½ cup butter (1 stick, softened)
1½ cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup milk
¾ cups sourdough discard or active starter
4 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cup brown sugar
5 tablespoons flour (for the cinnamon topping)
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons butter (melted, for topping)
⅔ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
½-1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)

Swap in your sourdough discard for a lighter, fresher touch, and you’re well on your way to deliciousness!

Bringing It Together

Creating these Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins is as delightful as eating them. Follow these simple steps:

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling and Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 1½ cups brown sugar, 5 tablespoons flour, and 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside; the sweet aroma will make your mouth water!
Make the Sourdough Coffee Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter and 1½ cups white sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, and ¾ cup sourdough discard. Blend well. Gradually incorporate 3 cups of flour and 4 teaspoons of baking powder until the batter is just combined. It will be thick but smooth, almost like cake batter.
Layer and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with liners. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter. Sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, then cover with more batter to fill the cups about three-quarters full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½-1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm muffins for a perfect finishing touch.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 25 minutes, Total ~ 40 minutes, Servings ~ 12 muffins, Kcal ~ 220 per muffin (estimate).

Plan Ahead

You can set yourself up for success by preparing some components of these Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins in advance. The batter can be made the night before and stored in the fridge. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before baking. You can also mix the cinnamon sugar topping ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container. Baked muffins will stay fresh in an airtight container for a few days, making them a lovely grab-and-go option for busy mornings!

How to Store Leftovers

These Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for future enjoyment. Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you want to extend their life, freeze them for up to 3 months. Remember to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. They should feel warm and soft — this is your cue that they’re just right!

Perfect Pairings

Enhance your experience with these Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins by pairing them with:

A steaming cup of coffee or tea.
Fresh fruit, like berries or banana slices.
A dollop of Greek yogurt.
A drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Cream cheese spread for a tangy contrast.

These simple pairings can elevate your muffin experience to new heights!

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Make your Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins even more delightful by trying some of these variations:

Add a handful of nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a lovely crunch.
Swap in chocolate chips for a more decadent treat.
Include fresh fruits like blueberries or chopped apples for added moisture and flavor.
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice to mingle with the cinnamon.
For a vanilla twist, incorporate an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract into the batter.

Feel free to play around and create your personalized version of these muffins!

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

To ensure your Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

Allow ingredients like butter and eggs to come to room temperature for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will yield a tender muffin.
Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Space out the muffins in the tin to let them expand and rise beautifully.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Absolutely! Active sourdough starter will work perfectly in this recipe, lending a vibrant flavor to the muffins.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but keep in mind the texture may differ slightly.

Do these muffins freeze well?
Indeed, these muffins freeze wonderfully! Just let them cool completely and wrap them tightly before freezing.

How can I make these muffins dairy-free?
You can easily swap in non-dairy butter and a milk alternative, like almond or oat milk, for a dairy-free version.

What if I can’t find sourdough starter?
You can create a makeshift starter by mixing equal parts of flour and water overnight to create a thick batter, although the flavor might not be identical.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins are not just delicious, but they also offer an opportunity to enjoy the delightful tang of sourdough. With their soft, fluffy texture and sweet, cinnamon-spiced topping, they are a comforting treat that warms the soul. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying a quiet morning alone, these muffins are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Take a moment to embrace the joy of baking and enjoy the delightful experience of these Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins — you won’t regret it!

Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins

Author: patrick
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Deliciously soft and fluffy muffins with a tangy sourdough flavor and a sweet cinnamon topping, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Instructions

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Make the Muffin Batter: Beat softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, milk, and sourdough discard. Incorporate flour and baking powder until just combined.
Layer and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill muffin cups halfway with batter, add cinnamon sugar topping, and layer more batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes until tops are golden.
Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm muffins.

Notes

You can prepare components in advance; store batter and cinnamon sugar topping in the fridge. Baked muffins keep fresh in an airtight container for a few days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American