Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the sweet scent of cinnamon wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy café where warm pastries were the order of the day. That’s when I knew it was time to whip up a batch of my delicious Bakery-Style Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins. These muffins are a delightful twist on traditional coffee cake, making them a perfect, family-friendly breakfast or afternoon snack. With their quick prep time and ability to transform sourdough discard into something extraordinary, they’re a wonderful way to reduce waste while indulging in a tasty treat. Fluffy yet satisfying, these muffins are sure to impress at any brunch gathering or simply accompany your favorite cup of coffee. Are you ready to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and create some baking magic? Let’s dive in! Why Are Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Irresistible? Bakery-style indulgence: These muffins offer that perfect café-quality experience, making every bite feel like a special treat. Quick and easy: With simple preparation, these beauties transform your sourdough discard into a delicious delight in under an hour. Flavor-packed goodness: The warm spice of cinnamon combined with a luscious vanilla glaze elevates your morning routine or afternoon snack. Versatile: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts for a twist, just like you might with Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Ideal for sharing: Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy coffee times, these muffins guarantee smiles and compliments from family and friends! Embrace the culinary joy as you bake these delectable Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins, leaving fast food behind! Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Ingredients For the Muffins Butter (½ cup) – Adds richness and moisture; can be substituted with margarine for a dairy-free option. White Sugar (1½ cups) – Provides a perfect sweetness that balances the rich flavor of the muffins; brown sugar can be used for deeper caramel notes. Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Enhances overall flavor; using pure vanilla yields the best results. Eggs (2) – Offers structure and moisture; for a vegan option, replace with flax eggs. Milk (1 cup) – Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb; non-dairy milk works well as a substitute. Sourdough Discard/Active Starter (¾ cup) – Gives the muffins their unique flavor and texture; either works, keeping the consistency similar. Baking Powder (4 teaspoons) – Acts as a leavening agent for rising; always use fresh for optimal results. All-Purpose Flour (3 cups) – The base for the muffins, providing structure; consider whole wheat flour for added nutrition. For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling + Topping Brown Sugar (1½ cups) – Infuses sweetness and caramel notes; coconut sugar is a good substitute for a different taste. Flour (5 Tablespoons) – Thickens the filling; can be omitted for a slightly looser texture. Ground Cinnamon (4 teaspoons) – Brings warm, comforting flavor; adjust according to personal preference. Melted Butter (6 Tablespoons) – Binds the filling ingredients and boosts moisture; a dairy-free alternative can be used here as well. For the Vanilla Glaze Powdered Sugar (⅔ cup) – Adds sweetness to the glaze; a sugar substitute can help reduce calories if needed. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Elevates the flavor of the glaze; high-quality extract or pure vanilla works best. Milk (½-1 Tablespoon) – Adjusts the glaze consistency; non-dairy milk can be substituted without loss of flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in the deliciousness of these Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins, creating a sweet treat that you’ll adore! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃). While it heats, line a muffin tin with bakery-style liners, allowing the muffins to rise beautifully. This style of liner provides extra support for your delightful Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins. Set the prepared tin aside as you gather your ingredients to whip up a scrumptious batter! Step 2: Mix Cinnamon Sugar Filling In a medium bowl, combine 1½ cups of brown sugar, 5 tablespoons of flour, and 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon until evenly mixed. Drizzle in 6 tablespoons of melted butter and stir until the mixture clumps together. This delectable cinnamon sugar blend will provide the signature swirls within your sourdough muffins. Set this filling aside while you prepare the muffin batter. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and 1½ cups of white sugar until the mixture appears light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 2 eggs, 1 cup of milk, and ¾ cup of sourdough discard or active starter. Mix until smoothly combined, ensuring the richness of your Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins shines through. Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Next, gradually add in 4 teaspoons of baking powder and 3 cups of all-purpose flour. With a spatula or wooden spoon, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want your muffins to maintain that fluffy, tender texture. The batter should be thick but still pourable, creating a delightful base for your muffins. Step 5: Fill Muffin Liners Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin liners, filling each one halfway. Sprinkle a generous layer of the previously prepared cinnamon sugar filling into the center of each muffin. Then, top with more batter until the liners are about three-quarters full, pressing some additional cinnamon sugar on top. This layering adds flavor that complements the fluffy sourdough! Step 6: Bake the Muffins Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Keep an eye on the muffins, as every oven is unique. Their sweet aroma will fill your kitchen as they rise into perfect Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins. Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze While the muffins cool, mix together ⅔ cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and between ½ to 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl. Stir until you achieve a smooth, desired consistency for drizzling. The glaze will add a lovely sheen and additional sweetness to your baked goods, enhancing their coffee cake experience. Step 8: Glaze and Serve Once the muffins have cooled slightly, drizzle the vanilla glaze over each muffin, allowing it to soak into the tops. Serve your Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins warm or at room temperature, and savor the delightful blend of flavors. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or a sweet treat to share with loved ones! Make Ahead Options These delightful Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the muffin batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet ingredients with the dry, then covering the bowl tightly and refrigerating it. Additionally, you can create the cinnamon sugar filling and store it in an airtight container for the same timeframe. When you’re ready to bake, fill your muffin liners, sprinkle in the filling, and top with the remaining batter. Baking these muffins fresh ensures they maintain their fluffy texture and delicious taste, making breakfast or snack time effortlessly convenient and just as delightful as if they were made the same day! What to Serve with Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Pairing warm and comforting sides with your muffins creates an irresistible breakfast or snack spread, rich with flavor and texture. Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, a medley of seasonal fruits adds a lovely balance to the richness of the muffins. The natural sweetness complements the cinnamon, brightening your palate. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with granola and berries offers a delightful contrast in texture. It’s a perfect protein-packed side that keeps things light yet satisfying, enhancing your morning experience. Smooth Coffee Blend: A freshly brewed cup of coffee complements the warm spices in the muffins. Choose a rich roast that elevates the cozy flavors, creating a perfect harmony. Herbal Tea: Opt for a soothing herbal tea, such as chamomile or chai, which provides warmth and defines a calming experience alongside the comforting muffins. Savory Egg Frittata: A textured frittata filled with vegetables and cheese adds a hearty touch to your meal. It contrasts beautifully with the sweet muffins, making for a balanced breakfast. Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Extra layers of cinnamon sugar on toasted bread echo the flavors of the muffins, making it a delightful addition for those who can’t get enough of that sweet spice. These pairings are sure to create a cozy and inviting setting, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself! Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Variations Feel free to add your own spin to these delightful muffins, enhancing their flavor or adapting them to fit your dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Replace butter and milk with coconut oil and non-dairy milk for a luscious, dairy-free muffin. Enjoy the same rich flavors without worry! Vegan: Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a plant-based version that remains fluffy and delicious. Whole Wheat Twist: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a heartier texture. This variation gives an extra boost without sacrificing taste! Spice It Up: Experiment with pumpkin spice or nutmeg in the cinnamon sugar filling for added warmth, perfect for cozy days. A small twist can transform these muffins into a seasonal delight! Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for added crunch and flavor. The nutty elements bring a delightful surprise in every bite! Chocolate-Lover’s Muffins: Mix in chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavors. It’s a chocolatey delight that even the kids will love! Chia or Flax Seeds: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to boost fiber content. A small addition can make a big difference in nutrition! Fruit Explosion: Toss in berries or diced apples to give a fresh and fruity burst! It can transform these muffins into something summer-worthy, reminiscent of a sunny brunch spread. With these variations, let your creative culinary spirit shine, and enhance the joy of baking your Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins! If you’re in the mood for more muffin inspiration, check out these mouthwatering recipes for Lemon Blueberry Muffins or indulge in the rich goodness of Cheese Zucchini Muffins. Expert Tips for Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Fresh Ingredients Matter: Ensure that your baking powder is fresh; expired leavening agents can lead to dense muffins. Don’t Over-Mix: Mix your batter just until combined to avoid tough muffins. Over-mixing can ruin the fluffy texture of your Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins. Oven Thermometer: Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate temperature; sometimes ovens can be off, affecting baking time and results. Cool Before Glazing: Allow muffins to cool slightly before adding the vanilla glaze. Glazing warm muffins can lead to a runny, less appealing result. Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days; they freeze well too for future enjoyment! Experiment with Add-ins: Don’t hesitate to add extras like nuts or chocolate chips in the batter for unique textures and flavors in your muffins. How to Store and Freeze Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days; this keeps them moist and fresh for enjoying at breakfast or snack time. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. This allows you to enjoy them at your convenience! Thawing: To thaw, simply leave at room temperature for a couple of hours, or microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up, reviving that delightful flavor of your Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins. Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy warm muffins, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or place them in a preheated oven (350°F) for about 5 minutes to keep them soft and fluffy. Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe FAQs What type of sourdough discard or starter should I use? Absolutely! You can use either sourdough discard or an active starter for this recipe. If using active starter, make sure it’s bubbly and well-fed for the best flavor. The consistency will remain similar regardless of which option you choose. How should I store the muffins for freshness? To keep your Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the lid is snug to prevent them from drying out. If you live in a particularly humid area, you might want to refrigerate them to maintain freshness longer. Can I freeze these muffins, and how? Yes, you can! To freeze your muffins, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed, freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks when you’re short on time. What if my muffins come out dense or dry? If your muffins turn out dense, it might be due to over-mixing the batter. Always mix just until combined to keep them fluffy. On the other hand, if your muffins are dry, they may have been over-baked. Keep an eye on them during baking; start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. Are there any dietary considerations with these muffins? These muffins can easily be made vegan by substituting eggs with flax eggs (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg). You can also replace milk with a non-dairy alternative, and use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version. If you’re concerned about gluten, substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend is possible, and can result in tasty muffins too! Can these muffins be made ahead of time? Certainly! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator; just be mindful that you’ll need to give it a quick stir before filling muffin liners. This way, you can pop them in the oven fresh in the morning, filling your home with the delightful aroma of baking muffins as you sip your morning coffee! Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins for a Cozy Morning Treat Delicious Bakery-Style Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins made with sourdough discard, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 12 muffinsCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Muffins0.5 cups Butter Adds richness and moisture; can be substituted with margarine for a dairy-free option.1.5 cups White Sugar Provides perfect sweetness; brown sugar can be used for deeper caramel notes.2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Enhances overall flavor; using pure vanilla yields the best results.2 Eggs Offers structure and moisture; for a vegan option, replace with flax eggs.1 cups Milk Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb; non-dairy milk works well as a substitute.0.75 cups Sourdough Discard/Active Starter Gives the muffins their unique flavor and texture.4 teaspoons Baking Powder Acts as a leavening agent for rising.3 cups All-Purpose Flour The base for the muffins.For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling + Topping1.5 cups Brown Sugar Infuses sweetness and caramel notes.5 tablespoons Flour Thickens the filling; can be omitted for a looser texture.4 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon Brings warm, comforting flavor.6 tablespoons Melted Butter Binds the filling ingredients and boosts moisture.For the Vanilla Glaze0.67 cups Powdered Sugar Adds sweetness to the glaze.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Elevates the flavor of the glaze.0.5-1 tablespoons Milk Adjusts the glaze consistency. Equipment Muffin TinMixing bowlsSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a muffin tin with bakery-style liners.In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Mix in melted butter until clumped together.In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and white sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add vanilla, eggs, milk, and sourdough starter; mix until combined.Gradually mix in baking powder and all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.Fill muffin liners halfway with batter, add a layer of cinnamon sugar filling, then top with more batter until three-quarters full. Press additional cinnamon sugar on top.Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.Mix together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk for the glaze until smooth.Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins and serve warm or at room temperature. Nutrition Serving: 1muffinCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick warm-up. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!