Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Introduction
Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins combine the tangy flavor of sourdough with warm cinnamon and sugar for a delightful treat. These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness.

Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (1 stick, softened)
- 1½ cups 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 cups brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
- ½ – 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the cinnamon sugar filling and topping by mixing 1½ cups brown sugar, 5 tablespoons flour, and 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. Pour in 6 tablespoons melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1½ cups white sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup milk and ¾ cup sourdough discard, mixing well to combine.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour and 4 teaspoons baking powder. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Step 7: Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Spoon a layer of the cinnamon sugar filling over the batter, then top with more batter until cups are about ¾ full. Finish with another spoonful of cinnamon sugar filling on top.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: While muffins cool, prepare the glaze by mixing ⅔ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ to 1 tablespoon milk until smooth.
- Step 10: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over cooled muffins before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar in the batter.
- Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra texture.
- Use non-dairy milk to make these muffins vegan-friendly.
- Let the sourdough discard sit at room temperature for a few hours to become more active before using.
Storage
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven until heated through.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, active starter can be used and may improve the rise and flavor of the muffins. Just ensure it’s well-fed and bubbly before adding.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
To make gluten-free muffins, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that texture may vary slightly.
PrintSourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
These Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins combine the tangy flavor of sourdough discard with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling and a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfectly moist and fluffy, these muffins are an ideal treat for breakfast or snack time, providing a delightful twist on traditional coffee cake using leftover sourdough starter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling + Topping
- 1½ cup brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Muffin Batter
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 1½ cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup sourdough discard or active starter
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Vanilla Glaze
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½–1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling + Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside.
- Make Muffin Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Add the milk and sourdough discard, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
- Layer the Muffins: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter. Spoon a layer of the cinnamon sugar filling on top, then add more batter to fill each cup about ¾ full. Finish by topping each with another spoonful of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ½ to 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze the Muffins: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled muffins evenly. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Butter should be softened for easier mixing in the batter and melted for the cinnamon sugar topping.
- You can substitute white sugar with brown sugar in the batter for a richer flavor.
- Use an active sourdough starter if possible for the best rise and flavor; discard is acceptable.
- Non-dairy milk can be used in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
- If you prefer a thinner glaze, add more milk gradually.
- Storing muffins in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 3 days; they can also be frozen for longer storage.
Keywords: sourdough muffins, coffee cake muffins, sourdough discard recipe, cinnamon sugar muffins, vanilla glazed muffins, breakfast muffins

