Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Cake Muffin Copycat Recipe

If you’ve ever grabbed a coffee and muffin from Dunkin’ Donuts and wished you could recreate that cozy bakery flavor at home, this Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Cake Muffin copycat recipe is exactly what you need. These muffins are soft, buttery, and tender inside, topped with a thick cinnamon streusel that melts slightly into the muffin as it bakes—just like the original.

This recipe is designed to capture the familiar Dunkin’ texture and flavor while using simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these muffins pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe

• Bakery-style muffins with tall, domed tops
• Rich cinnamon streusel topping like Dunkin’s
• Moist crumb that stays soft for days
• Easy to make with no special equipment
• Perfect balance of sweetness without being overpowering

Ingredients Overview

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Muffins

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Cake Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until large, crumbly clumps form. The streusel should look chunky, not sandy. Set aside and refrigerate while you prepare the muffin batter—this helps the topping stay crisp during baking.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cavity. This recipe makes 12 bakery-style muffins.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Whisking helps evenly distribute the leavening agents for a consistent rise.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be creamy and thick.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix—some small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing will result in dense muffins instead of the soft Dunkin-style crumb.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. This helps create that signature domed top.

Step 7: Add the Streusel Generously

Remove the streusel from the refrigerator and sprinkle a thick layer over each muffin. Lightly press the topping into the batter so it adheres while baking.

Step 8: Bake the Muffins

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The tops should be lightly golden and fragrant.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

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What Makes These Taste Like Dunkin’ Donuts

The key to replicating Dunkin’s coffee cake muffins lies in:

• Sour cream for moisture and richness
• Brown sugar for depth and bakery-style sweetness
• High baking temperature for a quick rise
• Thick streusel topping that partially melts into the muffin

Together, these elements create that nostalgic Dunkin’ experience at home.

Tips for Perfect Bakery-Style Muffins

• Always use room-temperature eggs for better texture
• Don’t skip chilling the streusel
• Fill muffin cups generously for tall tops
• Avoid overbaking—dry muffins lose that Dunkin softness

Optional Variations

Add a Cinnamon Swirl

Mix ¼ cup brown sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and layer it between spoonfuls of batter before topping with streusel.

Glazed Coffee Cake Muffins

Drizzle cooled muffins with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra indulgent touch.

Mini Muffin Version

Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for bite-sized treats.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

How to Freeze

Wrap muffins individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these exactly like Dunkin’ Donuts coffee cake muffins?

This is a close copycat recipe designed to replicate the flavor and texture. Many people find them even better because they’re fresh and homemade.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for flavor, but you can substitute an equal amount of neutral oil if needed. The texture will be slightly different.

Why is sour cream important in this recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and richness while keeping the muffins tender—one of the secrets behind Dunkin’s soft crumb.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free butter, plant-based sour cream, and non-dairy milk. Results may vary slightly in richness.

What coffee pairs best with these muffins?

Medium- or dark-roast coffee, especially with caramel or nutty notes, complements the cinnamon streusel perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Cake Muffin copycat recipe delivers everything you love about the original—soft, fluffy muffins crowned with buttery cinnamon streusel—right from your own kitchen. They’re easy enough for weekend baking and special enough to serve at brunch or gatherings. Once you try these homemade muffins, they’ll quickly become a breakfast favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.