Cinnamon Coffeecake Muffins

I've become quite a coffee snob lately. Antipodean coffee shops seem to be popping up all over London, and I'm loving their flat whites. For those not familiar with the flat white think a smaller (so stronger) and smoother latte. For me a good coffee starts with a lovely shot of espresso (Monmouth or Climpson's espresso beans are my favorites in London) and perfectly steamed milk - teeny tiny bubbles for microfoamed milk.

Usually I just drink it alone. But, occasionally, I need an accompaniment. I'm not a huge fan of super sweet for breakfast so these wholewheat cinnamon coffeecake muffins are perfect when eggs and bacon is too much for my stomach to handle.

CINNAMON COFFEECAKE MUFFINS

• 3 c wholewheat flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 5 oz butter
• 1 c sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 3/4 c sour cream

Filling/Topping

• 2/3 c dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbs whole wheat flour
• 1 c chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are my favorite for this)

METHOD

Combine together and mix all ingredients for the filling/topping. Combine all dry ingredients for the muffin recipe. Beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing in each time. Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream until just combined. Fill muffin cups about 1/4 of the way up. Sprinkle a bit of the nut mixture. Add more batter till muffin cup is about 2/3rds of the way full. Sprinkle more of the nut mixture over top. Bake at 350F until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean. Large muffins take about 20 minutes to bake and this recipe makes 10-12 large muffins.

These are best straight from the oven, so I often just make a half batch (in which case I use two eggs and a scant 3/4 c of sour cream).

Well it is approaching noon, my favorite time of day for a flat white, so I'm off to get my fix.

Comments

[lisa]

I'm not a big fan of super sweet pastries for breakfast either but I do like to have muffins or bread every so often with my coffee. These look fantastic--the sour cream must bring them over the top.

By the way, that flat white sounds like it would be right up my alley! I must get a latte now.

[Sophie]

Waw,...these are georgous good for you muffins!! Superb even,...with a lovely cup of fresh coffee on a rainy day!!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM,....!!!!!!!I so love the crunchy topping too!

[OysterCulture]

Yu made my day with this post, I love the sound of these muffins and at the risk of sounding like a chorus, sweet stuff is not for me at breakfast, although I break that rule for Arizmendi's. I'm going to forward this recipe to my Dad, who is the biggest coffee lover I know and I am surprised to learn an accomplished baker. He grinds his own whole wheat.

[Natasha - 5 Star Foodie]

I do like to eat something sweet with my cup of coffee and this muffin sound absolutely perfect, yum!

[Darina]

I love coffee but I'm really sensitive to caffeine. These are perfect for when Im craving that cofee taste. I definitely need some new HEALTHY muffin recipes to add to my arsenal.

[Tangled Noodle]

Oh! 'Flat whites' sound so good!

Come to think of it, I usually don't eat anything to accompany my chocolate since I'm notorious for adding copious amounts of sugar and cocoa for my 'poor girl's' mocha. A sweet treat might send me over the edge but I would gladly make an exception for this cinnamon coffeecake muffin!

[Lori]

This coffee cake looks so great. I love that it has whole wheat flour as well. I'm thinking it might make its way into my holiday cooking.

They were pushing white coffee big in Singapore. A type of bean and way of preparation I guess. I wonder if it is the same thing. I didn't get around to trying it.

[Jamie]

Yum yum to both that perfect coffee/cappuccino and that luscious muffin. That is a fabulous breakfast.

[Alethea]

You have been such a little busy bee! I can't wait for you to come home, so soon!!

[Maria]

Those muffins are beautiful and they sound delicious. I love a good cup of coffee too!

[cheffresco]

What beautiful muffins! I know what you mean about coffee selections :)