Cappuccino Muffins are a delightful twist on a classic morning treat, blending the comforting flavors of coffee and chocolate into a moist, tender muffin that’s perfect for any coffee lover. I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy weekend brunch, where the aroma of freshly baked muffins filled the kitchen and the rich taste of coffee lingered in every bite. These muffins are not only quick to whip up but ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack when you need a little pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Cappuccino Muffins stand out for their irresistible combination of flavor and texture, making them a must-try in your baking repertoire. They’re incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and kid-approved, making them a fantastic choice for family gatherings or casual brunches. Their unique flavor profile—thanks to the instant coffee and miniature chocolate chips—satisfies both coffee enthusiasts and sweet-toothed fans alike.
"These muffins were a hit at our family brunch! The kids loved the chocolate, and I adored the coffee kick. Will definitely make again!" — A fellow home cook
Step-by-Step Overview
Making your Cappuccino Muffins is a rewarding experience that involves a series of simple yet essential steps. First, you’ll whip up two separate mixtures—the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Then, you’ll combine them with a gentle touch, sprinkle in some chocolate chips, and add a delightful cream cheese surprise at the center. Finally, bake until golden and enjoy!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Items:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup miniature chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp instant coffee granules
- ½ cup butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 4 oz softened cream cheese, cubed
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp instant coffee granules
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ¼ cup miniature chocolate chips
Feel free to substitute with whole grain flour for added health benefits or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index!

Directions to Follow
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, instant coffee granules, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in ¾ cup of miniature chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
In a separate small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 Tbsp sugar, ½ tsp instant coffee granules, and ½ tsp vanilla until the mixture is smooth.
Spoon muffin batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each well halfway. Add a cube of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin, then top with more batter until filled three-quarters full.
Sprinkle the tops with the remaining ¼ cup miniature chocolate chips.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cappuccino Muffins
The best way to enjoy your Cappuccino Muffins is with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an indulgent twist. These muffins make a charming addition to any brunch table or can be served alongside fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To keep your leftover muffins delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, consider freezing them. Muffins can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat them in the microwave for a quick treat!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding chopped nuts or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
- Ensure your butter is melted but not hot before adding it to the mix. This helps achieve that soft muffin texture.
- Don’t overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients—this keeps your muffins fluffy and light.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Cappuccino Muffins! Substitute the chocolate chips for white chocolate or even dried fruit for a different taste. You can also experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, to give your muffins a unique flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the preparation take?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, while the baking will take an additional 18 to 20 minutes.
Can I use regular coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
Absolutely, but for the best flavor, use a strong brew; otherwise, you may not achieve the desired coffee intensity in your muffins.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Cappuccino Muffins
A delightful twist on a classic morning treat, blending the comforting flavors of coffee and chocolate into a moist muffin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup miniature chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp instant coffee granules
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 Tbsp sugar (for cream cheese filling)
- ½ tsp instant coffee granules (for cream cheese filling)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for cream cheese filling)
- ¼ cup miniature chocolate chips (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, instant coffee granules, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in ¾ cup of miniature chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 Tbsp sugar, ½ tsp instant coffee granules, and ½ tsp vanilla until smooth.
- Spoon muffin batter into prepared muffin tins, filling each well halfway. Add a cube of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin, then top with more batter until filled three-quarters full.
- Sprinkle the tops with the remaining ¼ cup miniature chocolate chips.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days or freeze for up to three months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg

