Short Description

Light and tender coffee muffins swirled with chai-spiced brown sugar, topped with a chai streusel, and finished with a coffee glaze for a cozy, flavor-packed treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are a delightful mashup of spiced chai and rich coffee flavors, perfect for fall—or really any time you’re craving something warm and comforting. The chai swirl and streusel add layers of texture and spice, while the coffee glaze elevates each bite with a sweet, caffeinated twist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chai Streusel

21 g unsalted butter (1 ½ tbsp)
22 g light brown sugar (2 tbsp)
40 g all-purpose flour (⅓ cup)
¾ tsp chai spice

Coffee Muffins

56 g unsalted butter (4 tbsp)
100 g granulated sugar (½ cup)
1 egg, room temperature
½ tsp vanilla extract
20 g coffee, room temperature
45 g sour cream (3 tbsp), room temperature
32 g whole milk (2 tbsp), room temperature
120 g all-purpose flour (1 cup)
1¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Chai Swirl

55 g light brown sugar (¼ cup)
¾ tsp chai spice

Coffee Glaze

60 g powdered sugar (1 cup)
½–1 tbsp coffee

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a muffin pan with six parchment liners.
Chai Streusel: Melt the butter in a small bowl. Use a fork to whisk in the brown sugar, flour, and chai spice until crumbly chunks form. Set aside.
Coffee Muffins: In a medium bowl, melt the butter, then whisk in the granulated sugar. Add the egg, vanilla, coffee, sour cream, and milk; whisk until smooth. Gently stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt just until no streaks of flour remain.
Use a small cookie scoop to portion about 1½ tbsp of batter into each liner.
Chai Swirl: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and chai spice. Sprinkle about 2 tsp of the mixture into each muffin liner over the batter.
Top with the remaining batter, then evenly distribute the chai streusel over each muffin.
Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Coffee Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with ½ to 1 tbsp of coffee until smooth and pourable.
Allow the muffins to cool to room temperature, then drizzle with the glaze. Serve and enjoy.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 6 muffins
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use espresso instead of regular coffee for a bolder flavor.
Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Use non-dairy milk and butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
Top with a dusting of powdered sugar instead of glaze for a lighter finish.
Add a pinch of cardamom to boost chai flavor.
Substitute half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier texture.
Swirl in a spoonful of cream cheese before baking for extra richness.
Add mini chocolate chips for a mocha-style muffin.
Make mini muffins and reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap each muffin individually and store for up to 1 month.
Reheat in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

FAQs

What Is A Dirty Chai Muffin?

It’s a muffin inspired by a dirty chai latte—combining the bold flavors of coffee with warming chai spices.

Can I Make These Muffins Without Coffee?

Yes, but they won’t have the “dirty” chai flavor. Substitute with milk or chai tea if preferred.

How Do I Make Chai Spice At Home?

Mix cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and allspice in your preferred ratio.

Why Bake At Two Different Temperatures?

Starting hot helps the muffins rise quickly, creating a domed top. Reducing heat finishes the baking evenly.

Can I Use Instant Coffee?

Yes, dissolve it in a small amount of warm water before adding.

Are These Muffins Very Sweet?

They are mildly sweet with a balance of spice and glaze, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?

Greek yogurt or plain yogurt are good substitutes.

How Long Should I Cool Before Glazing?

Wait until the muffins are completely cooled to prevent the glaze from melting off.

Can I Use Store-Bought Chai Spice?

Absolutely. Just ensure it’s a blend of traditional chai spices.

Conclusion

These Dirty Chai Latte Muffins deliver the comforting flavors of your favorite coffeehouse drink in muffin form. Spiced, sweet, and satisfying, they make a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon pick-me-up.