Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Imagine the cozy scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls drifting through your kitchen — now picture that warmth wrapped up in an easy, portable treat! That’s exactly what you get with Cinnamon Roll Muffins. They’re sweet, pillowy, and swirling with buttery cinnamon goodness, all finished off with a glossy vanilla glaze. Whether you’re treating yourself at breakfast, sharing over coffee, or sneaking one for dessert, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins make any moment special.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cinnamon Roll Muffins lies in just how approachable the ingredients are — nothing fancy here, yet everyone brings their own charm. Each element works together to create irresistible flavor, the perfect crumb, and that signature cinnamon swirl.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives each muffin its soft, tender structure.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter and helps create a lovely golden color as the muffins bake.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that lifts the muffins for a fluffy, cake-like crumb.
• Salt: Just a touch brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Milk: Keeps the muffins moist and helps everything blend together smoothly — whole milk adds extra richness!
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds that classic buttery flavor and keeps the muffins wonderfully soft.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients and gives the muffins structure.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a delightful, aromatic depth.
• Brown sugar: For the swirl — it caramelizes in the oven for a gooey, cinnamon roll-inspired center.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that adds warmth and that unmistakable cinnamon roll experience.
• Unsalted butter (softened, for swirl): Blends beautifully with the brown sugar and cinnamon for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the simple glaze — it melts into the muffins for an irresistible finish.
• Milk (for glaze): Helps create the perfect glaze consistency — add a little at a time until just right.
• Vanilla extract (for glaze): Ties the glaze together and complements the muffin’s flavors.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin so your muffins release easily and keep their perfect shape. Taking that extra moment now means no sticking later — and prettier muffins!

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking thoroughly ensures the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed, giving you fluffy Cinnamon Roll Muffins every time.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mixing these first prevents overworking the batter later, which is the secret to tender muffins.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t worry if the batter looks a little lumpy — overmixing can make muffins tough instead of light and soft.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

Grab a small bowl and blend the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter into a thick, rich paste. This simple swirl mix adds all the nostalgic flavor of a classic cinnamon roll right inside the muffins!

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups and Swirl

Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Drop small dollops of your cinnamon mixture onto each mound of batter, then gently swirl them in using a toothpick or thin knife to create pretty cinnamon ribbons.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden. Try not to eat them all while they’re still piping hot!

Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

While the muffins cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle lovingly over the warm muffins — the glaze melts, mingling with those cinnamon swirls for a gooey, decadent finish.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Garnishes

Give your Cinnamon Roll Muffins a little extra love with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few chopped toasted nuts for crunch. A tiny drizzle of extra glaze just before serving never hurt, either!

Side Dishes

These muffins are dreamy alongside fresh fruit, creamy Greek yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a brunch spread that’s both comforting and balanced. For a special breakfast, pair with a tall glass of milk or your favorite hot coffee.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins: Creative Ways to Present

Take your Cinnamon Roll Muffins to the next level by serving them on a pretty cake stand, tucked into napkin-lined baskets, or topped with a swirl of whipped cream. They make adorable gifts wrapped in parchment paper and tied with rustic twine — who wouldn’t love a homemade muffin surprise?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your extra Cinnamon Roll Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and moist — just be sure to let them cool fully before storing, so the tops don’t get sticky.

Freezing

These muffins are wonderful to freeze! Pop them into a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to two months. For best results, freeze without the glaze and drizzle it on fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual muffins in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to regain that fresh-baked flavor. If you’re reheating a bunch, a few minutes in a 300°F oven does the trick. Don’t forget the final flourish of glaze if you froze them unglazed!

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Muffins gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. The texture will be slightly different, but the muffins will still be every bit as delicious and cinnamon-swirled.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?

Yes, you can! Stir in up to half a cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the batter for extra texture and a classic cinnamon roll twist. Sprinkle a few on top before baking for even more crunch.

What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon filling?

Use a toothpick or the tip of a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter. Don’t overdo it — a few swirls creates lovely layers without mixing it all in.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe is easy to double — just be sure to mix in two separate bowls so the batter stays light and doesn’t get overworked. Prepare two muffin pans and bake as directed.

How do I tell when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin: if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re set! The tops should look golden and feel springy to the touch.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a batch of homemade Cinnamon Roll Muffins wafting from your oven. They’re as easy as they are impressive, and sure to bring a smile to everyone who tries them. Give this recipe a whirl — you absolutely deserve the joy of a warm, cinnamon-swirled muffin (or two) in your day!

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