Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the gooey, fragrant goodness of fresh cinnamon rolls but wishing they were a little easier (and faster!) to whip up, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are about to become your new go-to breakfast treat. Imagine a soft, fluffy muffin hugging swirls of buttery cinnamon sugar, all finished with a sweet vanilla glaze — the best parts of a cinnamon roll, but ready in a fraction of the time. These delightful muffins deliver all the familiar flavors and aromas you love, in a fun and portable form that’s perfect for sharing or savoring with your morning coffee.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cinnamon Roll Muffins lies in the balance of simple ingredients that each have a special job. From the tender crumb of the dough to the decadent swirl and the glossy glaze, every element shines — here’s a look at what you’ll need and why.

• All-purpose flour: The classic, reliable base for soft, bakery-style muffins.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the muffin dough.
• Baking powder: Lends a beautiful rise and lightness to each muffin.
• Salt: Enhances all those warm, cozy flavors without making the muffins salty.
• Milk: Brings moisture and tenderness to the batter.
• Unsalted butter (melted): For a rich, buttery flavor and that classic cinnamon roll mouthfeel.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and helps with the texture.
• Brown sugar (packed): Provides a deep, caramel-like flavor in the cinnamon swirl.
• Cinnamon: The star of the show, infusing each bite with irresistible warmth.
• Melted butter (for swirl): Helps the sugar and spice melt into the batter for those swirly ribbons.
• Powdered sugar: The foundation for a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth glaze.
• Milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze to that perfect drizzling consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with a fragrant, homestyle touch.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give each cup a good coating of nonstick spray or butter. This helps your Cinnamon Roll Muffins release easily once baked and stay extra moist.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Take a moment to really blend these evenly — this ensures every bite of muffin will rise and bake just right.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and egg. Give it a quick whisk until well combined. This helps incorporate the egg smoothly into the batter, making for tender muffins later on.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy! Overmixing can make muffins tough, so stop as soon as there are no dry pockets left.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the packed brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will become the gooey, aromatic swirl that makes these Cinnamon Roll Muffins such a treat.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl

Spoon a layer of batter into each muffin cup, filling them about halfway. Sprinkle a generous spoonful of your cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, then cover with the remaining batter. Drizzle a bit of melted butter over each, and use a toothpick to gently swirl the layers for that classic cinnamon roll effect.

Step 7: Bake

Slide the muffins into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden, they’re ready. Let them cool for about five minutes — just enough time to make the glaze.

Step 8: Make and Add the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the still-warm Cinnamon Roll Muffins, letting it seep into the swirls and melt just a little bit. Pure bliss!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Garnishes

A simple glaze is always a winner, but you can also scatter chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon over the top for a bit of crunch and extra flavor. For a festive touch, try a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.

Side Dishes

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are delicious all on their own, but they’re lovely paired with a bowl of fresh fruit, creamy Greek yogurt, or a side of crispy bacon. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside scrambled eggs and a carafe of strong coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform everyday breakfast into a special occasion by arranging muffins on a pretty cake stand and garnishing with orange zest. Or, serve them warm in a basket lined with a cheerful cloth napkin for that inviting, “fresh from the bakery” feeling at your next brunch or office gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cinnamon Roll Muffins keep beautifully at room temperature for up to two days. Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container to maintain their tenderness and prevent the glaze from getting too sticky.

Freezing

If you want to tuck some away for later, let the muffins cool fully and skip the glaze until after reheating. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and again in foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, glaze after warming for fresh-baked flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, pop muffins in the microwave for 10–15 seconds until just warmed through. If frozen, unwrap and heat for about 30 seconds. This revives that wonderful bakery-fresh softness, and the glaze melts enticingly over the top.

FAQs

Can I add nuts or raisins to the Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins mix beautifully with the cinnamon filling, adding extra texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them in with the brown sugar and cinnamon layer before swirling.

Do I need to use paper liners for the muffins?

Paper liners make cleanup a breeze and help the muffins hold their shape, but a well-greased muffin tin will work just as well. For extra insurance, you can cut small parchment circles for the bottoms.

Can I make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based alternative, and use melted coconut oil or vegan butter in place of dairy butter. The result will still be tender and delicious.

How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?

Look for lightly golden tops and do the toothpick test — insert a toothpick in the center and it should come out clean or with just a couple crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Double all ingredients and bake in two batches or use two muffin pans. It’s a perfect way to feed a crowd or to have extra Cinnamon Roll Muffins ready for a busy week ahead.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about the familiar flavors of cinnamon rolls, and these Cinnamon Roll Muffins offer all that magic in a quick, mess-free package. Give them a try the next time you want to brighten a morning or surprise someone with a homemade treat — you may just find yourself making them on repeat!

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