Name: Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Imagine waking up to the cozy aroma of cinnamon swirling through your kitchen; that’s the magic of Cinnamon Roll Muffins. These delightful treats capture all the gooey, spiced brilliance of classic cinnamon rolls but transform them into quick, irresistible muffins that fit right in the palm of your hand. They’re tender, swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar ribbon, and drizzled with sweet vanilla glaze—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a bakery-style pick-me-up without waiting hours for dough to rise.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of fridge and pantry staples can create something as special as Cinnamon Roll Muffins! Each ingredient brings its own charm: softness, sweetness, richness, or just that irresistible cinnamon flavor that makes us all swoon.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your muffins, providing structure and a light crumb.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness right in the base, helping the muffins brown beautifully.
Baking powder: This is your lift-off—don’t skip it for fluffy, sky-high Cinnamon Roll Muffins.
Salt: Just a pinch goes a long way in balancing all the sweet flavors.
Milk: Adds the perfect amount of moisture, so your muffins turn out irresistibly tender.
Unsalted butter (melted): Richness and flavor galore—in both the batter and the filling!
Large egg: Essential for binding the batter and adding extra tenderness.
Brown sugar (packed): For that classic, rich cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout the muffins.
Cinnamon: The showstopper spice, giving your muffins that warm, nostalgic flavor you know and love.
Powdered sugar: Whirls quickly into a silky-sweet glaze that completes each bite.
Vanilla extract: A splash of fragrant depth in your glaze—don’t miss it!

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab a 12-cup muffin pan and either pop in some cheerful cupcake liners or grease each cup well with butter or cooking spray. This step sets the stage for super easy muffin removal—because who wants a cinnamon roll muffin stuck in the tin?

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your muffins bake up evenly and that the leavening gets distributed everywhere for a lovely rise and a tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth. Combining these ingredients separately helps the muffins come out ultra soft and keeps the batter from over-mixing, which can make them tough.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Now, pour your wet ingredients into the dry mix. Stir gently, just until everything is combined. Don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy—over-mixing can make muffins dense rather than pillowy-soft.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This is the heart of Cinnamon Roll Muffins—the sweet, fragrant swirl that winds its way through every bite.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl

Scoop half the muffin batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway. Sprinkle a generous spoonful of your cinnamon-sugar filling over each. Top with the remaining batter, dividing evenly. Drizzle a little melted butter over each muffin, then use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter for that signature cinnamon roll look and taste.

Step 7: Bake

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs (and your kitchen smells totally irresistible!). Let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes—just enough so you can glaze them while they’re still warm.

Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy

While the muffins are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the warm muffins so it sinks into all those swirled nooks and crannies. Now comes the best part—dig in while the glaze melts right into them!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Garnishes

You can keep it simple with a classic glaze, but why not sprinkle on some chopped toasted pecans, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or even a few golden raisins for pops of sweetness? These easy extras make your Cinnamon Roll Muffins look as festive as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a scoop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast, or plate them with scrambled eggs and fruit salad if you’re serving brunch. They also play well with strong coffee or a chai latte—the spicier the better!

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the muffins on a tiered stand for a brunch buffet, or nestle each one into a mug and serve with a tiny fork as a cozy afternoon treat. For special occasions, add a swirl of cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a true cinnamon roll experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Cinnamon Roll Muffins have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want that fresh-baked texture, just reheat them briefly before eating.

Freezing

These muffins freeze like a dream! Pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw on the counter or gently rewarm in the microwave when you need a quick cinnamon fix.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked flavor, warm a muffin in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. The glaze softens, the crumb gets a little fluffier, and your kitchen smells wonderful all over again.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well for best results.

Is it possible to prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the muffins right after mixing so they rise properly. However, you can pre-mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking for maximum freshness.

Can I use a dairy-free milk or butter substitute?

Yes—you can use any unsweetened plant-based milk, and substitute your favorite vegan butter. These adjustments work well and still deliver tender, flavorful Cinnamon Roll Muffins.

What’s the best way to get a pretty swirl inside the muffins?

After adding the cinnamon-sugar layer and topping with more batter, use a skewer or toothpick to gently swirl the layers together. Don’t overdo it; a few quick circular motions are all you need for a beautiful, bakery-worthy swirl!

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe doubles (or even triples) easily. Just be sure not to crowd your muffin tins and bake in batches if needed, so each muffin rises perfectly and every swirl gets its moment to shine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a swoon-worthy breakfast treat, you have to give these Cinnamon Roll Muffins a try. They’re warm, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon goodness—just the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s a weekend splurge or a sweet weekday pick-me-up! Don’t be surprised when they disappear in minutes.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in the form of a muffin with these delightful Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day!

Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter

For the glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare muffin tin.

In a large bowl, combine dry dough ingredients. In another bowl, mix wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry mixtures. Fill muffin cups halfway with batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mix. Top with more batter. Drizzle with butter, swirl, and bake.