If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about the perfect breakfast treat that combines the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the effortless charm of muffins, this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe is your new best friend. These delightful, fluffy muffins capture the warmth and gooey swirl of cinnamon goodness inside each bite, topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that is impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them up for a cozy weekend brunch or an impressive snack to share, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins bring cozy comfort and sweet smiles to the table every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is what makes this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe so accessible and fun to bake. Each component plays a star role in building the perfect balance of moist texture, sweet cinnamon richness, and that familiar tender crumb we all love.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the muffins.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light crumb.
- Baking powder: The key leavening agent for fluffy muffins.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and moistness to the batter.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps dissolve the sugars evenly.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle aromatic sweetness.
- Brown sugar (packed): Combines with cinnamon for that signature gooey swirl.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of this recipe’s warm, inviting flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the irresistible glaze topping.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cinnamon roll muffins bake evenly to golden perfection. Line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking, making the cleanup just as easy as the baking.
Step 2: Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, blend melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tougher muffins, so a few lumps are perfectly fine here.
Step 3: Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
Mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. This luscious mixture is the magic swirl that turns simple muffin batter into a cinnamon roll experience. Its buttery sweetness will caramelize slightly as it bakes, becoming the heart of every bite.
Step 4: Layering Batter and Cinnamon Swirl
Fill each muffin cup halfway with the muffin batter, then add a generous spoonful of the cinnamon swirl. Swirl it gently through the batter with a toothpick or skewer to create those beautiful cinnamon ribbons. Top each cup with more batter until it reaches about three quarters full—this layering gives each muffin its signature look and flavor pockets.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Pop the tin into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this prevents sogginess and keeps the bottoms perfectly tender.
Step 6: Preparing the Glaze
While the muffins cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the cooled muffins for that iconic cinnamon roll finish—making these Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Add a personal touch by sprinkling a little extra ground cinnamon or chopped pecans on top of the glaze before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also transform these treats into little works of art, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for a quintessential breakfast experience. For a wholesome brunch, fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait complement the sweet, spicy flavors beautifully, helping balance richness with refreshing brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these muffins on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and small bowls of honey or nut butter for a cozy, inviting spread. You can also slice one in half and add a dollop of cream cheese for an extra indulgent twist that captures the essence of classic cinnamon rolls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your cinnamon roll muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and moist for up to two days, making them perfect for quick grab-and-go breakfasts or afternoon snacks.
Freezing
To enjoy these muffins later, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, preserving that tender crumb and cinnamon swirl so you can enjoy them anytime you crave a comforting sweet treat.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Reheating brings back the fresh-out-of-the-oven softness and enhances the melted glaze’s gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Substituting whole wheat flour can add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but keep in mind the muffins may be denser. For best results, try a half-and-half mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
Is it necessary to use melted butter for the batter and the cinnamon swirl?
Yes, melted butter helps achieve a moist, tender muffin and binds the cinnamon swirl ingredients perfectly. Using cold or softened butter won’t give you the same smooth texture or lick of richness.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap the milk for almond, soy, or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The muffins might have slight flavor differences but remain deliciously moist and flavorful.
How do I get the perfect cinnamon swirl in every muffin?
Filling muffin cups halfway first, adding the cinnamon mixture, then topping with more batter helps create those gorgeous swirls. Using a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon in the batter gives each bite that signature cinnamon roll character.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales up easily. Just make sure you have enough muffin tins or bake in batches. Watch baking times closely, as double batches sometimes need a minute or two longer in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy all the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolling dough. It’s simple, sweet, and utterly satisfying—ideal for sharing with loved ones or keeping all to yourself. I encourage you to try it soon and watch these muffins become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
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Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delightful Cinnamon Roll Muffins that combine the fluffy texture of muffins with the sweet, cinnamony swirl and a creamy glaze topping. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these muffins are easy to make and baked to golden perfection with a soft center and a touch of sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare dry and wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated to create the flavorful swirl.
- Layer the batter and swirl: Spoon muffin batter halfway into each muffin cup. Add a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter. Then, add the remaining batter on top, filling each muffin cup about three-quarters full.
- Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and add the glaze: While muffins cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled muffins to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Use stuck muffin liners or grease the tin well to easily release muffins after baking.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less milk.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
