Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of muffins. These soft, fluffy muffins are swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze, giving you all the flavors of a cinnamon roll in a handheld form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack, these muffins are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Muffins bring all the warmth and sweetness of traditional cinnamon rolls without the time-consuming rolling and rising. They’re quick and easy to make, with a simple batter that’s swirled with cinnamon sugar for that signature cinnamon roll taste. The muffins are soft, moist, and have the perfect balance of sweetness, with a touch of gooeyness from the cinnamon swirl. Topped with a sweet glaze, these muffins are a great way to start your day or satisfy your sweet tooth anytime!

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Ingredients

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

For the muffins:

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

For the cinnamon swirl:

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the glaze:

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the cinnamon swirl:

Mix the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until a smooth, paste-like consistency forms. Set aside.

Make the muffin batter:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with cooking spray.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Assemble the muffins:

Fill the muffin cups: Spoon about one tablespoon of muffin batter into each muffin cup, spreading it evenly. Then, add about one teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter. Follow with another spoonful of muffin batter to cover the swirl.
Swirl the cinnamon mixture: Using a toothpick or a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake the muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top.

Make the glaze:

Prepare the glaze: While the muffins are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and drizzly.

Serve:

Drizzle the glaze: Once the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm muffins for a sweet finishing touch.
Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the soft, cinnamon-swirled goodness!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 10-12 muffins.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 18-22 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Nuts: Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Fruity Muffins: For a fruity twist, add a handful of raisins or chopped apples to the muffin batter before baking.
Cream Cheese Filling: For a creamier cinnamon roll experience, add a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin before baking.
Vegan Version: Substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk, use vegan butter, and swap the egg with a flax egg or a chia egg to make these muffins vegan.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay soft and delicious.
Freezing: These muffins freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, just microwave them for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for half or all of the all-purpose flour for a slightly denser texture and a nuttier flavor.

2. Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or another sugar substitute. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly.

3. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes! These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat as needed.

4. Can I make a larger batch of these muffins?

Yes! You can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and check the muffins for doneness using a toothpick.

5. Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet version, you can skip the glaze and enjoy the muffins as they are. They will still have plenty of flavor from the cinnamon swirl.

6. Can I add frosting instead of the glaze?

Yes! If you want a sweeter, more indulgent version, you can top these muffins with a cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze for a true cinnamon roll experience.

7. Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

While homemade dough is preferred for this recipe, you can also use store-bought cinnamon roll dough for a quicker version. Just slice it into muffin-sized portions and bake according to the instructions.

8. How do I keep my muffins from getting too dry?

To prevent the muffins from becoming dry, be sure not to overmix the batter, and bake them just until they are golden brown on top. Overbaking can lead to dry muffins, so keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a delicious and fun twist on the classic cinnamon roll. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness, with the perfect amount of sweetness from the glaze. These muffins are easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, they’ll always be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy these warm, comforting muffins fresh out of the oven!

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients