Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe: Bakery-Fresh Goodness

Warm, gooey cinnamon roll muffins capture the essence of comfort in every bite.

Mornings feel magical when these delectable treats emerge from the oven, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Soft, pillowy pastries swirled with rich cinnamon and topped with a decadent glaze.

Bakery-style goodness comes straight to your home kitchen without complicated techniques.

Sweet signals of weekend indulgence dance across your taste buds, promising pure delight.

Each muffin delivers a perfect balance between cake-like texture and classic cinnamon roll flavor.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of these delightful morning companions.

Grab a napkin and get ready to experience breakfast bliss!

Why Cinnamon Roll Muffins Are Pure Breakfast Joy

  • Savor Swirled Comfort: These cinnamon roll muffins deliver the cozy, warm flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a convenient muffin form, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
  • Quick and Easy Baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy mornings or spontaneous baking sessions.
  • Delightful Texture Adventure: Experience a magical combination of soft, fluffy muffin base with ribbons of gooey cinnamon swirl and a sweet vanilla glaze that creates a mouthwatering contrast in every single bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Treat: These muffins appeal to both kids and adults, offering a nostalgic taste of traditional cinnamon rolls without the complex rolling and shaping process, ensuring smiles around the breakfast table.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: The base of the muffin, providing structure and texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Milk, Egg: Essential for moisture, binding, and rich flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the muffin's taste.
Cinnamon Swirl Mix:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Butter: Creates a sweet and spicy ribbon through the muffins.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Provides a smooth, sweet topping that adds shine and extra sweetness.

How to Bake Cinnamon Roll Muffins Step-by-Step

How to Bake Cinnamon Roll Muffins Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a muffin tin and either line it with cute paper cups or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Create the Magical Muffin Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
In another bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Egg
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix. Don’t go crazy – some lumps are totally okay!

Step 3: Craft the Cinnamon Swirl Magic

In a small bowl, mix until smooth:
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Melted butter

Step 4: Layer the Muffin Wonderland

Spoon a little batter into each muffin cup, filling about 1/3 of the way. Drop a dollop of cinnamon magic on top. Cover with more batter until cups are 3/4 full. Grab a toothpick and create beautiful swirly patterns through the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the muffin tin into the oven for 15-18 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let them chill in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Whip Up the Dreamy Glaze

In a small bowl, blend:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or sugar as you like.

Step 7: Shower with Glaze Goodness

Drizzle that gorgeous glaze over the cooled muffins. Use a spoon or get fancy with a piping bag. Let the glaze set and then dive in!

Enjoy your mouthwatering cinnamon swirl muffins that are about to become your new obsession!

Smart Tips for Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Muffins

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep muffins tender and fluffy.
  • Create Perfect Swirls: Use a toothpick or thin knife to create beautiful marbled patterns in the muffin batter for a professional bakery look.
  • Customize Glaze Consistency: Add milk or powdered sugar gradually to achieve your desired drizzling thickness for a picture-perfect topping.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick in the center of muffins; it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs to ensure perfectly baked treats.
  • Store Smartly: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month to enjoy later.

Store and Reheat Cinnamon Roll Muffins the Right Way

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for long-term storage.
  • Reheating Refrigerated Muffins: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  • Thawing Frozen Muffins: Transfer from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight, then reheat using microwave or oven method for best texture and flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Cinnamon Roll Muffins

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Companions: Pair these cinnamon roll muffins with a rich medium roast Colombian coffee or a smooth vanilla latte to complement the warm, sweet cinnamon flavors and enhance the overall breakfast experience.
  • Create Creamy Dairy Delights: Serve alongside cold whole milk or a creamy vanilla yogurt to balance the muffins' sweetness and provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced treat.
  • Elevate with Fruit Accents: Accompany the muffins with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries, which add a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness and provides a beautiful color contrast on the plate.
  • Craft Smooth Morning Smoothies: Blend a light banana and almond milk smoothie that echoes the muffins' warm flavors while offering a nutritious and refreshing morning beverage option.

New Takes on Cinnamon Roll Muffins You Can Try

  • Nutty Cinnamon Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl mixture and sprinkle additional nuts on top before baking for extra texture and crunch.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and swirl it into the muffin batter alongside the cinnamon mixture for a rich, tangy flavor.
  • Apple Cinnamon Upgrade: Fold finely diced fresh apples into the batter and add a dash of ground nutmeg to the cinnamon swirl for a warm, seasonal touch.
  • Chocolate Chip Fusion: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the muffin batter and mix them gently before adding the cinnamon swirl for a sweet chocolate-cinnamon combination.

Answers to Cinnamon Roll Muffins Questions

  • What makes these cinnamon roll muffins different from traditional cinnamon rolls?

These muffins combine the delicious flavors of cinnamon rolls with the easy preparation of muffins. They’re quicker to make, require no yeast or rising time, and are perfect for busy mornings when you want a sweet breakfast treat.

  • Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before baking. The muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept at room temperature for 1-2 days.

  • How do I get the perfect cinnamon swirl in my muffins?

The key is to layer the batter and cinnamon mixture, then use a toothpick or knife to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix – gentle swirling creates those beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout the muffin.

  • Is it important to use room temperature ingredients?

Yes! Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a more consistent batter. Take out your egg, milk, and butter about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure they’re at the right temperature.

Print
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Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in these irresistible cinnamon roll muffins, blending classic bakery charm with homemade warmth. Swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, these tender treats deliver a delightful breakfast experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) unsalted butter, melted

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze:

  • ⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prep the baking environment by setting the oven temperature to 375F (190C) and preparing a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or a light coating of grease.
  2. Create the foundational muffin mixture by combining dry ingredients in one bowl, whisking together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate vessel, blend melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
  3. Integrate the wet and dry components, stirring gently until just incorporated. The resulting batter should maintain a slightly lumpy texture, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Craft the signature cinnamon swirl by merging brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter into a rich, paste-like consistency.
  5. Construct the muffin layers by depositing a modest amount of batter into each muffin cup, filling approximately one-third of the space. Introduce a dollop of cinnamon mixture atop the initial batter layer.
  6. Complete the muffin formation by adding additional batter to fill cups about three-quarters full. Use a toothpick or knife to create intricate marbled patterns by gently swirling the cinnamon mixture throughout.
  7. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven, allowing the treats to bake for 15-18 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and pristine.
  8. After removing from the oven, permit the muffins to rest in the tin for five minutes before transitioning them to a wire cooling rack.
  9. Develop a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, pourable consistency. Adjust liquid or sugar quantities as needed for ideal texture.
  10. Finalize the muffins by elegantly drizzling the prepared glaze over the cooled pastries, using either a spoon or piping bag for precise application. Allow the glaze to set completely before serving.

Notes

  • Prevent overmixing the batter to keep the muffins tender and light, stopping as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
  • Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cinnamon or adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
  • Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk to make the recipe dairy-free and accommodate different dietary needs.
  • Enhance the texture by folding in chopped nuts or dried fruit into the batter for added crunch and flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 215
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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