Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

If you’re a fan of gooey, cinnamon-swirled treats but don’t always have the time or patience for rolling out classic pastries, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are about to be your new weekend obsession! Imagine all the cozy, sweet flavors of your favorite breakfast indulgence, baked into soft, tender muffins that you can whip up in less than an hour. With buttery swirls of brown sugar and cinnamon tucked inside every bite, these muffins will make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly and melt the stress of any morning away.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple—each ingredient in these Cinnamon Roll Muffins plays a vital part in delivering that irresistible flavor, texture, and nostalgic cinnamon roll magic. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start baking:

• All-purpose flour: This is the base of your muffins, giving them structure and that classic tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps your muffins rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the sweet, buttery notes.
• Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the muffins soft. Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but any milk works here.
• Unsalted butter, melted: For rich, buttery flavor throughout every bite.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help the muffins rise beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins without overpowering that cinnamon goodness.
• Brown sugar: Brings that classic cinnamon roll depth and creates the gooey, swirled filling.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the show—use fresh cinnamon for the boldest flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings all the flavors together and adds warmth.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Kick things off by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or give them a quick spritz of non-stick spray. Prepping your pan first means you can move quickly once your batter is ready, and ensures your Cinnamon Roll Muffins won’t stick!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This makes sure your leavening is evenly distributed, which leads to a consistent rise and a delightfully even crumb in every muffin.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine your melted unsalted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Give it a good whisk to smooth out the eggs and make sure everything’s ready to be mingled with the dry mix. This step creates the foundation for that soft, rich muffin texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients right into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold them together just until combined—resist the urge to overmix, as that can make the muffins tough instead of tender!

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until they’re well combined and incredibly fragrant. This filling is where your muffins get that addictive, cinnamon roll character.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Spoon a generous layer of muffin batter into each muffin cup, sprinkle on a good pinch of the cinnamon-sugar filling, and add another dollop of batter on top. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the filling into the batter—this step is not just for looks, you get that beautiful marbled effect with a burst of flavor in every bite!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for golden tops and a toothpick that comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible while these Cinnamon Roll Muffins bake!

Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy

While the muffins are still warm, whip up a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk. Drizzle over the tops of the muffins—don’t be shy! The glaze seeps into the cracks, making each bite sweet and luscious. Let them cool for just a few minutes before treating yourself to that first, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Garnishes

A simple glaze is classic, but you can up the wow-factor with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a smattering of chopped pecans, or a little orange zest right over the top. That finishing touch not only makes your Cinnamon Roll Muffins look bakery-worthy but adds an extra pop of flavor too!

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a mound of fresh fruit, a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt, or even a savory breakfast casserole for a fun brunch spread. The balance of sweet and savory makes every bite of Cinnamon Roll Muffins feel just a bit more special.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Cinnamon Roll Muffins on a pretty tiered platter for a brunch table centerpiece, wrapping them up in parchment and twine for a cozy edible gift, or splitting and serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. There’s no wrong way to show off these beauties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any muffins left after breakfast, keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and delightful, especially if you give them a quick warm-up before serving.

Freezing

Cinnamon Roll Muffins freeze remarkably well—once they’ve cooled completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, perfect for grab-and-go treats or impromptu brunch guests.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked taste, microwave a muffin for 15-20 seconds (or warm gently in the oven) until soft and slightly gooey. If you’ve frozen your muffins, let them thaw overnight or zap them straight from the freezer for an instant reward.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Muffins gluten free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The muffins will be just as fluffy and delicious—nobody will guess they’re gluten free.

What’s the secret to getting perfect cinnamon swirls?

Layering and swirling is key: start with a bit of batter, add your cinnamon-sugar filling, and top with more batter, then use a toothpick to swirl gently. This creates dramatic streaks of cinnamon and helps every muffin look like a little masterpiece.

Should I glaze the muffins while hot or wait until they cool?

Drizzling the glaze while the muffins are warm helps it sink in and creates that sticky, classic cinnamon roll feel. If you want a crispier glaze on top, wait until the muffins are fully cooled before glazing.

Can I add nuts or raisins to these muffins?

Definitely! Fold a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the batter before baking. It’ll add wonderful texture and make your Cinnamon Roll Muffins even more irresistible.

How do I keep the muffins from sticking to the liners?

If sticking is an issue, try using high-quality parchment liners or greasing your tin well. Letting the muffins cool for 10 minutes in the pan helps them release easily too.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a kitchen filled with the smell of baking cinnamon and butter. Whether for a weekend breakfast or a midweek treat, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins capture the very best of that classic pastry in every tender, swirled, and glaze-drizzled bite. Give them a try—you’re bound to create new favorites and a whole lot of happy smiles!

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