Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the comforting, gooey delight of cinnamon rolls but wished they were easier and quicker to make, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe. These muffins capture all the warm, cinnamon-swirled goodness of classic rolls, but in a perfectly portable muffin form that’s ideal for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Puffy, soft, and topped with a luscious glaze, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen and a favorite among friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving those soft, flavorful muffins that burst with cinnamon goodness. Each component here plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of fluffy texture, sweet richness, and that iconic cinnamon swirl.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your muffin’s tender crumb and structure.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise beautifully and turn light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and moisture to the batter.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the muffins soft and tender.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds stability.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Delivers a warm, aromatic note that makes everything taste homemade and special.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: The star of the cinnamon swirl, lending deep caramel flavor.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The signature spice that makes these muffins irresistible.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Mixed with the cinnamon and brown sugar to create that luscious swirl.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that adds a drizzle of perfection.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with an extra touch of flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot, so your muffins bake evenly and develop that golden top. Line your muffin tin with paper liners or generously grease the cups with non-stick spray to prevent any sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In one large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined — this forms the dry base of your muffins. In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just united. Overmixing can make your muffins tough, so keep it light and easy.
Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Mix
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. This sweet and spicy mixture is what gives these muffins their signature cinnamon roll swirl and irresistible taste.
Step 4: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl
Fill each muffin cup halfway with your plain muffin batter. Then, add a spoonful of that decadent cinnamon swirl mixture into each cup. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for that beautiful marbled effect. Top each muffin cup with the remaining batter so they’re about 3/4 full—perfect for rising without overflowing.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your muffins for 15 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely — this helps maintain their perfect texture and makes glazing easier.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. You can adjust the milk a little to make it thicker or thinner depending on your preference. Once the muffins have fully cooled, generously drizzle this glaze over the tops to add sweetness and that irresistible shine.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add an inviting crunch on top of the glaze. If you want to be extra indulgent, a light dusting of cinnamon or a tiny dab of cream cheese frosting will amp up the cinnamon roll vibe beautifully.
Side Dishes
These muffins go wonderfully with a simple side of fresh fruit — think juicy berries or citrus slices that brighten up the sweet richness. A steaming cup of coffee, tea, or even iced chai latte pairs perfectly for a full cozy and satisfying breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch or special occasion, arrange the muffins on a tiered cake stand alongside other pastries or breakfast bites. You can also serve them warm with small bowls of honey, butter, or jam so everyone can customize their own muffin experience. Wrapping them individually with a satin ribbon works great for gifting, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. After that, they can start to lose their freshness, so it’s best to consume them quickly or move to freezing.
Freezing
To store muffins longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months, letting you enjoy your cinnamon roll goodness anytime you crave it.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, pop frozen muffins in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and helps the glaze melt slightly for a divine treat.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind it might make the muffins a bit denser and nuttier in flavor. Using a blend of half whole wheat and half all-purpose often works well for a lighter texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use your favorite plant-based milk. The muffins will still be moist and flavorful, though the taste profile may shift slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and bake later?
If you want to bake fresh muffins but prepare the batter in advance, you can store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a gentle stir before filling the muffin tins.
What’s the best way to achieve the swirl effect?
Adding the cinnamon swirl mixture in layers and then gently swirling it with a toothpick or skewer creates that gorgeous marbled look. Be careful not to overmix the swirl into the batter—light swirls look much better!
Can I double this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe?
Definitely. This recipe scales up nicely if you need to make a larger batch. Just be mindful of your oven’s capacity and baking times — you might need a few extra minutes depending on your muffin tins.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe is pure morning magic wrapped in a muffin tin. Its simplicity, combined with that unforgettable swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar, makes it a joy to bake and even more fun to eat. Give it a try on your next lazy weekend or whenever you want a comforting treat that feels homemade and special.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the delightful flavors of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of muffins. Soft, fluffy, and swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, these muffins are topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, making them perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
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 Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute all the dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined, ensuring the egg is fully incorporated.
- Make Muffin Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make muffins tough.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until fully combined to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Layer Muffin Batter and Cinnamon Swirl: Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Add a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Using a toothpick or skewer, swirl the mixture gently into the batter. Then, top with the remaining muffin batter, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked. Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze and Serve: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better batter consistency.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding more or less milk according to preference.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat muffins slightly before serving for a fresh-baked feel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
