Dessert

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Name: Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

ByLily Cross July 21, 2025July 21, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving the delightful flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but want something quick and easy enough for a weekday treat, Cinnamon Roll Muffins are your new best friend! These tender, buttery muffins are laced with swirls of cinnamon-sugar and finished with a sweet vanilla aroma, making every bite pure joy. The best part? You get all the coziness of cinnamon rolls but with the convenience of a muffin—no waiting for dough to rise, just instant comfort straight from your oven. Whether you serve them warm for breakfast, tuck them into a brunch basket, or sneak one with your afternoon coffee, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are destined to become your go-to treat.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simplicity! You likely have most of these staple ingredients on hand, and each one plays an important role: some for that irresistible fluffy crumb, others for flavor and those signature cinnamon roll swirls.

All-purpose flour: This is your muffin’s sturdy foundation and ensures they hold their beautiful shape.
Granulated sugar: Lends classic sweetness while keeping the crumb light.
Baking powder: For glorious rise and sky-high, bakery-style muffins.
Ground cinnamon: The unmistakable star, giving that signature fragrant warmth.
Salt: Just a touch sharpens flavors and balances all the sweetness.
Whole milk (or almond/oat milk): Makes the muffins tender and moist; plant-based milks work just as well!
Large eggs: Bring everything together and add rich texture.
Melted butter: Infuses richness and buttery flavor throughout—trust me, don’t skip it.
Brown sugar: Swirled in for extra depth and those gorgeous cinnamon ribbons.
Vanilla extract: A dash for warmth and that classic bakery aroma.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything gets evenly distributed—this ensures no surprise bursts of salt or pockets of baking powder.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Start with room temperature ingredients if you can for the smoothest batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine and keep your Cinnamon Roll Muffins tender, not tough.

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with a bit more ground cinnamon. This luscious filling is the secret to those gorgeous cinnamon roll-style layers inside every muffin.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl

Spoon half the batter into the muffin cups. Sprinkle generously with your cinnamon-sugar filling, then cover with the remaining batter. If you like, use a toothpick to gently swirl for an extra-pretty effect.

Step 7: Bake and Enjoy!

Bake the muffins for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a little cinnamon goo is always welcome!). Let them cool for a few minutes, but don’t be surprised if they disappear before they cool completely.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Garnishes

For a truly bakery-style finish, drizzle the warm muffins with a simple vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. Chopped toasted pecans, a little extra cinnamon sprinkled on top, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips can make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins extra festive and fun.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Roll Muffins with fresh fruit, a creamy yogurt parfait, or scrambled eggs for a satisfying brunch. If you love coffee (who doesn’t with a sweet treat like this?), a steaming cup next to your muffin is pure morning bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the muffins in a rustic bread basket lined with a linen towel to keep them warm. For a brunch party, offer an assortment of spreads—softened butter, fruit preserves, or honey—for guests to customize. If you’re gifting, stack them into a cute bakery box tied with twine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cinnamon Roll Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, perfect for grabbing on the go or enjoying as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Freezing

To make your muffins last even longer, wrap them individually and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to cool them completely first so they don’t get soggy after thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat muffins in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic—especially nice if you add a pat of butter on top!

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Muffins dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter alternative. The muffins turn out just as moist and flavorful, with all the cinnamon roll vibes.

What’s the best way to get a strong cinnamon swirl?

The secret is layering: pour in half the batter, sprinkle a thick cinnamon-sugar layer, then top with the rest of the batter and swirl gently. This gives you rich, defined cinnamon ribbons inside each bite.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Yes! Stir a half-cup of chopped toasted pecans or plump golden raisins into the batter or sprinkle them into the cinnamon layer. This adds delightful texture and extra bursts of flavor to your Cinnamon Roll Muffins.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Look for a golden-brown top and check with a toothpick inserted in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go. Don’t overbake; you want that tender, moist interior!

Is it possible to make mini Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

Definitely! Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes. They’re perfect for brunch buffets or little hands, and just as irresistible.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how easy and rewarding it is to bake up a batch of Cinnamon Roll Muffins, there’s no reason not to treat yourself and those you love. Give these a try next time you want to brighten a morning or add a cozy note to your table—you’ll be hooked after the first warm, cinnamon-swirled bite!