Name: Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (additional, mixed with brown sugar for filling)

Jump to Recipe

If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but crave the convenience and fun shape of a muffin, then these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are about to become your new favorite breakfast treat. They combine the soft, tender crumb of a muffin with the luscious swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar you expect in a cinnamon roll, all topped off with a drizzle or dollop of icing if you like. These muffins are perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want to indulge in that cozy, spiced sweetness without the fuss of rolling out dough. Trust me, once you try these Cinnamon Roll Muffins, you will be hooked on this scrumptious hybrid!

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the flavor and texture of these Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Each element plays a role, from the fluffy structure given by the flour and baking powder to the rich, buttery notes that make every bite irresistible.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base to give the muffins a soft yet sturdy crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
1 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the batter with warm, aromatic flavor.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk): Adds moisture and keeps the muffins tender.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
1/2 cup melted butter: Brings buttery depth and helps create a tender texture.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Combined with cinnamon, it forms the irresistible cinnamon swirl filling.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and complements the cinnamon beautifully.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures your muffins bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix will make sure every muffin has consistent flavor and rises perfectly.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. These wet ingredients will bring moisture and richness to the batter.

Step 4: Bring Dry and Wet Mixtures Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix because that can make the muffins tough instead of soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

Mix brown sugar with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple filling will create that classic cinnamon-sugar ribbon through each muffin.

Step 6: Assemble the Muffins

Spoon half of the batter into the muffin liners, then sprinkle a generous layer of the cinnamon sugar filling on top. Cover with the remaining batter, making sure to gently spread it to seal in that sweet swirl.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake your Cinnamon Roll Muffins for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Garnishes

These muffins are wonderful on their own, but if you want to add a bit of flair, try drizzling a simple glaze of powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk or cream cheese frosting on top. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts can add lovely texture and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Roll Muffins with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for a refreshing contrast. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk complements the sweet, warm spices perfectly, turning an ordinary morning into a cozy celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, arrange your Cinnamon Roll Muffins on a tiered stand with decorative napkins to make them feel extra special. You could also serve them alongside small bowls of cinnamon butter or fruit preserves so everyone can customize their bite. These little touches make the experience interactive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cinnamon Roll Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is an option, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezing

Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to freeze up to three months. This way, you can enjoy Cinnamon Roll Muffins anytime you crave that cinnamon-sugar goodness without extra effort.

Reheating

When reheating, pop a frozen or refrigerated muffin in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps restore their soft texture and highlights the cinnamon aroma once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour is best for achieving the right texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just note that it may make the muffins a bit denser.

Is there a dairy-free way to make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The muffins will still be moist and flavorful.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the muffins?

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins are excellent additions to the batter or cinnamon filling for extra texture and bursts of flavor.

Why do my muffins sometimes come out dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined, leaving some lumps for a tender crumb.

Can I make a larger batch and bake mini muffins?

Definitely! Use mini muffin liners and reduce baking time to about 12-15 minutes. The smaller size is perfect for parties or snack packs.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Cinnamon Roll Muffins that combines the best of two beloved treats: cinnamon rolls and muffins. They are simple, quick to make, and absolutely delicious any time of day. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself, these muffins will surely bring warmth and smiles around the table. Go ahead, give the recipe a try and watch these delightful bites disappear fast!

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, offering a quick and easy breakfast treat that combines soft, fluffy muffin texture with the warm, sweet flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar swirls. Perfect for busy mornings, they’re moist, flavorful, and topped with a cinnamon sugar filling that mimics the beloved cinnamon roll essence without the hassle of rolling dough.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined; do not overmix to keep muffins tender.
Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with additional ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar filling.
Assemble Muffins: Spoon half of the muffin batter evenly into the muffin cups. Sprinkle a generous layer of the cinnamon sugar filling over the batter in each cup. Then, top with the remaining batter, spreading gently to cover the filling.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle cream cheese glaze on top once the muffins have cooled.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Adjust cinnamon quantities to your taste preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American