If you’ve ever wished your favorite cinnamon rolls came in a perfectly portable, fluffy muffin form, then this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These delightful treats capture all the warm, gooey cinnamon-sugar magic you crave, wrapped in tender, buttery muffin dough, and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a bakery. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or an irresistible snack, these cinnamon roll muffins are pure comfort in every bite, easy enough for any day and special enough to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to bring balance to flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden color, making your muffins irresistibly soft and flavorful.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the muffins their tender crumb and structure.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the spices without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the muffins rise perfectly fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the muffin batter smooth and tender.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds slight fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, sweet aroma and flavor that complements cinnamon beautifully.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Gives the cinnamon swirl a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that packs the signature cinnamon roll punch.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for swirl): Helps meld the cinnamon and sugar into a luscious filling.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Creates the irresistible glaze that finishes off these muffins with a sweet, glossy touch.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Perfectly thins the powdered sugar to a drizzling consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the glaze.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to ensure those muffins slide out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and cohesive. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to keep the muffins light and tender. Overmixing is the enemy of fluffy muffins!
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a small bowl, blend the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to create that oh-so-important cinnamon swirl. This blend is the heart of the Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe because it delivers that signature spicy sweetness with every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Muffins
Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, then dollop a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Grab a toothpick or skewer and swirl it through the batter to create beautiful cinnamon ribbons. Carefully add the remaining batter on top, filling each cup about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for the golden color and test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean with only a few crumbs attached. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzleable. Once the muffins are completely cool, generously drizzle the glaze over the tops. This final touch adds just the right amount of sweetness and a delectable sheen to these irresistible treats.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe treats are already stars on their own, but you can elevate them with a few extra garnishes. Consider a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a light dusting of cinnamon powder to amp up that cozy spice. Fresh berries on the side also add a lovely contrast and pop of color.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a warm cup of coffee or a creamy latte for a perfect morning pick-me-up. They also shine alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast or brunch. For an indulgent twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a dessert that feels like a special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange your Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe on a tiered dessert stand for a charming display. Drizzle extra glaze right before serving for a glossy, tempting finish. Alternatively, try warming them slightly before plating to wake up those cinnamon aromas, and wrap individual muffins in parchment tied with twine for an adorable thoughtful gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe leftovers, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For a little more longevity, refrigerate them for up to a week, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature or warm them gently before enjoying.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture, making it easy to enjoy cinnamon roll goodness anytime.
Reheating
To reheat frozen muffins, unwrap and warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes. This will help bring back that freshly-baked softness and enhance the cinnamon aroma. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze after warming for maximum indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Using whole wheat flour will add nuttiness and extra fiber, but note the muffins might turn out a bit denser. You can even try a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose for a balanced texture.
Is there a way to make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use your favorite non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. These substitutions work well without compromising flavor or texture in this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
It’s best to keep the cinnamon swirl mixture and muffin batter separate if preparing ahead. You can mix the batter the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Add the swirl just before assembling and baking for the freshest taste.
What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute with maple syrup or almond extract, but use sparingly as these have stronger flavors. Vanilla extract really brings out the warm, cozy notes in this recipe, so it’s worth keeping on hand.
Can I make mini Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe?
Yes! Simply reduce the baking time to around 10-12 minutes and fill mini muffin tins about 2/3 full. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking, and enjoy bite-sized versions of these tasty treats.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about turning a classic cinnamon roll into the ease and fun of a muffin, and this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe does exactly that with such heartwarming success. Whether you’re making them for a busy weekday morning or a special weekend treat, these muffins are guaranteed to bring smiles and cozy vibes to your table. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder why it’s not your go-to cinnamon delight already!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of muffins. Featuring a tender, fluffy batter swirled with a cinnamon and brown sugar filling, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they make a delightful breakfast treat or snack. Perfect for sharing and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for batter)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for batter)
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until fully incorporated to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Assemble Muffins: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the muffin batter. Add a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter in each cup. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the mixture gently into the batter. Then, top each muffin cup with the remaining batter to fill about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from oven and let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze and Serve: While the muffins are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed for consistency), and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins before serving for a sweet finish.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- The cinnamon swirl can be adjusted by adding more or less cinnamon based on preference.
- Use paper liners for easy cleanup or grease the muffin tin well to prevent sticking.
- For a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly; for thinner glaze, add a little more milk.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
