There’s something magical that happens when classic cinnamon rolls meet the trusty muffin tin. These Cinnamon Roll Muffins capture all the soft, buttery layers of a traditional pastry but in a perfectly portable package you can grab on the go. Warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls transformed into delightful muffins for any occasion! Each bite is a little avalanche of brown sugar sweetness, threaded through tender cake-like batter and crowned with a glossy icing drizzle that melts into every nook and cranny. You’ll notice how the soft crumb embraces the cinnamon sugar swirls, giving you that familiar, comforting bite you crave on sleepy weekend mornings or busy weekday breakfasts.
As someone who’s spent countless Sunday mornings sifting flour and stirring cinnamon sugar in my own kitchen, I can tell you these muffins feel like a warm hug—without the hours of rolling dough and waiting for that perfect rise. They’re beginner-friendly, requiring only simple pantry staples and minimal equipment, yet they deliver on flavor and presentation. With just 15 minutes of prep time, 15–20 minutes of baking, and a quick 5-minute rest, you’ll have a dozen gorgeous treats that clock in at about 180 calories apiece. Whether you’re hosting brunch, craving a sweet pick-me-up, or looking for an easy dessert to share with neighbors, this recipe is your ticket to cinnamon-swirled bliss.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS
Before you dive into mixing and swirling, let’s talk about what goes into these muffins and why each element is essential for that perfect balance of texture and taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our muffins, it provides structure and a tender crumb that holds the cinnamon swirls in place without becoming too dense.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning, creating a golden muffin top that’s lightly crisp around the edges.
- Baking Powder: Acts as our leavening agent, giving the batter a gentle lift so each muffin is light and airy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, ensuring nothing tastes flat or one-dimensional.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture; melting it before mixing allows for an even distribution of fat throughout the batter.
- Milk: Keeps the muffins soft and tender while helping the dry ingredients come together into a smooth batter.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients, contributes to structure, and adds a bit of richness for a velvety texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the batter with warm, aromatic undertones that complement the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and moisture to the cinnamon sugar filling, making each bite gooey and sweet.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that gives our filling its unmistakable flavor, adding warmth and a hint of spice.
- Powdered Sugar: Whisked into icing for a silky, smooth finish that sets up beautifully on top of warm muffins.
HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS
Time to transform those pantry staples into irresistible, cinnamon-swirled muffins. Follow these steps carefully to achieve a perfect rise, an even swirl, and a tender crumb in every single muffin.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures even baking and easy removal when the muffins are done.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This dry mix creates a uniform base, so you don’t end up with pockets of leavening agent or sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to create a smooth, homogenous wet mixture without overworking the egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten and can make the muffins tough.
5. In a small bowl, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling by combining the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves slightly and the mixture becomes spreadable.
6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the muffin batter, using an ice cream scoop or large spoon for consistency in size.
7. Add about a teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar filling to the center of each muffin. Then use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect without breaking the muffin’s structure.
8. Top each muffin with the remaining batter, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without spilling over.
9. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10. While the muffins are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free.
11. Once the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This short rest helps them set so they don’t fall apart when you transfer them.
12. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack, then drizzle the icing over the warm tops. Allow the icing to set briefly before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS
These muffins shine best when served just the right way. Whether you’re planning a cozy breakfast for two or a spread for a crowd, the presentation and accompaniments can take these cinnamon-swirled goodies to the next level.
- Serve Warm with Coffee or Tea: A fresh-out-of-the-oven muffin paired with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea enhances the cozy, comforting mood. Place muffins on a warm plate and pour your favorite brew right beside them.
- Top with Fresh Fruit: Add a pop of color and brightness by serving muffins alongside sliced berries or stone fruits. The tartness of raspberries or strawberries cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced bite.
- Create a Mini Brunch Board: Arrange your muffins with mini jars of fruit preserves, whipped cream, and a small bowl of extra cinnamon sugar. Guests can customize their muffins for a fun, interactive experience.
- Gift in a Decorative Box: Line a bakery-style box with parchment paper, stack a few muffins inside, and tie the box with a ribbon. It’s a heartfelt way to share homemade goodness with neighbors or friends.
HOW TO STORE CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS
Keeping your muffins fresh and flavorful involves the right storage method. With a little planning, you can enjoy these sweet treats for days or even weeks after baking.
- Room Temperature in an Airtight Container: Place completely cooled muffins in a single layer or separated by parchment rounds to prevent sticking. Seal tightly, and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. This method maintains that tender crumb.
- Refrigeration for Extended Freshness: If you live in a warm or humid environment, refrigerate the muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave to soften before serving.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the texture.
- Reheating Tips: For a warm muffin, microwave for 15–20 seconds or reheat in a toaster oven at 325°F for 5 minutes. The icing may soften or melt slightly, giving you that freshly glazed effect all over again.
CONCLUSION
I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering how these Cinnamon Roll Muffins bring the best of a bakery favorite into a fun, easy-to-make treat you can whip up any day of the week. We’ve covered everything from the key ingredients that give structure and sweetness, to the step-by-step method for swirling in that irresistible cinnamon sugar, and finally, the glossy icing that crowns each golden muffin. With only basic pantry staples and minimal effort, this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest formulas produce the most memorable flavors. Don’t let appetizers or dessert be a hassle—these muffins double as both breakfast and after-dinner indulgence, and they fit into any occasion where you want something warm, sweet, and utterly comforting.
Feel free to print this article or save a copy so you can refer back to it whenever cinnamon cravings strike. You’ll also find a FAQ below to help troubleshoot any questions you might have about mixing, baking times, or ingredient substitutions. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment to let me know how they turned out. I’d love to hear your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or stories from your kitchen experiments. And of course, if you have questions or need a hand with any part of the process, drop a note—I’m here to help make sure your muffins come out perfectly every time!
Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect blend of soft, buttery goodness and sweet cinnamon flavor, topped with a delightful icing that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
-
In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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In a small bowl, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling by combining the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter.
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Fill each muffin cup halfway with the muffin batter.
-
Add about a teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar filling to the center of each muffin, and then use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the filling into the batter.
-
Top each muffin with the remaining batter, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
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Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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While the muffins are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Once the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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Drizzle the icing over the warm muffins and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Note
- These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding 1/4 cup of chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar filling.
- This recipe is versatile; you can add raisins or currants for a variation.
- For a cream cheese icing, mix 2 ounces of softened cream cheese with the icing ingredients.
