Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon rolls, offering all the delicious flavors of a cinnamon roll in a convenient muffin form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, these muffins combine the soft texture of a muffin with the rich, spiced sweetness of a cinnamon roll. With a simple glaze to finish, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of cinnamon rolls but wants something quicker and easier to make. No need for yeast or hours of preparation — these muffins come together in just a fraction of the time while delivering that same delicious cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze you crave. Their versatility makes them suitable for any occasion, and they’re great for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. The added bonus? They can be enjoyed warm with a gooey glaze, making every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
In a smaller bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Add the remaining batter on top, filling each muffin cup about 3/4 full.
Swirl the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture into the tops of the muffins using a toothpick or knife.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
For the glaze, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cooled muffins before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 12 muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Nuts or Raisins: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or raisins to the batter for extra texture.
Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier twist, substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Spices: Experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.
Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar in the batter and glaze for a less sweet muffin option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the muffins individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend is suitable for baking for the best results.

How can I store leftover muffins?

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, they can be frozen for up to one month.

Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, almond milk or any other non-dairy milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk in this recipe.

Can I make the muffins ahead of time?

Yes, these muffins can be made the day before. Simply store them in an airtight container and reheat before serving.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The muffins are already sweet and flavorful on their own.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter if desired, although the flavor may differ slightly.

How can I make these muffins more cinnamon-forward?

Increase the cinnamon in the batter or add more cinnamon-sugar to the swirl and glaze.

Can I use a mini muffin tin for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin, but you will need to reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the muffins?

If you prefer a less sweet muffin, reduce the amount of sugar in both the batter and the glaze.

Can I add a streusel topping to the muffins?

Yes, you can sprinkle a streusel topping made of flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, bringing the familiar warmth of cinnamon rolls in a quick, easy-to-make muffin form. With their soft texture, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze, these muffins are sure to become a regular in your baking routine. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of a weekend brunch, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins offer a delicious treat for any occasion.