If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and easier to bake, this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, fluffy muffins that have the irresistible swirl of cinnamon sugar inside, perfectly complimented by a lightly sweetened dough—each bite melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with that cozy, cinnamon-scented aroma. It’s the perfect treat whether you’re craving a special breakfast, brunch delight, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, these muffins are delightfully straightforward to make, so you’ll have them in hand in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every wonderful recipe starts with a handful of essential ingredients that work together to create magic in your oven. For this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe, we keep it simple to highlight rich buttery notes, cozy cinnamon spice, and a fluffy texture that’s just right.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to your muffins for the perfect crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps your muffins rise beautifully, giving them lightness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these muffins their signature warm, fragrant taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances depth of flavor in the batter.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring tender muffins that stay soft.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings a creamy, buttery richness and a golden crust.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients and help the muffins rise and stay fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the cinnamon notes and adds a lovely aromatic complexity.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for filling): Mixed with cinnamon for a gooey, caramel-like swirl within each muffin.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to make sure your muffins come out easily and look as cute as they taste. Preheating is key for even cooking and that perfect golden top.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures that the cinnamon and leavening are evenly distributed for uniform flavor and texture throughout your muffins.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and inviting. Using room temperature eggs helps the batter emulsify better, which means fluffier muffins.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold them together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps are totally okay! Overmixing can make muffins tough, and we want them soft and tender.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
Mix the brown sugar and a bit of cinnamon in a small bowl for a rich, caramel-like filling. Drop half the muffin batter into the cups, then sprinkle a little of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, followed by the remaining batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter for that classic cinnamon roll effect.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake your muffins for 18 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The scent of cinnamon wafting in your kitchen is your delicious cue!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a cream cheese frosting over the tops once cooled. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few chopped pecans adds a lovely crunch and visually inviting touch.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair beautifully with a cup of steaming coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning combo. For a more substantial brunch, serve along with fresh fruit salad or yogurt to balance the sweet richness of the muffins.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these muffins on a pretty cake stand for a festive table display or serve them warm wrapped in a cloth napkin in a basket for a charming homemade gift. You can also slice them in half and spread with a bit of softened butter or honey for a delightful treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist and fresh, ready for whenever you need a quick snack or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cinnamon roll muffins later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored cinnamon roll muffins back to life, microwave them for about 20 seconds or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This warms the cinnamon filling and butter, making them taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! While whole milk adds richness, you can substitute with 2% or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free twist. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
What can I use instead of unsalted butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter, salted butter works fine—just reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe. You could also try margarine or a baking oil blend, but butter is best for flavor.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or similar to help with texture and rise.
How do I get the swirl effect without overmixing?
Adding the cinnamon sugar in layers and gently swirling with a skewer or knife after putting batter into muffin cups helps create that beautiful swirl without mixing it in completely, which keeps the texture tender.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or plump raisins add wonderful texture and bursts of flavor. Fold them into the batter gently before filling the muffin tins for an extra special touch.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy all the best parts of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy, portable muffin form. Whether you’re making them for family breakfast, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, these muffins offer cozy comfort with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover just how simple it is to make a bakery-worthy treat right at home!
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 classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of muffins. Soft, fluffy, and swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, they’re perfect for a quick breakfast or a delightful snack. Each muffin is moist and tender with a sweet cinnamon swirl that mimics the essence of traditional cinnamon rolls without the hassle of rolling dough.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous, ensuring the eggs are fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Fold the wet ingredients gently into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain light texture.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon which will be swirled into the batter for that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- Fill muffin cups with batter and filling swirl: Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full, then swirl half of the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter. Add remaining batter on top and optionally swirl more cinnamon sugar, creating a marbled cinnamon effect within the muffins.
- Bake the muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to help create a smooth batter and better rise.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins tender and fluffy.
- If desired, top muffins with a simple cream cheese glaze after baking for extra sweetness.
- Check muffins at 18 minutes to avoid over-baking, which can make them dry.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
