Each bite of these Cinnamon Roll Muffins unwraps a tender crumb that melts on your tongue, punctuated by ribbons of sweet, spiced cinnamon. The swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon hidden inside each fluffy muffin brings that gooey, heart-of-the-roll sensation without any of the fuss of traditional rolling and slicing. With a golden exterior that gives way to a pillowy interior, these treats capture the essence of the beloved cinnamon roll in a convenient, grab-and-go form. When you peel back the paper liner, you’ll glimpse those delightful, cinnamon-streaked spirals just begging for a drizzle of silky icing.
Perfect for busy mornings when you crave something special yet need speed, or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up alongside a steaming cup of tea, these muffins strike a flawless balance. They have just the right touch of sweetness that never overwhelms, while the warming spice of cinnamon feels like a cozy hug in every mouthful. Drizzling them with homemade icing sends them over the top, creating that nostalgic experience of pulling apart a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll, all wrapped up in muffin form. If you love a recipe that’s both comforting and supremely simple, get ready to add these Cinnamon Roll Muffins to your baking rotation.
As soon as you glance at the timer—15 minutes of prep, 20 minutes of baking, and a quick 5 minutes of cooling—you’ll realize this recipe is perfect for both rookie bakers and seasoned pros looking for a straightforward project. Rated at a beginner difficulty level and fitting snugly into both dessert and breakfast courses, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins require no special skills—just mixing bowls, a whisk, and a muffin tin. With pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder, plus everyday fridge staples such as butter, milk, an egg, and vanilla, they come together in no time. Each muffin clocks in at about 180 calories, making them a guilt-free indulgence that still feels like a decadent treat.
Whether you label them as breakfast, snack, or dessert, these little wonders adapt to any occasion. Serve them as the star of your weekend brunch spread or slip a few into lunchboxes for a delightful surprise. Because they’re soft on the inside, with a tender crumb and icing on top, they’re sweet enough to satisfy sugar cravings without leaving you feeling weighed down. Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish, they’ll earn you applause before the first crumb even touches your lips.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS
Before we dive into the baking steps, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients that work together to create these soft, cinnamon-swirled muffins.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and backbone of each muffin, creating a soft crumb that holds onto the cinnamon filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve a tender texture by interacting with the butter.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures each muffin puffs up to a light, airy finish.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor in both the muffin and filling.
- Unsalted butter: When melted into the batter, it adds richness and moisture, and combines with brown sugar in the filling to create that gooey center.
- Milk: Hydrates dry ingredients and helps form a silky batter while keeping the muffins moist.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a tender, well-risen texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses both the batter and icing with a warm, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon.
- Brown sugar: Combined with cinnamon for the filling, its molasses content gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice in the filling, adding that signature warmth and kick in every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Mixed into the icing, it dissolves smoothly to create that classic, glossy drizzle.
HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS
Ready to get your oven humming? Follow these simple steps to create a batch of soft, cinnamon-swirled muffins that taste like a bakery treat—no fancy equipment or advanced techniques required.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring each cup is fully covered.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and free of lumps.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until the wet ingredients form a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined, stopping as soon as there are no streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
5. In a small bowl, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling by combining the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until it resembles a slightly thick paste.
6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the muffin batter, creating a smooth, flat surface as the base for the filling.
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 without fully blending it.
8. Top each muffin with the remaining batter, filling each cup about three-quarters full to allow space for rising.
9. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. While the muffins are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
11. Once the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes so they firm up slightly before handling.
12. Drizzle the icing over the warm muffins, using a spoon or a piping bag, and allow them to cool slightly before serving to set the glaze.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS
After all that baking, serving these Cinnamon Roll Muffins becomes a delightful ritual that elevates the simple act of enjoying a sweet treat into a memorable experience. Whether you’re hosting friends for brunch, packing a surprise snack in lunchboxes, or simply indulging in a cozy morning at home, the way you present these tender, cinnamon-swirled goodies can make all the difference. A quick dusting of powdered sugar can resemble freshly fallen snow, while a fresh handful of berries or a sprig of mint can add a pop of color and freshness. Layering them on a tiered cake stand transforms your countertop into a bakery display, inviting guests to grab a muffin and savor its gooey heart. If you’re serving a crowd, consider placing small ramekins of extra cinnamon sugar and icing on the table so everyone can customize their muffins to taste. Pairing them with a warm beverage—be it coffee, tea, or hot cocoa—adds a comforting touch that brings out the spicy sweetness in every nibble. The contrast of soft crumb and sticky cinnamon center is even more magical when shared with someone special or enjoyed at a leisurely pace while you catch up on your favorite stories. No matter how you choose to serve these muffins, the goal is the same: to create moments of joy, one swirl at a time.
- Warm and fresh: Serve the muffins straight out of the oven or gently reheat them for 5–10 seconds in the microwave to recreate that just-baked softness.
- Cloud-like icing: Drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern while the muffins are still warm so it pools slightly in the cinnamon swirls for extra sweetness.
- Fruit-topped: Add a few fresh berries such as blueberries or raspberries on top of the icing for a burst of color and tang that complements the cinnamon.
- Travel-friendly: Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper and pack them in an airtight container or paper bag to keep them intact for on-the-go snacking.
HOW TO STORE CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS
Storing Cinnamon Roll Muffins properly is key to preserving that fresh-baked taste and pillowy texture you love. Because the moist crumb and sweet cinnamon heart can dry out or become soggy if not handled carefully, taking a few simple steps will help your muffins stay soft, tender, and delicious for days. Keeping them at room temperature in an airtight container maintains that just-made softness without allowing air to steal the moisture. If you’re planning ahead and want to enjoy these treats later in the week, a quick trip to the refrigerator or even the freezer can extend their shelf life, with just a bit of reheating bringing them back to life. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a quick reheat under a broiler can even revive a slightly stale muffin in moments. Once the muffins have fully cooled, wrap any extras individually in plastic wrap to lock in moisture before placing them in your chosen storage method. This extra layer protects the icing and prevents sticking. When stored in the refrigerator, bring muffins back to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving, or warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the crumb. For long-term storage, freeze the muffins on a baking sheet first so they don’t touch, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container; thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes and reheat briefly if desired.
- Room Temperature: Place fully cooled muffins in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 2 days. Line the bottom with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and retain a soft crumb.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container to protect the icing and prevent them from absorbing fridge odors.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed muffins on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes and reheat for 10–15 seconds in the microwave.
- Reheating: To refresh muffins, microwave them on low power for 10–15 seconds, or warm under a preheated broiler for 1–2 minutes. This will restore their soft crumb and slightly melt any remaining icing.
CONCLUSION
From the moment you gather pantry staples to the final drizzle of icing, this Cinnamon Roll Muffins recipe delivers a sweet, comforting treat that's as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. Beginner cooks will appreciate the straightforward steps—mix the dry ingredients, combine the wet, swirl in a bit of cinnamon-sugar, bake, and top with a simple icing—and the reward is a batch of soft, fluffy muffins with that classic cinnamon roll vibe. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh with your morning coffee or serving them as a dessert, the balance of a tender crumb, gooey center, and sweet glaze never fails to impress. Packed with just a handful of ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, milk, egg, and cinnamon, this recipe is both versatile and forgiving. You can experiment with add-ins such as nuts, raisins, or even a cream cheese icing for an extra layer of flavor. Best of all, with a total time of under 45 minutes and only 180 calories per muffin, you can whip up these treats any day of the week without a second thought. Feel free to print this article and save it for later use—you’ll have all the details at your fingertips whenever that cinnamon craving strikes.
I’ve also included useful storage tips to keep your muffins tender for days, plus serving suggestions that elevate a simple muffin into a memorable experience. Be sure to check out the FAQ section below for answers to common questions about ingredient swaps, baking times, and creative variations. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how your muffins turned out—drop a comment with your tweaks, stories, or any questions you might have during the baking process. Whether you’re curious about doubling the batch, adjusting sweetness, or experimenting with different frostings, your feedback and questions help build this community of home bakers. So grab your mixing bowls, preheat that oven, and let the sweet aroma of cinnamon fill your kitchen once again. Happy baking, and may your muffins always be soft, sweet, and swirling with joy.
Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins bring together the iconic flavors of cinnamon rolls and muffins, creating a soft, fluffy texture with a gooey cinnamon center. Topped with sweet icing, they're a morning treat you won't forget.
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.
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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.
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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.
