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If you’ve ever found yourself craving cinnamon rolls but didn’t want to commit to the effort of making yeasted dough, Cinnamon Roll Muffins are your dream come true! These soft, swirled muffins capture all the gooey deliciousness of traditional cinnamon rolls, but they’re quick and easy enough to whip up in under 30 minutes.

With their fluffy texture, warm cinnamon-sugar swirl, and drizzle of sweet glaze, these muffins are sure to become your new favorite breakfast, brunch, or snack treat. Better yet, they don’t require hours of kneading, proofing, or waiting—just simple ingredients, a muffin tin, and a love for everything cinnamon-y and sweet.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or indulging in some much-needed comfort food, this Cinnamon Roll Muffins recipe is as practical as it is indulgent. Plus, the heavenly aroma that’ll fill your home while baking? Pure bliss. So grab your apron, and let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy to Make: Unlike traditional yeast-based cinnamon rolls that require hours of prep, these muffins are ready in just about 30 minutes from start to finish.
No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is a mixing bowl, whisk, muffin tin, and an oven!
Packed with Flavor: Thanks to a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl and a creamy glaze, each bite delivers the same sweet comfort you’d expect from classic cinnamon rolls.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These muffins can be stored for several days or frozen for later, meaning you’ll always have a delicious breakfast or snack on hand.
Customizable: Whether you prefer an extra rich glaze, a nutty crunch, or a dairy-free version, there are endless ways to make these muffins your own.

By the end of this post, you’ll not only have a foolproof recipe in your arsenal but also plenty of variations and serving ideas to truly make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins a household favorite.

Ingredients

These easy-to-find ingredients come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need for this Cinnamon Roll Muffins recipe:

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Light and fluffy muffins begin with fresh, sifted flour. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 GF baking flour mix.
Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): Adds a light sweetness to the muffin base.
Baking Powder (2 tsp): Helps the muffins rise beautifully.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances out the sweetness and enhances the cinnamon flavor.

Wet Ingredients:

Milk (3/4 cup): Whole milk works best for a richer texture, but non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk is a great substitute.
Melted Butter (1/3 cup): Creates the soft, moist crumb we love in muffins.
Egg (1 large): Acts as a binder to hold the muffin structure together.

Cinnamon Swirl:

Cinnamon Powder (1 tbsp): The star of the show! It creates that iconic cinnamon roll flavor.
Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Provides a caramel-like depth of sweetness.
Melted Butter (2 tbsp): Keeps the swirl moist and gooey.

Glaze (Optional, but highly recommended!):

Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Fine and sweet, perfect for a glossy glaze.
Milk (2-3 tbsp): Adjust the consistency to your preference.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Adds an aromatic touch to the glaze.

Pro Tip: Always use fresh cinnamon for bold flavor, and feel free to sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins into the mix for added texture and taste!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins from scratch. Follow these steps, and you’ll be a pro in no time!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: milk, melted butter, and the beaten egg. Mix well.
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
Set aside; this will be spooned into the muffin batter for that classic “cinnamon roll” swirl.

Step 4: Layer the Muffins

Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture on top of the batter. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl it into the batter.
Add another layer of batter to fill the muffin cup about two-thirds of the way full. Swirl a bit more cinnamon mixture on the top layer for a beautiful finish.

Step 5: Bake the Muffins

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the muffins bake, enjoy the heavenly smell of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen!

Step 6: Add the Glaze

Once the muffins are out of the oven, let them cool for 5–10 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle it over the warm muffins for that final, sweet touch.

Expert Tips

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the muffins dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature milk and eggs for easier mixing and better texture.
Swirl Like a Pro: Use a toothpick or skewer for the perfect cinnamon swirl pattern—you want some of that sugar mixture to peek out on top!
Make Cleanup Easy: Use silicone muffin liners to prevent sticking and reduce cleanup time.

Variations

Make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins your own by trying one of these fun customizations:

Nut Lovers’ Muffins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for an added crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour (1:1 ratio).
Healthier Swap: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, and swap butter for coconut oil for a lighter version.
Fruit-Infused Muffins: Toss in raisins or diced apples for a fruity twist.
Extra Gooey: Double the cinnamon-sugar swirl ingredients for an extra indulgent muffin.

Serving Suggestions

Warm and Drizzled: Serve your muffins warm from the oven with a generous drizzle of glaze.
Pair with Beverages: These pair beautifully with a hot mug of coffee, chai tea, or even hot cocoa.
For a Complete Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, and a savory quiche for a well-rounded spread.
Dessert Option: Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.

FAQ

1. Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze well! Simply allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

2. Can I make these muffins without eggs?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.

3. How do I store leftover muffins?
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

4. Can I skip the glaze?
While the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness, these muffins are delicious on their own. You can skip it if you’re watching your sugar intake.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are proof that you don’t need hours to create a bakery-worthy treat. With their fluffy texture, irresistible cinnamon swirl, and luscious glaze, they’re sure to please everyone at your table. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, these muffins are as versatile as they are delicious.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step guide, and bake a batch today. You’ll fall in love with these comforting, cinnamon-packed delights!