Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. But what if you could enjoy that same flavor in a quicker, easier-to-make version? Enter Cinnamon Roll Muffins—a delightful twist on the traditional cinnamon roll that’s baked in a muffin tin. These muffins are soft, fluffy, and swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, finished with a drizzle of sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat, this recipe captures all the cozy flavors you love in a form that’s portable, fuss-free, and ready in less time than traditional rolls.

My recipe story

I first fell in love with cinnamon rolls as a child, watching my grandmother roll out the dough and sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar. The process always felt magical, but also time-consuming. When I began baking for my own family, I craved that same flavor but didn’t always have hours to wait for yeast dough to rise. That’s when I discovered the idea of turning cinnamon rolls into muffins. With a quicker batter-based dough, I could capture the gooey, spiced sweetness without the lengthy process. Over the years, I’ve refined this recipe to balance fluffiness with richness, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen. Whether served warm from the oven or packed into lunchboxes, these muffins always bring smiles to the table.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple pantry staples that come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these muffins so delicious.

All-purpose flour: The base of the muffins, flour gives structure and holds everything together. You don’t need bread flour here—regular all-purpose works perfectly for a tender crumb.

Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness to the batter and also plays a role in the cinnamon-sugar filling, creating that irresistible caramelized swirl.

Baking powder: Since we aren’t using yeast, baking powder is the key leavening agent. It ensures the muffins rise beautifully and stay light and fluffy.

Other ingredients you’ll add include milk, butter, eggs, cinnamon, and powdered sugar for the glaze. Each contributes to the flavor and texture, turning a humble batter into something that tastes like a bakery treat without all the effort.

Equipment you’ll need

• Muffin tin (standard 12-cup)
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush (optional, for glaze)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-step directions

1. Preheat and prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Preparing the tin in advance ensures the batter can go straight in the oven for the best rise.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon baking powder. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed and prevents clumps.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth. The butter adds richness, while the eggs help bind the batter and give it structure.
4. Create the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this can make the muffins tough. The batter should be slightly lumpy, which is perfectly fine.
5. Prepare the cinnamon-sugar swirl: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will create the signature gooey swirls inside the muffins.
6. Assemble the muffins: Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin cup, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat with another layer of batter and cinnamon sugar, then use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the filling through the batter.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.
8. Cool and glaze: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once slightly cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Serve warm for the ultimate cinnamon roll experience.

Variations & substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your taste. Try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or swirl in some cream cheese for a richer flavor. If you’re dairy-free, use plant-based milk and coconut oil instead of butter. For an autumn twist, replace part of the milk with apple cider and add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling. Each variation brings a unique flavor while keeping the same cozy, cinnamon-spiced charm.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes. If you’d like to make them ahead, bake the muffins without glaze, freeze, and then glaze after reheating for the freshest taste and appearance.

Serving ideas & pairings

Pair these muffins with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk for the perfect morning treat. They also make a wonderful addition to brunch spreads alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and bacon. For a holiday breakfast, serve them with spiced cider or hot chocolate for an extra festive touch. You can even dress them up with a cream cheese glaze if you want them to feel more indulgent and dessert-like.

FAQ

Can I make these muffins without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan-friendly option.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely—just double the ingredients and bake in two muffin tins. You may need to rotate pans halfway through baking.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for best results.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep enough to balance the cinnamon spice and achieve a caramelized swirl.

Do I have to add the glaze?
No, the muffins are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds extra sweetness and that “cinnamon roll” finish.

Final thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect balance between convenience and indulgence. They capture the essence of classic cinnamon rolls—soft, spiced, and sweet—while skipping the long rise times and complicated steps. Whether you bake them for a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these muffins are guaranteed to please. Once you try them, they’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular baking rotation. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the warm, cozy goodness of homemade cinnamon roll muffins.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, fluffy muffins swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze. All the cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls made easy in muffin form.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin. 
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. 
3. In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth. 
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed. 
5. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. 
6. Spoon some batter into each muffin cup, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then add more batter and repeat. 
7. Use a toothpick to swirl the filling lightly into the batter. 
8. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. 
9. Let cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Notes

 Best enjoyed warm. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American