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Cinnamon Roll Muffins

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The smell of cinnamon baking in the oven has a way of making any space feel warm and inviting. There’s something special about that first bite of a soft, sweet pastry, layered with cinnamon and brown sugar. But when mornings get busy, traditional cinnamon rolls can take too long to prepare. That’s where Cinnamon Roll Muffins come in—they bring all the delicious flavors of a classic cinnamon roll into an easy, no-fuss muffin. Moist, buttery, and swirled with cinnamon goodness, these muffins make the perfect companion to your morning coffee or a cozy afternoon treat.

Cinnamon Roll Muffin drizzled with vanilla glaze on a white plate

I still remember the first time I made Cinnamon Roll Muffins. It was a crisp autumn morning, and the air was filled with the promise of sweater weather and warm drinks. I had planned to make cinnamon rolls for breakfast, but impatience got the best of me. Instead of waiting for dough to rise, I decided to turn the idea into muffins. The result? A batch of golden, fluffy muffins with gooey cinnamon swirls and a drizzle of vanilla glaze—so good that they disappeared before they had a chance to cool. Ever since that morning, these muffins have been a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want a homemade treat without the wait.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

  • Easy to Make: No kneading or proofing required!
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
  • Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or extra glaze to suit your taste.
  • Great for Sharing: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or gifting.

First-by-First Guide to Making Cinnamon Roll Muffins

First: Gather Your Ingredients

To make these delicious muffins, you’ll need the following:

Dry Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon roll muffin topped with cinnamon-sugar crumble and vanilla glaze

Second: Mixing the Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure soft muffins.

Third: Adding the Cinnamon Swirl

  1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
  2. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, then sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  3. Top with the remaining batter, filling each muffin cup about three-quarters full.
  4. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.

Fourth: Baking the Muffins

  1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Fifth: Preparing the Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled muffins for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Roll Muffins

  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins instead of soft, fluffy ones.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Reduce the sugar in the glaze if you prefer a less sweet muffin.
  • Enhance Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Storage: Keep muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Cinnamon Roll Muffins

1. Overbaking

Baking too long can make the muffins dry. Always check for doneness using the toothpick test.

2. Skipping the Swirl

The cinnamon swirl is what makes these muffins taste like cinnamon rolls. Be sure to mix it in properly for the best flavor.

3. Using Cold Ingredients

Ensure that ingredients like butter and eggs are room temperature for better mixing and texture.

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Q: How do I make Cinnamon Roll Muffins healthier?

A: Use whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, and swap the butter for applesauce.

Q: Can I freeze these muffins?

A: Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Q: Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

A: Absolutely! Substitute dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and a vegan glaze alternative.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy treat.
  • Serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
  • Enjoy as a dessert with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of comforting and easy-to-make recipes, you might also love these delicious dishes:

Cinnamon roll muffin with swirled cinnamon filling and glaze on parchment

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Muffins offer the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and buttery goodness in a convenient muffin form. With simple ingredients and easy steps, they’re an excellent addition to any breakfast table or dessert tray. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these muffins are sure to impress. Try this recipe today and let us know how they turn out!

Print

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Enjoy the warm, buttery goodness of cinnamon rolls in an easy muffin form! These soft, fluffy muffins are swirled with cinnamon-sugar and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.

  • Author: Julia Child
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

First: Gather Your Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Second: Mixing the Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure soft muffins.

Third: Adding the Cinnamon Swirl

  1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
  2. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, then sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  3. Top with the remaining batter, filling each muffin cup about three-quarters full.
  4. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.

Fourth: Baking the Muffins

  1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Fifth: Preparing the Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled muffins for the perfect finishing touch.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for longer shelf life. Serve warm with a cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful treat!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: ~220
  • Sugar: ~18g
  • Sodium: ~140mg
  • Fat: ~9g
  • Saturated Fat: ~5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~3g
  • Trans Fat: ~0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~32g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Protein: ~3g
  • Cholesterol: ~30mg

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Muffins, Breakfast Muffins, Easy Muffins Recipe, Cinnamon Swirl Muffins, Baked Cinnamon Muffins, Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

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