Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

If you’re a fan of warm, gooey cinnamon treats, then you are going to absolutely love this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe. It takes the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll and transforms them into convenient, bite-sized muffins that are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Fluffy, tender muffins swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze create a comforting experience in every bite. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings all the coziness and sweetness you crave, but with less fuss and mess. Once you make these, you’ll wonder why you never thought of turning cinnamon rolls into muffins before!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Preparing these Cinnamon Roll Muffins is surprisingly simple because the ingredients are everyday pantry staples, each playing its key role in achieving that perfect balance of texture and taste.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the soft, tender crumb you want in a muffin.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with browning the tops.
• Baking powder: Your leavening agent that ensures these muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness, creating a tender texture.
• Large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds a bit of richness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds lusciousness and helps keep the muffins moist.
• Brown sugar: Used in the cinnamon swirl for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes these muffins irresistibly fragrant.
• Powdered sugar: For the glaze that gives a final touch of sweetness and shine.
• Milk or cream (for glaze): Mixed with powdered sugar to create a smooth, drizzle-worthy glaze.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners so your muffins won’t stick and will have a neat shape once baked. This simple first step sets the stage for muffin perfection.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking helps distribute everything evenly, so your muffins have a consistent rise and flavor throughout.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until fully blended. These wet ingredients add richness and moisture to your batter, making those muffins tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the batter can lead to dense muffins instead of soft, fluffy ones.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

Now for the best part: mixing together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. This swirl mixture is what truly transforms these muffins into the baked version of a cinnamon roll, adding pockets of sweet, spicy deliciousness.

Step 6: Layer the Batter and Swirl

Fill each muffin liner about one-third full with batter, then add a teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Top that with more batter until the liners are about three-quarters full. This layering is the key to getting those beautiful cinnamon swirls inside each muffin.

Step 7: Create the Signature Swirl

Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter. Just a few twirls will create those lovely cinnamon ribbons, making each muffin visually inviting and evenly flavored.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling your muffins are perfectly cooked—soft, tender, and with those irresistible cinnamon swirls baked in.

Step 9: Cool Your Muffins

Let your muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling on a rack prevents sogginess and keeps the bottoms from getting too moist.

Step 10: Drizzle the Sweet Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream until you get a smooth glaze. Drizzle this generously over the warm muffins for a lovely glossy finish that adds an extra layer of sweetness, just like your favorite cinnamon roll topping.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

While these muffins are amazing just as they are, feel free to sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or chopped nuts like pecans on top of the glaze for a little extra crunch and flavor contrast. Fresh fruit on the side also complements the sweet, spicy muffins beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these cinnamon roll muffins alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast. They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a protein boost and a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or a special occasion, stack the muffins on a cake stand and drizzle extra glaze right before serving for that picture-perfect look. You can even slice them in half, toast lightly, and spread with butter or cream cheese for an irresistible treat everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Beyond that, refrigerated storage is best to maintain freshness but can slightly dry them out.

Freezing

Cinnamon roll muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy your muffins warm and fresh from the oven, simply microwave them for about 15 to 20 seconds or heat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Adding a quick warm-up enhances the gooey cinnamon experience and melts the glaze slightly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour in this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe?

All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but if you want to experiment, whole wheat flour can be substituted for half of the amount for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind it might make the muffins a bit denser.

Is there a way to make these muffins dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter. The muffins will still be delicious and moist.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

It’s best to bake the muffins fresh, but you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight. Give the batter a gentle stir before swirling the cinnamon mixture in and baking the next day.

How do I avoid the cinnamon swirl sinking to the bottom?

Make sure to follow the layering instructions carefully. Adding the cinnamon swirl after a layer of batter and topping with more batter, followed by a gentle swirl with a toothpick, helps keep the cinnamon ribbons well distributed.

Can I double the Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe?

Yes, doubling the recipe works well. Just make sure you have enough muffin tins or bake in batches. Keep an eye on baking times as they might vary slightly with different oven loads.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the comfort of cinnamon and sugar wrapped in a warm, tender muffin, and this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe delivers just that in every delightful bite. Whether you’re making these for a quick breakfast, an easy dessert, or a snack to share, they come together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow. So grab your mixing bowls and muffin tin, and prepare for some serious yum—your taste buds will thank you!

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