Cinnamon Roll Muffins

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If you adore the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven but don’t always have the time to deal with yeast doughs and rising schedules, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are your new favorite shortcut. They capture the gooey, buttery swirls and vanilla icing drizzle of classic cinnamon rolls, all packed into an ultra-soft, tender muffin.

With a prep time that makes them perfect for a weekend breakfast or a surprise brunch treat, these muffins are quicker than traditional rolls but never short on flavor. Each bite is filled with cozy cinnamon sugar and finished with a smooth, sweet glaze that melts right over the top.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

These muffins are the best of both worlds: the rich, spiced swirl of a cinnamon roll with the simplicity and speed of a muffin. You won’t need yeast or a stand mixer, and they come together in under an hour. They’re also freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy a bakery-style breakfast any day of the week.

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What Kind of Flour Should I Use for Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. It gives the muffins just the right structure without making them too dense or chewy. Avoid using cake flour, which can make them too soft, or bread flour, which might make them tough. Stick with all-purpose for that perfect muffin texture and cinnamon roll softness.

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Ingredients for the Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour (2 cups) – The base of the muffin that provides structure.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup) – Adds sweetness to balance the cinnamon spice.
• Baking powder (2 tsp) – Helps the muffins rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt (1/2 tsp) – Enhances overall flavor.
• Milk (1 cup) – Adds moisture to the batter.
• Egg (1 large) – Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup) – Contributes to a tender crumb and buttery taste.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Adds warm, aromatic flavor.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed) – Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp) – The star spice.
• Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp) – Helps create the classic cinnamon roll swirl.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar (1 cup) – Creates a silky-sweet icing.
• Milk (2 tbsp) – Thins out the glaze.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp) – Adds flavor to the glaze.

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How To Make the Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

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

Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp melted butter until it resembles wet sand.

Step 4: Fill and Swirl the Muffins

Spoon a tablespoon of muffin batter into each muffin cup. Add a heaping teaspoon of the cinnamon filling. Repeat with another tablespoon of batter and another teaspoon of filling. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the layers.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the slightly warm muffins.

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Serving and Storing Your Muffins

This recipe makes 12 Cinnamon Roll Muffins and serves about 6 to 8 people, depending on appetites. These muffins are best served warm, ideally fresh from the oven or reheated slightly to melt the glaze.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days. You can also freeze them (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Just reheat and drizzle fresh glaze before serving.

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What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

Fresh Fruit Salad

A bright fruit salad complements the sweetness and richness of the muffins beautifully.

Scrambled Eggs

Add protein to balance the sugar with a savory egg dish.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Layered with berries and granola, it offers creaminess and crunch.

Breakfast Quesadillas

A savory bite like vegan breakfast quesadillas works perfectly next to sweet muffins.

Tropical Fruit Salad

The light and citrusy tropical fruit salad with honey lime dressing balances the spiced cinnamon flavors.

Coffee or Chai Tea

Warm drinks make the perfect pairing.

Smoothie Bowl

Try a vibrant rainbow smoothie bowl topped with fresh fruits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! They freeze well. Just skip the glaze until you’re ready to serve. Reheat and drizzle with fresh icing.

2. Can I use oil instead of butter?
You can use a neutral oil like canola, but the butter gives a richer flavor that mimics traditional cinnamon rolls.

3. What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon filling?
Use a toothpick or small knife and gently swirl in a figure-eight motion. Don’t overdo it—you want distinct layers.

4. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to divide the batter evenly and rotate pans halfway through baking.

5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add nuts or try a different glaze?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect solution when you crave something warm, gooey, and sweet but don’t have time to wait for dough to rise. With a beautiful swirl and simple vanilla glaze, they offer all the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls in a more approachable form. Make them part of your weekend brunch spread, or freeze a batch for easy weekday indulgence.

For more delicious baking ideas, check out our daily updates on Pinterest at Meals We Share.

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