There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls on a cozy morning, and these Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Muffins deliver all the flavor of the classic treat in a quick and easy-to-make muffin form. With a soft, fluffy interior, a swirl of cinnamon-sugar filling, and a sweet glaze drizzled on top, these muffins are perfect for a relaxed weekend breakfast or brunch. They’re an irresistible way to start your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins offer all the deliciousness of traditional cinnamon rolls, but in a more convenient, portable format. The soft, buttery muffins are filled with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl, giving you the perfect bite of sweetness and spice in every mouthful. Topped with a simple glaze, they are the perfect balance of cinnamon goodness and indulgent sweetness. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, with no need to wait for dough to rise, making them the ideal breakfast or snack for busy mornings!

Ingredients

For the muffins:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cinnamon swirl:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

2. Make the muffin batter:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

   • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.

3. Prepare the cinnamon swirl:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the muffins:

   • Fill each muffin cup about 1/3 full with muffin batter. Then, drop a small spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter.

   • Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the muffin batter, creating a marble effect.

   • Top each muffin with the remaining muffin batter, covering the cinnamon swirl. You can add more cinnamon swirl mixture on top if you want an extra swirl inside.

5. Bake the muffins:

   • Bake the muffins at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   • Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the glaze:

   • While the muffins are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

   • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the Cinnamon Roll Muffins warm for the best experience. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 muffins.

• Preparation time: 10-15 minutes

• Baking time: 18-20 minutes

• Total time: Approximately 30 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for added crunch.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.

• Apple Cinnamon: Add small diced apples to the batter for an apple-cinnamon twist.

• Maple Glaze: Instead of vanilla glaze, try making a maple glaze by substituting the vanilla extract for maple syrup.

• Cream Cheese Filling: For an indulgent twist, add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the muffins for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins ahead of time?

Yes! These muffins can be made the day before and stored in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for a couple of days, and you can warm them up in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I freeze the muffins?

Yes! These muffins freeze well. To freeze, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag after they’ve cooled completely. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply place them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk with non-dairy milk like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. The muffins will still turn out delicious.

How do I get the cinnamon swirl to show up in the muffins?

Make sure to swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter carefully with a toothpick or skewer. Don’t mix it too much, or the swirl won’t be visible. A few swirls are enough to create that marbled look.

How do I prevent the muffins from getting too dense?

Be sure not to overmix the muffin batter. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Stir the wet and dry ingredients until they are just combined—lumps are okay!

Can I make these muffins without the glaze?

Yes, the muffins are delicious on their own without the glaze. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip the glaze or drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup instead.

Can I use a mini muffin tin?

Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin to make bite-sized versions of these cinnamon roll muffins. Just reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I add raisins or currants to the muffins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add raisins or currants to the batter for an extra pop of flavor. Just fold them into the batter before spooning it into the muffin tin.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Check the muffins by inserting a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean (with just a few crumbs), they’re done. If the toothpick is still wet, bake the muffins for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Can I use a different sugar for the cinnamon swirl?

Yes, you can use coconut sugar or brown sugar if you prefer a different flavor profile. Both will work well for the cinnamon swirl and add a slightly different taste.

Conclusion

Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect treat to cozy up with on a lazy morning or to serve for a weekend brunch. These soft, buttery muffins filled with cinnamon-sugar swirls and topped with a sweet glaze offer the best parts of cinnamon rolls, in a convenient, easy-to-make form. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or a dessert, they are sure to delight everyone who takes a bite. Simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion, these muffins are a must-try!