Name: Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) Rapid Rise Instant Yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups milk; 6 tablespoons butter; 1 egg, room temperature; 1/4 cup butter, room temperature; 2/3 cup light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 1 tablespoon cream cheese; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 to 3 tablespoons milk; Pinch of salt; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 11 reviews

If you love the irresistible aroma and sweet, comforting taste of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, more portable treat, this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. These fluffy, buttery muffins are swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, offering all the cozy flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a convenient muffin form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime indulgence, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding one large, round ball of dough. The dough is light beige in color with a slightly rough texture and some small air bubbles on its surface, showing it has risen. The dough fills most of the bowl, creating a smooth dome shape with some natural unevenness. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, each playing a role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that signature cinnamon swirl. From the softness of the butter to the warmth of the cinnamon spice, these components come together harmoniously to deliver a truly delightful experience.

4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tenderness of the muffin dough.
1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the dough brown beautifully.
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp.) Rapid Rise Instant Yeast: Ensures a quick, fluffy rise for soft muffins.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
1 1/2 cups milk: Gives moisture and richness to the dough.
6 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and tenderness, helping things stay soft.
1 egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and contributes to softness.
1/4 cup butter, room temperature: Butter for the cinnamon filling that adds luscious creaminess.
2/3 cup light brown sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice offering warmth and that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the cinnamon filling.
1 Tablespoon cream cheese: Used in the glaze for a creamy, tangy finish.
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze just right.
2 to 3 Tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency to silky perfection.
Pinch salt: Enhances the glaze flavor.
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth to the glaze’s sweetness.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining 2 cups of flour, the yeast, salt, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. This base mixture is where your muffins begin to take shape, ensuring even flavor distribution and a strong structure for your dough.

Step 2: Warm the Milk and Butter

Next, warm the milk and butter together for about 30 seconds until the butter melts but the mixture stays just warm enough to activate the yeast. This warmth acts like a cozy blanket for the yeast, helping your dough rise beautifully without killing the yeast cells.

Step 3: Add Egg and Wet Ingredients to Flour Mixture

Mix the warm milk and butter with the egg, then add it to the flour mixture. Beat on low speed, gradually increasing to high for about 2 minutes until everything is completely combined, creating a smooth batter ready for more flour additions.

Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Flour and Knead

Scrape down the sides, add another cup of flour, and beat again. Then add the last cup a bit at a time until the dough pulls away from the bowl, forming a ball. Flour your surface, turn out the dough, and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft, elastic, and stretchy – the hallmark of a perfectly developed gluten.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it doubles in size and feels light and airy to the touch.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, mix the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This simple mixture is the secret to that sweet, spicy swirl everyone loves.

Step 7: Roll Out Dough and Add Filling

Once risen, roll the dough into an 18 x 12 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, pressing gently to help it stick.

Step 8: Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long edge nearest to you, roll tightly away from yourself, sealing the edge by pinching the dough firmly. This step traps the filling inside to create those iconic cinnamon swirls in each muffin.

Step 9: Cut and Place in Muffin Tin

Cut the log into 12 even slices using dental floss or a sharp knife, then butter your muffin tin generously. Place each roll snugly into the greased cups, ensuring the dough is tucked in for rising.

Step 10: Second Rise

Cover loosely with a dishcloth and let the rolls rise again for about an hour until puffy and nearly doubled, prepping them for baking.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the centers are no longer doughy. The scent wafting through your kitchen at this stage is pure magic.

Step 12: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

While rolls cool slightly, soften the cream cheese in the microwave, then whisk in powdered sugar, milk, salt, and vanilla until smooth and luscious. This glaze is the crowning glory on your Cinnamon Roll Muffins.

Step 13: Glaze and Enjoy

Drizzle or spoon the glaze over the warm muffins, allowing it to melt in and add that final touch of creamy sweetness before diving in.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

A close-up of a small cinnamon roll sitting on a black wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface, showing one thick base layer of golden-brown dough, a second layer spiraled with cinnamon filling that is dark brown and slightly shiny, and a thick layer of white icing being spread on top with a spoon held by a woman's hand from the left side of the frame. In the blurred background, there are two glass bottles filled with milk, all softly lit with natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans over the glaze. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a few raspberry drizzles also add a bright contrast to the sweet, creamy flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve these muffins alongside a hot cup of coffee, a glass of rich milk, or even a creamy chai latte to complement the warming spices. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait to balance indulgence with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these Cinnamon Roll Muffins in individual mini baskets lined with colorful napkins for a charming breakfast buffet or brunch party. You can also stack them on a tiered stand for a stunning presentation that invites sharing and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cinnamon roll muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They stay soft and delicious, making it easy to enjoy them later without losing that just-baked magic.

Freezing

Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. This way, you can thaw and enjoy a fresh muffin anytime cravings hit without the prep work.

Reheating

For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Add a little extra glaze after warming if you want that fresh-from-the-oven sweetness back instantly.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of rapid-rise yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for the rapid-rise yeast, but you will need to allow more time for the dough to rise, usually about 1 to 2 hours for the first rise and 1 hour for the second.

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

The egg helps bind and enrich the dough, but you can replace it with a flax egg or applesauce for an egg-free version, though the texture might be slightly different.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and feel light and puffy. You can perform the “poke test” — gently poke the dough; if the indentation remains, it has risen enough.

Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

Gluten-free baking requires special flour blends and adjusted techniques. While this recipe isn’t designed for gluten-free substitutions, experimenting with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and adding xanthan gum may yield edible results.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and proceed with filling and shaping the next day. This slow rise can enhance flavor and make for a convenient workflow.

Final Thoughts

There’s something utterly joyful about pulling golden, warm Cinnamon Roll Muffins from the oven — the tender dough, sweet cinnamon swirl, and creamy glaze combine to create pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging in a moment of sweetness for yourself, this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe is guaranteed to brighten your day. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen!