Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Imagine pulling warm, bakery-style cinnamon rolls out of your oven but without hours of kneading, rising, and rolling. That’s what makes Cinnamon Roll Muffins a must-try treat: they capture everything everyone loves about classic cinnamon rolls—the swirls, the sweetness, the cozy aroma—packed into an easy, single-serve muffin form. Whether you bake these for a quick weekend breakfast, an after-school snack, or to impress at brunch, they’re every bit as dreamy as they sound.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup for these Cinnamon Roll Muffins is as simple as it gets, yet every ingredient really pulls its weight. Their combination delivers the perfect balance of rich, tender crumb, sweet spice, and irresistible aroma—making these muffins anything but ordinary.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the muffins structure and that lovely, soft bite.
• Baking Powder: Ensures your muffins rise sky-high and stay fluffy.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps the tops turn golden.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings the bold, warm spice that defines these treats.
• Salt: Grounds the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
• Whole Milk: Contributes to the muffins’ tender, moist crumb.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and keeps the muffins beautifully soft.
• Large Eggs (room temperature): Give the muffins structure and lift.
• Vanilla Extract: Ties all the flavors together with a subtle aroma.
• Brown Sugar (for filling): Swirled into the batter, it caramelizes for that signature cinnamon roll swirl.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a standard muffin tin with paper liners. This little bit of prep ensures your Cinnamon Roll Muffins won’t stick and get that perfectly domed, bakery-worthy top.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure the mixture is uniform—this step is what evenly distributes the flavor and ensures your muffins bake up light and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Mixing these together first helps everything blend seamlessly into the batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until you don’t see any streaks of flour. Don’t over-mix—leaving a few lumps is totally fine and keeps your Cinnamon Roll Muffins tender.

Step 5: Swirl in the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and a bit more cinnamon for the signature filling. Spoon half your batter into the muffin cups, sprinkle a bit of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then top with the rest of the batter. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through each muffin for gorgeous stripes and extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full, then slide your tray into the oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the muffins are domed, golden, and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes—but if you sneak one out while it’s still warm, your secret’s safe with me!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Garnishes

A classic drizzle of cream cheese icing or a simple vanilla glaze takes these muffins from everyday treat to irresistible celebration. For something extra special, add a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar or toasted pecans on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Roll Muffins pair beautifully with a bowl of fresh fruit, a tangy yogurt parfait, or your favorite hot drink—think spicy chai latte, rich espresso, or a steaming mug of cocoa. They’re the star of a brunch table but happily cozy up to eggs, quiche, and more.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, stack the muffins on a tiered tray or pile them high in a linen-lined basket for a rustic touch. For brunch parties, try serving Cinnamon Roll Muffins with tiny cups of glaze for dipping, letting everyone add their own finishing touch. Or bundle a few in cellophane with a ribbon for the best homemade gift imaginable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Roll Muffins will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week—but bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these muffins freeze like a dream! After they’ve cooled completely, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just be sure to thaw before enjoying.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked goodness, warm your Cinnamon Roll Muffins in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. If you’re adding a glaze, drizzle it on after reheating so it stays gooey and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! While whole milk adds richness, you can substitute with 2%, skim, or even a non-dairy option like almond or oat milk. Just know that the texture may be slightly different, but your Cinnamon Roll Muffins will still taste wonderful.

Do I need to use muffin liners?

Muffin liners make cleanup a breeze and help the muffins release cleanly, but if you don’t have any, just grease your muffin tin thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray and you’ll be good to go.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

For sure! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of raisins or dried cranberries can be folded into the batter with the cinnamon-sugar swirl for a fun twist and extra texture in your Cinnamon Roll Muffins.

How do I know when my muffins are done?

The best test is color and touch: your muffins should be golden on top and spring back lightly when pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—no raw batter.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe doubles (or even triples) easily. Just mix your batter in batches if needed and rotate the muffin pans halfway through baking for even browning—your kitchen will smell amazing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to make mornings more exciting, or just want a little comfort in muffin form, you have to give these Cinnamon Roll Muffins a try. They’re simple but truly special, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Treat yourself and your loved ones—you’ll be so glad you did!

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