Name: Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

If you love the irresistible aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls but crave something a little quicker to whip up, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are bound to become your new breakfast obsession. Imagine tender, fluffy muffins brimming with buttery cinnamon swirls, topped with that classic golden crust—every bite captures all the comfort of a homemade cinnamon roll, but with a fraction of the effort. Whether you’re planning a special brunch or simply want to treat yourself on a weekday morning, these muffins are a surefire way to delight everyone at your table.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of pantry staples creates these heavenly Cinnamon Roll Muffins—each ingredient plays a vital role in building irresistible flavor and texture. These simple additions come together beautifully to make a batch of muffins you’ll want to bake again and again.

All-purpose flour: The base of our muffins, keeping them light yet satisfyingly structured.
Baking powder: Gives the muffins their lovely rise and fluffy crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and that delightful golden color to the muffin tops.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with warm, cozy flavor.
Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
Whole milk: Ensures the muffins turn out moist and tender every time.
Unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and that classic bakery-style taste.
Large eggs (room temperature): Help bind the batter and contribute to a fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and that special comforting aroma to the mix.
Brown sugar (for filling): Gives those signature gooey cinnamon swirls everyone adores.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which is just the right temperature to get those muffins golden without drying them out. Line your muffin tin with paper liners for easy cleanup and picture-perfect muffin tops every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking helps distribute the cinnamon evenly throughout the batter and keeps the muffins delightfully tender. Don’t skip this—it’s the secret to those luscious swirls!

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and blend together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk just until smooth and creamy. Bringing these ingredients to room temperature helps them mix more easily and ensures your muffins bake up light and fluffy.

Step 4: Make the Muffin Batter

Now pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, gently folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this is the key to achieving those soft, bakery-style Cinnamon Roll Muffins rather than a dense crumb.

Step 5: Swirl the Cinnamon Filling

For that signature roll-inspired swirl, stir together brown sugar and a touch more cinnamon in a small bowl. Gently fold about half of this mixture into your muffin batter, creating lovely ribbons of spiced sugar. Save the remainder to sprinkle right on top of each muffin for a delectable crust.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into each muffin liner, filling each one about two-thirds full for that perfect dome. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-brown sugar filling over the tops. Pop the tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes—your kitchen will smell absolutely divine! Remove when the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Garnishes

For a classic touch, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the warm muffins or dust them with powdered sugar for a bakery-worthy finish. You can also add a dash of extra cinnamon on top for an extra pop of color and aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Roll Muffins with a spread of fresh fruit, creamy Greek yogurt, or even a handful of toasted nuts for a satisfying breakfast or brunch. If you’re entertaining, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole for a well-rounded feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your muffins on a cake stand with fresh berries tucked in between, or serve them in a bread basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin. For brunch parties, wrap each muffin individually in parchment and tie with twine for an irresistibly charming display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Cinnamon Roll Muffins to cool completely before storing. For best texture, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and moist, perfect for grabbing on your way out the door.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy your muffins over a longer stretch, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature or gently reheat when a craving strikes.

Reheating

For that straight-from-the-oven taste, warm Cinnamon Roll Muffins in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, or in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This softens them perfectly and revives that tempting cinnamon scent.

FAQs

Can I use a milk substitute in this recipe?

Absolutely! Almond milk or oat milk both work well if you need a dairy-free option. Just be sure to use unsweetened varieties so your Cinnamon Roll Muffins aren’t overly sweet.

Do I need to use paper liners?

Paper liners help with easy removal and cleanup, but if you don’t have any, you can generously butter or spray your muffin tin and expect great results.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Certainly! Chopped pecans or walnuts, or even a handful of raisins or dried cranberries, are a delicious addition to the cinnamon swirl for extra flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to make a quick glaze?

Just mix about half a cup of powdered sugar with a splash of milk or water and a touch of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and drizzle over cooled Cinnamon Roll Muffins for that bakery-fresh finish.

Can I make mini Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

Yes, simply use a mini muffin tin and decrease the bake time to around 10–12 minutes. Keep a close eye so they stay moist and don’t overcook!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a batch of homemade Cinnamon Roll Muffins with people you love. Whether it’s a special brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these muffins deliver all the flavors you crave—without the fuss. Give them a try and watch them disappear!