Cinnamon Roll Muffins

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Warm, gooey, and topped with a creamy glaze — these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect marriage between two breakfast classics. I’ve always loved the comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls, but I don’t always have the time (or patience) to make yeasted dough from scratch. That’s where this muffin version comes in. They offer all the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity and speed of baking muffins.

I’ve made these for lazy Sunday brunches, holiday mornings, and even weekday snacks. The swirl of cinnamon sugar inside gives each bite a cozy, sweet kick, and the soft crumb makes them feel indulgent without being overly heavy. And that drizzle of glaze? Just the right touch to pull it all together.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

These muffins are everything you love about a cinnamon roll, packed into a handheld treat. They’re quick to whip up, no yeast or proofing required, and the ingredients are pantry-friendly. Plus, they freeze well, making them perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts. Whether you’re craving something cozy or need a crowd-pleaser for brunch, these muffins deliver big cinnamon roll energy with half the effort.

What Kind of Flour Should I Use?

All-purpose flour works perfectly in this recipe, giving the muffins a soft, tender crumb that mimics the texture of cinnamon rolls. If you’re looking to make them gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour can be used with solid results. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

Options for Substitutions

• Milk: Swap out regular milk for almond, oat, or soy milk if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
• Butter: Use melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
• Eggs: You can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) to make it vegan.
• Glaze: For a lighter topping, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can work beautifully.

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Ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the muffins, providing structure and softness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter and balances the cinnamon spice.
• Brown Sugar: Used in the cinnamon filling for a rich, caramel-like depth.
• Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and stay fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Works alongside the baking powder to give the muffins lift.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the muffins.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• Powdered Sugar: Used in the glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
• Cream Cheese (optional): Adds tang and richness to the glaze if desired.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin and Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly spray them with non-stick spray if desired. This helps the muffins release easily after baking.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. This ensures even distribution and avoids clumps.

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Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, then whisk in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

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Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix — stop as soon as everything is combined and no dry streaks remain. The batter should be thick but spoonable.

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Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Spoon half the muffin batter into the liners, sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then top with the remaining batter. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the layers together.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or cream until smooth. For a richer flavor, add softened cream cheese. Drizzle over the cooled muffins.

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How Long to Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Prep Time: Making the batter and the cinnamon sugar filling takes about 15 minutes. If you’re adding the optional cream cheese glaze, add another 5 minutes. The ingredients are simple and the process flows quickly once everything is measured and ready to go.

Baking Time: These muffins bake beautifully in 18–22 minutes. After baking, they need at least 5–10 minutes to cool slightly before glazing, so overall you’re looking at just over 30 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Muffins

• Use room temperature ingredients to help the batter mix evenly.
• Don’t overmix the batter—stop once the flour disappears to keep the muffins tender.
• Fill muffin cups only about 3/4 full to avoid overflow.
• Swirl gently—too much swirling will mix the cinnamon sugar completely into the batter.
• Allow muffins to cool before glazing so it doesn’t melt and slide off.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking: They can dry out quickly, so check for doneness around the 18-minute mark.
• Skipping the swirl: The cinnamon sugar swirl is key to the signature flavor—don’t forget it!
• Undermixing the glaze: Make sure it’s smooth to avoid clumps.
• Too much filling: A heavy hand with the cinnamon sugar can cause the muffins to sink.
• No liner or spray: These muffins are sticky—line or grease well.

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What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

1. Scrambled Eggs and Bacon

A savory balance to the sweet muffins, perfect for a full breakfast plate.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad

Bright and juicy fruits offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, spiced muffins.

3. Greek Yogurt with Honey

Adds protein and creaminess that complements the cinnamon flavors.

4. Iced Coffee or Cold Brew

The boldness of coffee cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

5. Maple Glazed Sausages

Sweet and savory meet in a brunch pairing that feels indulgent and complete.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.

Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before eating for that fresh-baked feel.

Freezer: Freeze unglazed muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and glaze when ready to enjoy.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Muffin)

• Calories: ~230
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 160mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes! They store well at room temperature or in the freezer. Glaze just before serving for best texture.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. They’re still delicious without it, though the glaze does add that cinnamon roll finishing touch.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with white sugar and a bit of molasses. It won’t be quite as rich, but still tasty.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts work great, and raisins add a chewy sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it scales up well. Just make sure not to overcrowd the oven if baking two trays.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are my go-to treat when I’m craving something sweet, nostalgic, and quick to whip up. They combine the best of both worlds—muffin ease and cinnamon roll comfort—with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for a quiet morning, this recipe fits the bill every single time.

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