Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

If you’re dreaming of cozy, pillowy Cinnamon Roll Muffins that capture all the soul-soothing goodness of your favorite bakery treat—with a fraction of the fuss—then you’re in the right place. Picture tender muffins marbled with gooey cinnamon filling and finished with a velvety cream cheese glaze. These are pure comfort, baked into every swirl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Cinnamon Roll Muffins is in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, from creating that golden, fluffy crumb to building layers of cinnamony warmth. Here’s a quick look at why each one matters:

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone for the muffins, providing just enough structure so they’re tender but not tough.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and keeps the muffins moist.
• Baking powder: Gives your muffins their signature rise and light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: A small touch, but it sharpens every flavor in the muffin.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality to both the batter and cinnamon filling.
• Milk: Brings the batter together and keeps things perfectly tender.
• Egg: Binds everything beautifully while adding moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Gives a warm, fragrant note to the muffins and glaze.
• Brown sugar: Essential for the caramel-like, gooey cinnamon swirl.
• Ground cinnamon: The heartbeat of this recipe, infusing each muffin with spicy-sweet flavor.
• Cream cheese: For that creamy, tangy-sweet glaze that sets these apart.
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the smooth, pourable glaze.

Variations

One of the joys of baking Cinnamon Roll Muffins is how incredibly flexible the recipe is. You can easily tailor the flavors and ingredients to suit your pantry, craving, or any dietary needs—let your creative spirit lead the way!

• Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for extra crunch and a classic cinnamon roll twist.
• Apple-Cinnamon Muffins: Fold finely diced apples into the batter for a burst of juicy sweetness and autumn vibes.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter and cream cheese to make this recipe deliciously dairy-free.
• Extra Glaze: Mix in a touch of maple syrup or orange zest to your glaze for a fun flavor spin.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give it a quick spritz with nonstick cooking spray—this ensures your Cinnamon Roll Muffins pop out easily, preserving every swirl.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Batter

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined (no overmixing—this keeps the texture dreamy and light!).

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, blend together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you have a smooth, fragrant mixture. This is your cinnamon-sugar magic for those irresistible swirls.

Step 4: Assemble the Muffins

Spoon enough batter to fill each muffin cup halfway, then dollop a heaping spoonful of cinnamon filling right in the center. Cover with the remaining batter, filling almost to the top. With a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the muffin and filling together—get playful but don’t overdo it!

Step 5: Bake

Bake your Cinnamon Roll Muffins for 18–20 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

With a hand mixer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon), and vanilla extract. Mix until luscious and drizzle-ready—add a little extra milk if needed for the perfect pour.

Step 7: Glaze the Muffins

Once the muffins are cool, drizzle each one with plenty of cream cheese glaze. Use a spoon for generous swoops, or pipe on pretty zig-zags for that bakery look.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Time to dig in! Serve your Cinnamon Roll Muffins slightly warm or at room temperature. They’re divine with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk—breakfast, brunch, or anytime treat!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, shower your glazed Cinnamon Roll Muffins with a dusting of cinnamon, a few chopped toasted nuts, or even a sprinkle of pearl sugar. The glaze itself is plenty, but these simple garnishes add just the right pop of texture, color, and flavor.

Side Dishes

These muffins are fabulous on their own, but if you’re making brunch, try serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or a scramble of fluffy eggs. The sweet–and–savory contrast will make your breakfast spread feel extra inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your Cinnamon Roll Muffins on a pretty cake stand with a drizzle of extra glaze and some scattered berries. Or, wrap each muffin in parchment and tuck into a basket for a brunch picnic—they’re portable, giftable, and always the centerpiece of any table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Roll Muffins will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just be sure the glaze has set before stacking so things don’t get sticky.

Freezing

To freeze, let the muffins cool completely, then wrap them individually (without glaze) in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then add fresh glaze for a just-baked feel.

Reheating

Give your muffins a quick zap in the microwave (about 15–20 seconds) or a gentle warm-up in a low oven. This revives their soft texture and brings the cinnamon aroma back to life—just like fresh-baked!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you adore these Cinnamon Roll Muffins as much as I do! They’re a joyful, cinnamony treat perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Give them a try and let your kitchen fill with that irresistible cinnamon roll aroma. Happy baking!

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