Cinnamon Roll Muffins (Soft, Sweet, and Swirled with Cinnamon)

Oh wow, I totally love these Cinnamon Roll Muffins. They smell so sweet, it’s like a cozy bakery in my kitchen. I can’t wait to tell you more! They taste just like cinnamon rolls but in a muffin form. So, they’re super easy to grab and enjoy. I mean, they’re basically happiness in a cup! I get this warm and gooey feeling every single time I take a bite. It’s so soft and sweet that I just can’t stop smiling. Seriously, it’s the best treat ever! You really have to try these right away. They’re the perfect snack for any time of day. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Quick: All the flavors of a cinnamon roll without kneading or waiting for dough to rise.
• Soft and Tender Texture: A moist, fluffy muffin base swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Kid-Friendly: Sweet and simple, kids love these as much as adults do.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead and freeze for busy mornings.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Bake Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 18-22 minutes
• Total Time: Around 45 minutes (including cooling time)

Servings:

This recipe makes 12 standard-size muffins, perfect for sharing with family or storing for later.

Difficulty:

Beginner-friendly—no yeast, no complicated steps, and no fancy tools required. If you can make muffins, you can make these.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here are the essential tools to make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins:

• Muffin Pan: Standard 12-cup muffin tin.
• Mixing Bowls: One large for batter, one small for cinnamon sugar.
• Whisk and Spatula: To mix ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer (Optional): Helps for creaming butter and sugar but can be done by hand.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Ice Cream Scoop or Spoon: To evenly portion the muffin batter.
• Cooling Rack: For letting muffins cool properly before glazing.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Muffins

These ingredients create soft muffins with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and sweet glaze (exact measurements will be in the recipe card at the end):

For the Muffin Batter:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the muffin, giving structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Milk: Moistens the batter and adds richness.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Gives buttery flavor and tender texture.
• Egg: Binds the batter together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• Brown Sugar: Adds rich sweetness with a hint of molasses.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that makes these muffins warm and cozy.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar swirl throughout the muffins.

For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
• Milk: Thins the glaze to drizzle consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the glaze.

Variations and Ingredient Swaps

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are flexible. Here are some ways to adjust the recipe based on what you have at home or how you like your treats:

• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts (about ½ cup) for a crunchy bite.
• Add Raisins: For a more classic cinnamon roll feel, stir in ⅓ cup of raisins or dried cranberries.
• Make Them Extra Sweet: Sprinkle a little extra brown sugar and cinnamon on top before baking.
• Swap the Glaze: Instead of vanilla glaze, try a simple cream cheese glaze by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk (or any non-dairy milk) and dairy-free butter substitutes.
• Whole Wheat: Replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin. This will give a slightly denser texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break this recipe into easy-to-follow steps to help you make perfect Cinnamon Roll Muffins every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a standard muffin pan with paper liners, or grease each muffin cup with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
• Stir in melted butter until it forms a soft, crumbly mix. Set aside — this will be your swirl.

Step 3: Make the Muffin Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
• Gently stir with a spatula until just combined — avoid overmixing, or your muffins may turn out dense.

Step 4: Assemble the Muffins

• Spoon a tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup (just enough to cover the bottom).
• Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar swirl over the batter.
• Add another tablespoon of batter to cover the cinnamon layer.
• Top with more cinnamon sugar swirl, gently pressing it into the batter with a spoon or finger.

Step 5: Bake the Muffins

• Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• The tops should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 6: Cool the Muffins

• Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Glazing the Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Once the muffins are fully cooled, it’s time to finish them with a simple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness.

How to Make the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• You want a consistency that’s thick but pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk — just a teaspoon at a time.
• Use a spoon or fork to drizzle the glaze over the tops of the muffins.
• Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tip: If you like extra glaze, double the recipe and add a second drizzle once the first layer sets.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• With coffee or tea: The sweet cinnamon flavor pairs perfectly with a warm drink.
• As a breakfast treat: Serve with fresh fruit or yogurt for a simple breakfast.
• For brunch gatherings: Add these muffins to a brunch table with eggs, bacon, and fresh juice.
• As a dessert: Warm slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store:

• Keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to store them longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing Instructions:

• Freeze unglazed muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Add glaze after thawing if desired.

Troubleshooting and Tips for Success

Here are common questions and tips to help your muffins turn out soft and perfect:

• Why are my muffins dense?
  Overmixing the batter can cause dense muffins. Stir just until ingredients are combined — a few lumps are okay.
• Why did my muffins sink?
  Make sure your baking powder is fresh and avoid opening the oven door while baking.
• Can I make them gluten-free?
  Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be tasty.
• Can I skip the glaze?
  Absolutely. The muffins are sweet enough on their own, but the glaze adds a nice finish.

Nutrition Information (Optional)

Here’s a general idea of what each muffin contains (based on 12 servings). Keep in mind that exact values may vary depending on specific ingredients used:

• Calories: ~220
• Total Fat: ~10g
• Saturated Fat: ~6g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Sugar: ~15g
• Protein: ~3g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sodium: ~180mg

Note: This is an estimate and should be used as a guide. For specific dietary needs, it’s best to calculate based on the exact ingredients you use.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a simple way to bring the cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls to your kitchen—without spending hours making dough. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert, these muffins are always a hit. They’re soft, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a sweet glaze that makes them feel special.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Leave a comment below or share your muffins on social media — and don’t forget to tag @DessertHungry so I can see your beautiful bakes!

Looking for more easy muffin recipes? Be sure to check out other muffin recipes here for more ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them the day before. Store them in an airtight container, and glaze them just before serving for the freshest look and taste.

2. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles well if you’re baking for a crowd. Just make sure to use two muffin pans and rotate them halfway through baking if needed.

3. Can I add a cream cheese filling?

You can. To do this, mix softened cream cheese with a little powdered sugar and vanilla, and add a small dollop between layers of batter as you fill the muffin cups.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the sugar in the batter if you prefer them less sweet, but keep enough to balance the cinnamon swirl and maintain the soft texture.

5. What’s the best way to reheat them?

If you want to enjoy them warm, pop a muffin in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the crumb and brings out the cinnamon flavor.