Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm cinnamon, sugar, and freshly baked dough—sounds like heaven, right? Cinnamon roll muffins bring that comforting bakery experience right into your kitchen without the need for yeast or hours of rising time. These tender, gooey, and perfectly spiced treats combine everything you love about cinnamon rolls with the ease of a muffin. Whether you’re prepping a weekend brunch or just need a cozy snack, cinnamon roll muffins deliver all the flavor with half the fuss.

Let’s explore what makes these delightful muffins such a winner, how to bake them from scratch, and even some creative twists to make them your own.

Why Cinnamon Roll Muffins Are a Must-Try

Quick and Convenient Comfort Food

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which often require kneading and rising, cinnamon roll muffins come together quickly. They’re ideal for those mornings when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, since they bake in a muffin tin, there’s no need to worry about rolling or cutting dough precisely.

Perfect for Sharing or Stashing

These muffins are excellent for portion control, sharing at gatherings, or packing in lunchboxes. You can even freeze extras and warm them up whenever a cinnamon craving strikes. They’re sweet enough for dessert, but cozy enough to pair with your morning coffee or tea.

The Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour this into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Prepare the Filling:
   Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside the melted butter.
5. Layer the Batter:
   Spoon a tablespoon of muffin batter into each muffin cup. Add a teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar filling, then cover with another tablespoon of batter. Drizzle a little melted butter and more filling on top.
6. Bake:
   Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool slightly.
7. Glaze and Serve:
   Mix the glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over warm muffins. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Tips, Twists, and Serving Ideas

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch, or stir in mini chocolate chips for an extra treat. You could also use maple syrup in the glaze for a deeper flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Cinnamon roll muffins are best fresh, but they store well. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5. You can also freeze them (unglazed is best) and reheat in the microwave.