If you love the irresistible aroma and comforting flavors of baked cinnamon rolls but crave something quicker and fun to grab on the go, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are your new best friend. Imagine tender, fluffy muffins swirling with rich cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy glaze that melts right into every bite. These muffins perfectly capture the essence of classic cinnamon rolls while trimming down the fuss—making breakfast or brunch deliciously simple and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cinnamon Roll Muffins lies in their straightforward ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of taste and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender crumb to the melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon swirls and luscious glaze.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your muffins structure and a soft crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a light texture to the batter.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your muffins rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Offers extra lift and helps balance the buttermilk’s acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors just right.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with warm, cozy spice.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Keeps the muffins moist and tender with a slight tang.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and a delicate crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the sweetness and aroma.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Combines with cinnamon to create that iconic filling.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling): Powers the signature cinnamon swirl.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened, for filling): Blends into the filling for gooey pockets of flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the sweet glaze topping.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened): Adds tang and creaminess to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Creates the perfect glaze consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Enhances the sweetness and aroma of the glaze.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 12-cup muffin tin or lining it with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the teaspoon of cinnamon until fully combined. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, gently stirring until just combined for a tender muffin base—overmixing can toughen the texture, so be gentle.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, blend the brown sugar, the tablespoon of cinnamon, and softened butter until it’s crumbly with small clumps. This filling will create those irresistible pockets of cinnamon sweetness that make these muffins so special. You can absolutely sneak in more if you want an extra gooey surprise!
Step 3: Assemble the Muffins
Spoon about two tablespoons of the muffin batter into each cup, then sprinkle roughly a teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar filling over each. Top with the remaining batter to evenly fill the muffin cups, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. This layering technique ensures each muffin is filled with that signature cinnamon swirl inside and out.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your muffins for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will fill with the warm scent of cinnamon and baked butter, making it nearly impossible to wait for these to cool. Speaking of cooling, let them rest for a few minutes to set up before moving on.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Glaze and Finish
While the muffins cool, whip up the glaze by beating together powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and luscious. Drizzle this glaze generously over the warm muffins—this final touch transforms the muffins into a dreamy treat that tastes just like a cinnamon roll with none of the fuss.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Garnishes
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins already boast a beautiful glaze, but you can take them up a notch by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking or a dusting of extra cinnamon after glazing. Freshly cracked nutmeg or a pinch of sea salt on the glaze adds a surprising flavor contrast that makes every bite pop.
Side Dishes
They pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or warm milk for a comforting breakfast. Serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to add freshness and balance out the sweetness. A dollop of Greek yogurt can also complement the richness with a tangy note.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the muffins on a rustic wooden platter or a pretty cake stand for brunch guests. For a fun twist, slice them in half horizontally and add a smear of cream cheese frosting between layers for an extra indulgent treat. You can even warm one up and serve it with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cinnamon Roll Muffins left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and moist. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out, but if your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigeration might be safer—just be sure to reheat gently.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature or reheat from frozen for a warm, freshly baked feel.
Reheating
The best way to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic is by microwaving the muffins for about 15 to 20 seconds or warming them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes. The glaze will soften, and the muffins will regain their tender texture, perfect for an effortless breakfast or snack.
FAQs
Can I make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of almond milk and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. For the glaze, you can swap cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese or simply make a powdered sugar glaze with plant-based milk and vanilla.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Yes! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling brings a wonderful crunch to the muffins. Raisins or dried cranberries are a lovely addition as well, providing bursts of chewy sweetness throughout the muffin.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
You can easily create a buttermilk substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it’s ready to use in the recipe, keeping your muffins tender and flavorful.
How long do Cinnamon Roll Muffins stay fresh?
These muffins are best enjoyed within two days when stored at room temperature. Freshness can be maintained by placing them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out, but freezing is your best bet for longer storage.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum for structure. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free flours sometimes require slight adjustments, but you can still achieve that delightful cinnamon swirl muffin texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and joyous about these Cinnamon Roll Muffins that makes them an instant favorite for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack. Their combination of tender muffin crumb, gooey cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze is a delightful treat that will brighten any day. You owe it to yourself to try making these lovely muffins—once you do, they’ll surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing smiles with every bite.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Cinnamon Roll Muffins that combine the classic flavors of cinnamon sugar swirls with a moist, fluffy muffin base. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or sweet snack, these muffins feature a gooey cinnamon sugar filling and a creamy glaze for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined for a smooth wet mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins light and tender.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly and well combined, forming the filling mixture.
- Assemble Muffins: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of muffin batter into each muffin cup. Then sprinkle approximately one teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar filling over the batter in each cup. Top with the remaining batter, dividing it evenly among the cups, and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the muffins are fully cooked.
- Make the Glaze: While the muffins cool slightly, prepare the glaze by beating together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm muffins before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and creaminess.
Notes
- For extra gooey cinnamon swirls, add a bit more cinnamon sugar mixture in the middle of the batter while assembling.
- These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the microwave for a warm treat.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with lemon juice and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling provides a delightful crunch.
