If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but crave a quicker, handheld treat, this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Picture soft, fluffy muffins bursting with the rich aroma of cinnamon and a sweet, gooey swirl of brown sugar inside each bite. These muffins capture all the joy of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolling dough or waiting hours to rise. Whether you’re whipping up a cozy breakfast or a delightful snack, this recipe is a beautiful blend of simplicity and indulgence that feels like a warm hug in muffin form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a key role in building the perfect texture and deep cinnamon flavor that make this recipe shine. From tenderizing with milk to adding just the right pinch of cinnamon spice, every item counts.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and tender crumb for the muffins.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully, creating that fluffy, airy texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the cinnamon notes.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to keep the muffins soft and tender.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings a buttery richness that elevates the flavor and moistness.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients together while adding extra richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic sweetness to complement the cinnamon.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for filling): Creates that irresistible gooey cinnamon swirl inside each muffin.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This step ensures your muffins bake evenly and are easy to remove once golden and perfectly puffed.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients early helps distribute the leavening and spice evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Using room temperature eggs and melted butter helps the ingredients blend effortlessly, which keeps the batter silky and smooth.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the muffins light and tender instead of dense.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar with a pinch of cinnamon for the filling. This mixture will create the famous gooey swirl, giving each muffin a burst of cinnamon-sweet magic.
Step 6: Layer and Fill the Muffin Cups
Fill each muffin cup about one-third full with batter, then carefully add a spoonful of the brown sugar cinnamon mixture. Top with more muffin batter until each cup is about two-thirds full. This layering creates those beautiful cinnamon swirls inside each muffin.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your muffins at 375°F (190°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When they’re done, the irresistible aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, signaling it’s time to enjoy!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the warm muffins. A light sprinkle of crushed pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar also adds lovely texture and sweetness.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte for a perfect morning combo. They also join forces nicely with fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to create a balanced breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe in cute paper liners or nestle them in decorative baskets wrapped with a cozy cloth. For family gatherings, consider stacking them on a tiered stand to show off their enticing cinnamon swirl interior.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft. For longer freshness, the fridge works too but may dry them out slightly.
Freezing
Wrap cooled muffins individually in plastic wrap and freeze them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy fresh cinnamon roll flavors anytime you want with minimal effort.
Reheating
Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to bring back that freshly baked softness and melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is ideal for the right texture, but you can try using whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste, keeping in mind the muffins might be denser.
Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs?
Using room temperature eggs helps them blend smoothly into the batter, resulting in a better texture. However, cold eggs will still work if needed.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine.
What’s the best way to ensure even cinnamon swirls?
Adding the brown sugar cinnamon mixture in layers rather than mixing it completely into the batter creates distinct swirls and pockets of cinnamon sweetness.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch, and raisins offer bursts of chewy sweetness that complement the cinnamon flavors excellently.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe enough for anyone looking to savor the cozy, delightful taste of cinnamon rolls in a quick and fuss-free way. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on comfort and joy, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a sweet personal treat. Give it a try and let these muffins become your new favorite way to celebrate cinnamon’s magic!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins offer all the sweet, warm flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in convenient, individual muffin form. Soft, fluffy, and swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, they’re perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these muffins bring the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolling and slicing dough.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirling with brown sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a spatula until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
- Prepare Filling and Swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar with ground cinnamon. Pour half of the muffin batter into the lined muffin cups, sprinkle some of the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture on top, then dollop the remaining batter over it. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the filling through the batter for a beautiful cinnamon roll effect.
- Bake the Muffins: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and whole milk for better batter consistency and fluffier muffins.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense muffins; fold ingredients just until combined.
- Swirling the cinnamon sugar filling lightly through the batter helps create distinct, visible swirls reminiscent of cinnamon rolls.
- If desired, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after baking for extra sweetness.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
