Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe: Sweet and Delicious

Introduction

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm, freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Muffins—a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. These sweet and fluffy muffins are infused with cinnamon-sugar swirls, topped with a decadent glaze, and baked to perfection. They capture all the indulgent flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls but in a quick and easy muffin form—no yeast or long rising times required!

Whether you’re preparing a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a simple treat, these muffins are the perfect addition to your recipe collection. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to create the best cinnamon roll muffins, with step-by-step instructions, expert baking tips, and variations to suit every taste.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Muffins

• Easier Than Traditional Cinnamon Rolls: No kneading or proofing dough.
• Perfectly Sweet & Fluffy: A soft muffin base with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Great for Breakfast or Dessert: A versatile recipe that fits any occasion.
• Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or a cream cheese drizzle for extra indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins, gather the following ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup milk (whole or almond milk)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, then spoon a teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Add more batter until cups are about ¾ full, then swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter using a toothpick.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While muffins cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze.

Step 9: Drizzle & Serve

Drizzle the glaze over warm muffins and serve immediately!

Variations & Additions

1. Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Add a cream cheese filling by mixing 4 oz softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons sugar and layering it with the cinnamon swirl.

2. Nutty Cinnamon Muffins

Stir ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch.

3. Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Fold in ½ cup finely chopped apples for a fruity twist.

4. Maple Glaze Option

Swap the vanilla glaze for a maple glaze using maple syrup instead of milk.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigeration:

Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Warm in the microwave for 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon Roll Muffins

• Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants that support immune health.
• Homemade means fewer preservatives compared to store-bought pastries.
• Control the sugar content by adjusting sweetness or using natural sweeteners.

FAQs

1. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for regular flour.

2. How do I prevent dry muffins?

Do not overbake, and use room-temperature ingredients.

3. Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, use 1/4 cup vegetable or coconut oil as a substitute.

4. What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon filling?

Use a toothpick or skewer to gently mix it into the batter.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to bake in batches.

6. What’s the best way to serve these muffins?

Enjoy warm with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

7. Can I make these without eggs?

Yes, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes).

8. Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.

9. Do I have to use a glaze?

No, these muffins are delicious even without it!

10. Can I prepare the batter the night before?

Yes, store it covered in the fridge and bake fresh in the morning.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of muffins, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With simple ingredients, endless customization options, and a soft, tender crumb, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the sweet, spiced goodness of homemade Cinnamon Roll Muffins!

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