Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect fusion of two beloved breakfast treats, cinnamon rolls and muffins! These soft, fluffy muffins are loaded with cinnamon goodness, a luscious cinnamon swirl, and topped with a decadent cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a brunch or simply indulge in a cozy treat with your morning coffee, these muffins are a must-try.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe for Cinnamon Roll Muffins, from gathering the ingredients to baking the perfect batch. We’ll also share some helpful tips, the best ways to store these muffins, and other related recipes you’ll love. Let’s dive in and learn how to make these irresistible muffins!

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Cinnamon rolls are a classic breakfast indulgence, but sometimes, you want a faster, more convenient option without sacrificing flavor. Enter Cinnamon Roll Muffins! These muffins pack all the rich, warm flavors of a traditional cinnamon roll but in a smaller, more portable form. Plus, the best part is that you don’t have to deal with the hassle of rolling dough—simply mix, swirl, bake, and enjoy!

The addition of the cream cheese glaze takes these muffins to a whole new level of indulgence, turning them from a simple muffin into a gourmet treat. These muffins are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to brunch parties or even as an everyday breakfast treat.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Muffins

To make these delicious Cinnamon Roll Muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Muffin Batter:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

Substitutions and Variations:

Buttermilk alternative: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Dairy-free option: Use non-dairy butter and a plant-based milk like almond milk. Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the glaze.
Vegan version: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and opt for a plant-based cream cheese and milk alternative.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Making these Cinnamon Roll Muffins is incredibly simple, and you’ll have warm, gooey muffins in just under an hour. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your perfect batch of muffins:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the muffins bake evenly. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with muffin liners to prevent the muffins from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and granulated sugar. These dry ingredients create the base of your muffin batter, giving it a fluffy texture with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The wet ingredients will bring the batter together and help activate the dry ingredients, resulting in a soft, smooth batter.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. The batter should be slightly lumpy but well incorporated.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir well to form a thick, sweet cinnamon mixture that will create that signature cinnamon swirl in the middle of your muffins.

Step 6: Assemble the Muffins

Spoon about half of the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about halfway. Then, add a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter. Swirl the cinnamon mixture lightly with a toothpick or skewer to create a marbled effect. Finally, add the remaining muffin batter on top to cover the cinnamon swirl.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the muffins are baking, make the cream cheese glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Glaze the Muffins

Once the muffins have cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm muffins. The glaze will melt into the cinnamon swirl, creating a sweet and creamy topping.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Cinnamon Roll Muffins warm or at room temperature. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the muffins to become dense and tough. Stir until the ingredients are just combined for the fluffiest muffins.
Use room-temperature ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before using them in the recipe.
Customize your glaze: You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for an extra cinnamon punch or even a dash of maple syrup for added sweetness.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later if needed. Here’s how:

Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the muffins in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the muffins individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you enjoyed making Cinnamon Roll Muffins, here are some other delicious recipes you might love:

Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls – A sweet and crispy treat filled with creamy cheesecake and bursting with blueberry flavor.
Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake – A decadent cake loaded with peanut butter and chocolate, easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Butterscotch Squares Copycat – These chewy, melt-in-your-mouth squares are a perfect sweet treat for any occasion.

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Q: What makes a muffin so moist?
The key to moist muffins is using ingredients like buttermilk and melted butter, which help retain moisture and create a soft texture. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense, dry muffin.

Q: Can you bake cinnamon rolls in a muffin pan?
Yes! Baking cinnamon rolls in a muffin pan is a great way to create individual portions, similar to Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Just fill the muffin cups with cinnamon roll dough and bake until golden and bubbly.

Q: What is the most important rule to follow when baking muffins?
The most important rule when baking muffins is to avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can cause the muffins to become tough and dense. Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.

Q: How long to let cinnamon roll dough rise?
Cinnamon roll dough should rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you’re making traditional cinnamon rolls, make sure the dough is placed in a warm, draft-free spot to rise properly.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the time-consuming process of making traditional cinnamon rolls. With their soft, fluffy texture, cinnamon swirl, and creamy glaze, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or enjoying them on a lazy morning, these muffins are always a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy these heavenly treats!

Cinnamon Roll Muffins: A Sweet and Fluffy Delight Recipe

Author: MastertheKitchen
Total Time: 35-37 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are soft, fluffy, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. With a delicious swirl of cinnamon sugar in the center and a creamy cream cheese glaze drizzled on top, they’re the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. Easy to make and utterly satisfying, these muffins bring the irresistible taste of cinnamon rolls in a quicker, more convenient muffin form!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
For the cinnamon swirl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Add a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture and top with the remaining batter.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the muffins are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by whisking together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Once muffins are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they are still warm.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure your muffins remain light and fluffy.
Feel free to store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. These muffins also freeze well for up to a month.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 235 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 130mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg