These Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the irresistible flavor of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a quick-to-make muffin. Perfect for busy mornings, these delightful treats deliver swirls of warm cinnamon sugar in every bite, crowned with a sweet vanilla glaze. The beautiful spiral pattern and aromatic cinnamon make these muffins both a feast for the eyes and a comfort for the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 45 minutes, making them perfect for weekend breakfasts or last-minute entertaining
• Delivers all the flavors of cinnamon rolls without the lengthy proofing and rising time
• Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
• Easy to customize with additional mix-ins or flavor variations
• Kid-friendly recipe that’s perfect for getting little ones involved in the kitchen

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect tender crumb for these muffins. For a healthier option, you can substitute up to half with whole wheat flour.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness for the muffin base. You can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps these muffins rise beautifully. Make sure yours is fresh for best results.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. Don’t skip this essential ingredient!
• Milk: Creates moisture and tenderness in the muffins. For a dairy-free version, almond or oat milk works well.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist. You can substitute with melted butter for richer flavor or applesauce for a lighter option.
• Egg: Provides structure and richness. For a vegan version, try using a flax egg substitute.
• Cinnamon: The star flavor in the swirl mixture. Use high-quality cinnamon for the best flavor profile.
• Melted butter: Creates the perfect texture for the cinnamon swirl. Salted or unsalted both work fine.
• Powdered sugar: The base for the simple glaze that adds sweetness and visual appeal.

Variations

Maple Pecan

Enhance the warmth of these muffins by adding 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the batter and folding in chopped pecans. For an extra touch, add a splash of maple extract to the glaze and sprinkle toasted pecans on top after glazing.

Orange Cranberry Cinnamon

Add orange zest to the muffin batter and fold in dried cranberries before baking. For the glaze, mix in some orange juice instead of milk and add a bit of orange zest for a citrusy twist that pairs wonderfully with the warm cinnamon.

Apple Cinnamon Crumb

Fold finely diced apples into the batter and add a simple streusel topping made from butter, flour, brown sugar, and extra cinnamon before baking. This creates a bakery-style muffin with delightful textural contrast.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a standard muffin tin with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients—milk, vegetable oil, and egg—whisking until well incorporated. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your muffins tough.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then stir in the melted butter until you have a thick, fragrant paste. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the prepared batter. Drop a generous teaspoon of the cinnamon mixture onto the center of each muffin. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating a beautiful spiral pattern without overmixing.

Step 3: Bake and Glaze

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the muffins are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until ingredients are combined to ensure tender muffins
• For a more prominent cinnamon swirl, use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the batter before adding the cinnamon mixture
• Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving for a less messy eating experience
• For extra richness, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to both the batter and the glaze
• Check muffins a few minutes before the suggested baking time as oven temperatures can vary
• For a more pronounced swirl, layer the batter by adding half the batter to each cup, then some cinnamon mixture, then the remaining batter, and swirl with a toothpick

How to Serve

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are best enjoyed warm when the cinnamon swirl is gooey and the glaze is still slightly soft. Serve them as part of a breakfast spread alongside fresh fruit and coffee or tea. For a more indulgent dessert, warm a muffin slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make perfect grab-and-go breakfast options for busy mornings or delightful additions to brunch gatherings.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the dry ingredients and cinnamon swirl mixture the night before to save time in the morning. Store them separately in airtight containers. For longer storage, baked muffins can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving. If freezing, consider adding the glaze after thawing for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for the best texture results. The other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Why did my cinnamon swirl sink to the bottom?

This can happen if the cinnamon mixture is too heavy or liquid. Make sure your butter is just melted, not hot, and that you’re swirling it gently into the top portion of the batter rather than pushing it all the way to the bottom.

Can I make mini muffins instead of standard size?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully for mini muffins. Reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick. You’ll get approximately 24 mini muffins from this recipe.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

For a thicker glaze that sits on top of the muffins, use less milk. For a thinner glaze that drips down the sides, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add a bit of cream cheese for a tangier, thicker glaze similar to traditional cinnamon rolls.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins offer the perfect compromise between indulgent cinnamon rolls and convenient breakfast muffins. With their warm, spiced swirls and sweet glaze, they’re sure to become a family favorite for weekend breakfasts or special occasions. The ease of preparation and quick baking time make them accessible even on busy mornings, while the impressive swirl pattern will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something special for breakfast—your family will thank you!

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