The Best Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe: Fluffy Morning Magic

Sweet mornings call for these delectable cinnamon roll muffins that blend bakery magic with homemade comfort.

Soft, pillowy layers swirl with warm cinnamon and delicate sugar throughout each bite.

The aroma will dance through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

Tender crumb and rich, buttery notes make these muffins an instant breakfast favorite.

Bakery-style treats rarely come this easy or delicious at home.

Simple ingredients and straightforward steps transform ordinary mornings into something extraordinary.

Grab a mug of coffee and savor every delightful, cinnamon-infused moment.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins – Warm, Sweet, and Comforting

• Elevate Breakfast Routine: Transform your morning with these delightful cinnamon roll muffins that bring bakery-style magic right to your kitchen.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Whip up these moist, swirled muffins with simple ingredients and basic baking skills, perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy a sweet treat that appeals to both children and adults, making it ideal for family breakfasts or weekend gatherings.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Serve these muffins as a grab-and-go breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert that satisfies sweet cravings with minimal effort.

Ingredient Essentials for Cinnamon Roll Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the muffins that provides structure and texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.

• Buttermilk: Creates a tender crumb and adds a slight tanginess to the muffins.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives a warm, sweet flavor to the muffins.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a classic cinnamon roll flavor swirl in the muffins.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to make a smooth, sweet drizzle for topping the muffins.

Baking Directions for Soft Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin

Set your oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

This ensures your muffins won’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Combine until everything looks evenly distributed.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Melted butter
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Create Muffin Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

Don’t overmix or your muffins will become tough.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well blended.

Step 6: Layer Muffin Batter

Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter.

Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over the first layer.

Top with remaining batter.

Step 7: Create Cinnamon Swirl

Use a toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon filling through the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns.

Step 8: Bake Muffins

Place muffin tin in preheated oven.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Muffins

Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Drizzle with Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Drizzle the smooth glaze over cooled muffins.

Tips for Extra Gooey Cinnamon Roll Muffin Centers

• Create beautiful cinnamon swirls by using a toothpick to gently mix the filling into the batter without overmixing, ensuring a perfect marbled effect.
• Use room temperature buttermilk for smoother batter integration and lighter, more tender muffins with enhanced flavor.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep muffins moist and soft; stop stirring as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar between layers of batter to ensure every bite has a delicious cinnamon swirl throughout the muffin.

Cinnamon Roll Muffin Flavor Swaps and Additions

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Muffins: Swap buttermilk with almond milk, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and replace butter with coconut oil.
• Healthier Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener, add Greek yogurt for moisture, and incorporate whole wheat flour for extra nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk, coconut oil for butter, and create a dairy-free cream cheese icing using cashew cream.

Plating Cinnamon Roll Muffins for Brunch or Dessert

• Breakfast Companion: Pair these cinnamon roll muffins with a steaming cup of coffee or hot tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and crispy bacon to create a memorable weekend breakfast spread.
• Afternoon Snack Delight: Enjoy these muffins with a cold glass of milk or as a sweet pick-me-up during your afternoon break at work or home.
• Dessert Transformation: Warm slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that will impress family and friends.

Storage for Cinnamon Roll Muffins to Keep Moist

• Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Keep muffins at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using to create a similar tangy flavor and texture.

• How do I prevent the cinnamon filling from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the cinnamon-sugar mixture with a little flour before sprinkling it into the batter. This helps the filling stay distributed throughout the muffins during baking.

• What's the best way to swirl the filling into the batter?

Use a toothpick or thin knife to create gentle, zigzag motions through the batter after adding the cinnamon filling. Don’t overmix, as you want to create a marbled effect.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon roll muffins blend classic breakfast comfort with irresistible bakery charm. Sweet swirls of cinnamon and buttery crumb promise a delightful morning indulgence you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup + 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and arrange paper liners in a muffin tin.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough blending of flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Create a separate mixture of wet ingredients, whisking buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated without overstirring.
5. Prepare the cinnamon filling by thoroughly combining brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
6. Distribute batter evenly into muffin cups, filling each halfway with the initial layer.
7. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the initial batter layer.
8. Add remaining batter to cover the cinnamon filling, creating a complete muffin base.
9. Use a toothpick to create delicate swirls, marbling the cinnamon filling throughout the muffin.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
11. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
12. Craft a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky.
13. Once muffins have completely cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top for a finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure buttermilk is at room temperature for smoother batter consistency and better mixing.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense muffins; stir just until ingredients are combined.
• Use a light hand when swirling the cinnamon filling to create beautiful marbled patterns without completely blending.
• Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for celiac-friendly muffins.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 243 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg