Cinnamon Roll Muffins

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Warm, soft, and bursting with cozy cinnamon flavor, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll—but ready in a fraction of the time. They rise beautifully in the oven, with sweet swirls of cinnamon sugar in every bite and a simple glaze that melts into each muffin’s golden top. They’re perfect for slow weekend mornings, quick brunches, or an anytime treat with your favorite warm drink.

What makes these muffins extra special is their texture: a tender, cake-like crumb with that nostalgic cinnamon roll chew in the center. You don’t need to wait for dough to rise or fuss with yeast. This shortcut recipe is all about maximum cinnamon roll flavor with minimum effort, and you won’t be missing out on any of that indulgent satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

These muffins are a beautiful hybrid of your favorite gooey cinnamon rolls and a soft bakery-style muffin. They come together with pantry ingredients, don’t require any special equipment, and deliver all the warm spice and sweetness you crave. The glaze drips into the cracks just like a frosted roll, and they store beautifully for a few days (if they last that long!).

Do I Need Yeast to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

Nope! That’s what makes this recipe such a winner. Traditional cinnamon rolls require time to rise and knead yeast dough, but these muffins use a quick-bread method, so you can have fresh cinnamon roll goodness in under an hour. The secret is in the baking powder and a soft, buttery batter that mimics the fluff of a classic roll.

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Roll Muffins

While the ingredient list is simple, each one plays a key role in building flavor and texture. Here are the stars of the show:

All-purpose flour gives these muffins their sturdy structure without being too dense.

Baking powder is our leavening agent, helping the muffins rise tall and fluffy.

Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and balances the spice in the filling.

Brown sugar is key for that signature cinnamon roll filling flavor—deep, rich, and caramel-like.

Ground cinnamon brings warmth and spice to both the filling and the batter.

Salt enhances all the other flavors.

Milk adds moisture and helps bind the batter together.

Unsalted butter makes everything soft and rich—it’s used in both the batter and the cinnamon swirl.

Egg adds structure and richness to the muffins.

Vanilla extract gives these muffins that classic baked-good aroma.

Powdered sugar is the base for the simple glaze that tops each muffin.

Cream or milk (for glaze) makes the glaze pourable and silky.

How To Make the Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick paste. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Muffin Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir just until combined.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl

Spoon a tablespoon of batter into each lined muffin tin. Add a spoonful of cinnamon filling on top, then more batter. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the filling into the batter.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops spring back and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly.

Step 5: Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and a little milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle over the warm muffins and serve.

How to Serve and Store These Muffins

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are best served warm, right after the glaze has just barely set. The aroma alone is enough to bring everyone to the kitchen. They make a cozy addition to a brunch table or a delightful pairing with your afternoon coffee. This recipe makes 12 muffins, perfect for feeding a hungry family or sharing at a potluck.

To store, let them cool completely and then keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep longer, just warm them up before serving for that fresh-baked feel.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

Hot Coffee or Chai

A warm drink complements the spice perfectly and makes breakfast feel extra cozy.

Yogurt Parfait

The creamy tang of yogurt with granola and fruit balances the sweetness of the muffins.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Add a light and refreshing contrast with melon, berries, or citrus.

Scrambled Eggs or Omelet

Bring in some savory protein to round out the meal.

Maple Glazed Bacon

A sweet-savory duo that feels like weekend brunch heaven.

Smoothies

A cold fruit smoothie makes a nice contrast to the warm, spiced muffin.

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Especially in the fall, this combo is perfection.

Whipped Cream Cheese Spread

Slather a bit on top of a warm muffin for a twist on cinnamon roll icing.

Want More Muffin Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Cinnamon Roll Muffins, you might enjoy trying some other flavorful bakes from Luna Meals:

• Try the Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole for an over-the-top brunch favorite.
• These Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls deliver a fruity spin on creamy cinnamon classics.
• For a smaller batch indulgence, check out the Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls.
• Pair these with The Best Homemade Cinnamon Roll Icing if you’re extra generous with glaze!

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you double the swirl? Go heavy on the glaze? Add nuts? I’d love to hear your take!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the best of both worlds: the nostalgic flavor of gooey cinnamon rolls and the simplicity of muffins. They’re a win for busy mornings, brunch tables, and cozy moments when you just need something sweet and spiced. Make a batch, share with your people, and keep this one in your back pocket for when a cinnamon craving strikes.

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