The rich aroma of cinnamon and vanilla fills your kitchen the moment these Cinnamon Roll Muffins come out of the oven. Moist, tender, and layered with a buttery brown sugar-cinnamon swirl, these muffins are everything you love about cinnamon rolls but ready in a fraction of the time.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, packing lunchbox treats, or simply craving a sweet morning indulgence, these muffins offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The soft crumb and luscious glaze will leave everyone reaching for seconds. Bake a batch today and let your house smell like a cozy bakery.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup milk
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1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 egg
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl:
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1/3 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons milk
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
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In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to make the swirl.
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Fill muffin liners halfway with batter, add a teaspoon of cinnamon swirl, then top with remaining batter. Swirl gently with a toothpick.
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Bake for 17–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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While muffins are cooling, whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.
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Drizzle glaze over cooled muffins before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 245 kcal | Servings: 12 muffins
The Sweet Perfection of Cinnamon Roll Muffins: A Heavenly Hybrid Worth Baking
Few treats capture the comfort and nostalgia of a warm, sweet, cinnamon-swirled baked good. The rich aroma, the soft, buttery texture, the subtle crackle of the glaze all of it is indulgence in its purest form. Enter the Cinnamon Roll Muffin, a modern kitchen marvel that fuses two beloved classics into one unforgettable experience.
Combining the flavors of gooey cinnamon rolls with the convenience and structure of muffins, this recipe is a game-changer for home bakers. It satisfies the craving for a warm cinnamon bun but skips the long dough-rising process. Instead, these muffins whip up in minutes and bake to golden perfection in just about 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate fusion of flavor and ease, ideal for busy mornings, cozy weekends, or anytime your sweet tooth calls.
Why Cinnamon Roll Muffins Are the Best of Both Worlds
Cinnamon rolls are luxurious, layered, and undeniably delicious but let’s face it, they can be labor-intensive. Between waiting for dough to rise, rolling and shaping, and watching baking times closely, it’s a project. Muffins, on the other hand, are quick, simple, and versatile. So what if you could have both?
That’s exactly what Cinnamon Roll Muffins offer. They carry the essence of cinnamon rolls the swirling brown sugar, the warm cinnamon spice, the soft cake-like base, and that glossy vanilla glaze but skip the yeast and complicated dough prep. The result? Muffins that are ultra-soft and tender, laced with cinnamon swirls, and topped with a drizzle of sugary glaze that brings it all together.
Ingredients That Make the Magic
This recipe relies on pantry staples that are likely already in your kitchen: flour, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, and cinnamon. No yeast required, no waiting around. Brown sugar brings the deep, caramel-like sweetness to the swirl, while the vanilla glaze offers that familiar finish we all adore in traditional cinnamon rolls.
The base batter is simple yet flavorful, providing a fluffy vehicle for the cinnamon mixture. It’s the perfect texture moist, yet structured and holds its shape beautifully without drying out. The swirl mixture gets spooned into the center and gently mixed with a toothpick to create those signature cinnamon rivers inside every bite.
And then there’s the glaze. Made with just three ingredients powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla it’s poured over cooled muffins for that final touch of decadence. The contrast between the warm spiced center and cool, silky topping is nothing short of divine.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Cinnamon Roll Muffins are wonderfully versatile and can be served in various settings:
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Breakfast or Brunch: They’re ideal for weekend mornings or special holiday breakfasts. Pair with coffee or a tall glass of milk for the full experience.
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Afternoon Tea or Coffee Breaks: These muffins are delightful companions to hot beverages and make great offerings for guests.
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Lunchboxes & Snacks: Pack them for your kids or enjoy them at work they hold up well and taste just as great at room temperature.
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Holiday Treats: With their festive look and rich flavor, they’re a fantastic addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas morning.
What’s more, the recipe is kid-friendly and fun to make with little helpers. Let them help mix, swirl, and glaze for a bonding kitchen moment with a delicious reward at the end.
How to Customize Your Cinnamon Roll Muffins
One of the beauties of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can get creative and tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Add-ins:
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Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and a nutty depth.
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Raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of sweetness and texture.
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Mini chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent.
Flavor Twists:
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Swap vanilla extract for almond or maple extract in the glaze.
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Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon mix for a more complex spice profile.
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Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier batter and added moisture.
Dietary Adjustments:
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For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter.
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Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities just be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
These little adjustments allow you to personalize the muffins for any occasion or dietary need without compromising on flavor.
Tips for Muffin Success
Although the recipe is straightforward, a few extra tips can elevate your baking game:
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Do not overmix the batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened to keep the texture light and fluffy.
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Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and even baking.
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Line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the wells to ensure easy removal.
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Cool before glazing. If you drizzle glaze on hot muffins, it will melt and soak in instead of forming a pretty finish.
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Store correctly. These muffins stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them (without the glaze) and drizzle fresh glaze when ready to serve.
A Treat That Feels Like Home
There’s something deeply comforting about the scent of cinnamon wafting through the house, and these muffins deliver that experience tenfold. They’re warm, inviting, and full of nostalgic flavor just like grandma used to make, but with a modern twist.
Whether you’re baking them for a special breakfast, serving them at brunch, or indulging in one with your afternoon tea, Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a crowd-pleaser. They’re an easy go-to recipe that looks as good as it tastes and delivers all the cozy vibes of a homemade baked treat.
You can double or triple the recipe for parties, bake sales, or holidays, and they always get rave reviews. Beautifully golden, sweetly spiced, and topped with a glossy vanilla kiss what’s not to love?
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Muffins are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience. They take the best parts of cinnamon rolls sweetness, spice, and indulgence and deliver them in a fuss-free, muffin-shaped package. Whether you’re baking for your family, treating yourself, or impressing guests, these muffins strike the perfect balance between flavor and simplicity.
Their customizable nature, easy prep, and universal appeal make them a must-have recipe in any baker’s repertoire. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. So preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowls, and get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting bliss of Cinnamon Roll Muffins.