If you love the gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness of cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and easier to make, cinnamon roll muffins are the perfect solution. These muffins combine all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll—soft, buttery dough, a sweet cinnamon swirl, and a delicious glaze—but with a tender muffin texture. They’re great for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. Best of all, they don’t require yeast, meaning you can enjoy them in no time!
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk (whole or buttermilk works best)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large eggFor the Cinnamon Swirl:
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, meltedFor the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick paste.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Spoon a little bit of muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling them about one-third full. Add a teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top, then cover with more muffin batter until the cups are about 3/4 full. Use a toothpick or a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for that signature cinnamon roll look.
Step 5: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly domed.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze and Serve
While the muffins are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Once the muffins have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the tops. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
• No yeast required – Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these muffins don’t require rising time.
• Perfect texture – A mix between a soft muffin and a gooey cinnamon roll.
• Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes!Cinnamon roll muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls without the extra work. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon treat, they’re sure to be a hit!
Would you like another variation, such as a cream cheese-filled version?