Easy Cinnamon Roll Muffins

I have always loved cinnamon rolls — their soft texture, warm spices, and that sweet swirl of cinnamon sugar inside. But let’s be honest: making traditional cinnamon rolls from scratch can be time-consuming. That’s why I created this recipe for Easy Cinnamon Roll Muffins. They give you all the cozy flavors and sweetness of a classic cinnamon roll but in a much quicker and simpler form. Plus, they bake faster and are perfectly portioned for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Versatile
These muffins are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them fresh from the oven with a glaze or even as a quick dessert paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The recipe also allows for simple customizations to suit your taste, such as adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a touch of orange zest for a citrusy twist.

Budget-friendly
All the ingredients are everyday pantry staples. You likely already have flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and eggs on hand. No need for expensive or rare items. This recipe offers a delicious treat without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for the recipe

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the cinnamon swirl:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

This combination of ingredients creates a tender muffin with a delightful cinnamon swirl in every bite. The balance between the fluffy dough and sweet cinnamon sugar is perfect for any time of day. Let’s move on to how you can easily make these delicious cinnamon roll muffins at home.

How to make Easy Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Making these cinnamon roll muffins is straightforward and fun. I’ll guide you through each step to ensure your muffins come out tender, flavorful, and with that perfect cinnamon swirl.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin
   First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This will prevent the muffins from sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk them together to ensure they are evenly distributed. This mixture forms the base of your muffin batter.

3. Combine the wet ingredients
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk 3/4 cup of milk, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the butter is not too hot to avoid cooking the egg.

4. Combine wet and dry mixtures
   Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold everything together. Stir just until combined — a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so be gentle here.

5. Prepare the cinnamon swirl filling
   In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Use a fork or small whisk to combine into a spreadable paste. This will create the signature swirl and add rich cinnamon flavor.

6. Fill the muffin cups with batter
   Spoon about one-third of the batter evenly into each muffin cup. Use the back of the spoon to spread the batter slightly.

7. Add the cinnamon filling
   Carefully drop about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the batter in each cup. Try to keep it near the center.

8. Add the remaining batter
   Cover the cinnamon filling with the remaining batter, filling each muffin cup almost to the top. The cinnamon filling will be enclosed inside, creating swirls as the muffins bake.

9. Swirl the filling into the batter
   Using a toothpick or the tip of a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the batter. Make a few circular motions to distribute it but avoid mixing it completely. This step ensures beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout the muffins.

10. Bake the muffins
    Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.

11. Cool before glazing
    Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

12. Prepare a simple glaze (optional)
    While the muffins cool, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the muffins for added sweetness and shine.

13. Serve and enjoy
    These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Warm them slightly before serving for a freshly baked experience.

Quick and easy

This recipe cuts down the time of traditional cinnamon rolls by skipping the yeast and rising steps. It uses baking powder as a leavening agent, which works fast and efficiently. Mixing and baking take less than 40 minutes total, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute guests.

Customizable

Feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for crunch. You can also fold in raisins or dried cranberries into the batter for a fruity touch. If you want a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.

Perfect for guests

These muffins make an excellent addition to any brunch or coffee gathering. Their individual portions are easy to serve and eat without fuss. Plus, the irresistible cinnamon aroma will impress your guests and make your kitchen smell like a bakery.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and cinnamon filling a day before. Keep them refrigerated separately. Assemble and bake the muffins fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze the muffins?
Absolutely. Once completely cooled, place the muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.

What can I use instead of milk?
You can substitute cow’s milk with any plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk. This works well and keeps the muffins moist.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I make the glaze without milk?
Use water, almond milk, or coconut milk as a milk alternative when making the glaze. Adjust the amount to get the right consistency.

Can I add turkey bacon or chicken ham to this recipe?
While this is a sweet muffin recipe, if you want a savory twist, consider adding cooked, chopped turkey bacon or chicken ham on top before baking. However, the classic version is best enjoyed without meat.