Cinnamon Roll Muffins

The warm aroma of cinnamon sugar wafting from the oven is pure comfort and that’s exactly what these Cinnamon Roll Muffins deliver. They combine everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls, from the buttery brown sugar swirl to the silky vanilla glaze, all baked into a soft, fluffy muffin.

Perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekend brunches, or an indulgent afternoon snack, these muffins are a quicker, easier twist on a beloved classic. No yeast, no rising time, just mix, bake, and enjoy. Pair them with your favorite hot drink for a treat that feels like a cozy bakery moment right in your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp milk

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line or grease a muffin tin.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients until just mixed.

4. In a small bowl, mix the filling ingredients together.

5. Spoon a tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup, add a layer of cinnamon filling, and top with remaining batter. Swirl with a toothpick for a cinnamon roll effect.

6. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.

7. While muffins bake, mix glaze ingredients until smooth.

8. Let muffins cool slightly, then drizzle glaze on top before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 12 muffins

Cinnamon Roll Muffins: The Best of Both Worlds

When it comes to comforting, nostalgic baked goods, few things rival the warm, gooey decadence of a cinnamon roll. But what if you could enjoy all the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll, in half the time, with a fraction of the effort, and the convenience of a muffin? That’s exactly what Cinnamon Roll Muffins deliver: the cinnamon roll’s buttery swirl and sweet vanilla glaze tucked inside a soft, fluffy muffin that’s perfect for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or a cozy weekend brunch.

These muffins are ideal for home bakers who want the flavor of traditional cinnamon rolls without the hassle of yeast, rising, and rolling dough. This recipe skips the kneading and waiting game and dives straight into the good part, rich cinnamon flavor, soft centers, golden edges, and that irresistible glaze on top. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just indulging yourself, cinnamon roll muffins are the kind of treat that makes any day feel special.

Why Cinnamon Roll Muffins Are a Must-Try

1. Easier and Faster than Traditional Cinnamon Rolls
Traditional cinnamon rolls can take several hours to make, between letting the dough rise (sometimes twice), rolling, slicing, and baking. Cinnamon roll muffins skip the yeast and go straight to baking, which means you can have that sweet, comforting treat in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a total game changer for busy mornings or last-minute baking.

2. Portable and Shareable
Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these muffins are easy to pack and travel with. That makes them great for lunchboxes, road trips, brunch buffets, or bake sales. You don’t need a knife, a plate, or even a fork, just grab and go. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can make a batch ahead of time and thaw whenever the craving strikes.

3. Customizable to Your Taste
You can easily tweak the base recipe to fit your preferences. Want something nutty? Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. Prefer it extra gooey? Double up on the cinnamon sugar swirl. Craving a maple twist? Swap out the glaze for a maple icing. These muffins are endlessly adaptable, which makes them perfect for creative bakers or anyone with dietary needs.

4. Family-Friendly
Kids and adults alike love the familiar cinnamon-sugar flavor and soft texture of these muffins. They’re also a fun and safe recipe for kids to help make in the kitchen. Since the process doesn’t involve yeast or special equipment, it’s approachable for beginner bakers too.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly
You can prepare the batter and filling in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble and pop them in the oven. Alternatively, bake a full batch and freeze them. Reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds for a warm, just-baked feel anytime.

The Secret to a Perfect Cinnamon Roll Muffin

A great cinnamon roll muffin starts with a balanced batter, fluffy and soft, but sturdy enough to hold the gooey filling without falling apart. In this recipe, a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and just enough melted butter and milk ensures a tender crumb. The key is not to overmix the batter, mixing until just combined keeps the muffins light and fluffy.

Next is the cinnamon sugar filling. Brown sugar adds depth and moisture, while cinnamon brings that warm, signature spice we all associate with comfort and nostalgia. A touch of butter helps the mixture melt into the batter as it bakes, creating irresistible pockets of gooeyness in every bite.

Finally, the vanilla glaze drizzled on top adds a beautiful finishing touch. It’s simple, just powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, but it ties the whole muffin together with a sweet, silky finish. You can adjust the thickness of the glaze depending on whether you want a light drizzle or a more frosted feel.

When to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Weekend Brunch: These muffins are a perfect brunch offering. Serve them alongside eggs, fruit, or coffee for a sweet balance to your savory dishes.

Holiday Breakfast: Whether it’s Christmas morning or Easter brunch, cinnamon roll muffins are festive without the fuss. Their warm cinnamon flavor is perfect for chilly mornings or celebratory spreads.

Office Treats or School Snacks: Individually portioned and easy to transport, they’re ideal for sharing with colleagues or packing in lunchboxes.

Dessert: With their sweet filling and glaze, these muffins can easily double as dessert. Warm them slightly and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Gifting: Homemade baked goods are always appreciated, and these muffins make great gifts wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.

Pro Tips for Baking Success

• Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly and results in a smoother texture.

• Don’t overfill the muffin cups: The batter will rise, and overfilling can lead to a messy bake. Fill each cup about 2/3 of the way full.

• Create a swirl effect: After layering the filling, use a toothpick or skewer to swirl it through the batter gently. This creates that signature cinnamon roll look and flavor throughout.

• Let them cool slightly before glazing: If the muffins are too hot, the glaze will melt off completely. Let them rest for 5–10 minutes before drizzling.

• Add texture: Chopped nuts, raisins, or even mini chocolate chips can be added to the filling for a fun twist.

Variations to Try

• Maple Cinnamon Muffins: Add maple extract to the glaze or swap the glaze altogether for a maple icing.

• Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Muffins: Add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree to the batter and sprinkle a bit of nutmeg and clove with the cinnamon.

• Cream Cheese Glazed Muffins: Top with a tangy cream cheese glaze for a more traditional cinnamon roll vibe.

• Cinnamon Apple Muffins: Add finely diced apples to the filling for extra moisture and flavor.

• Vegan Version: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, butter with vegan butter, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) in place of the egg.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin, Approximate)

• Calories: 210 kcal

• Total Fat: 8g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 31g

• Sugars: 17g

• Protein: 3g

• Fiber: 1g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Sodium: 140mg

These values can vary slightly depending on your ingredients and any substitutions made.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a brilliant fusion of comfort and convenience. With the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls and the ease of a muffin, this recipe is ideal for busy mornings, casual gatherings, or cozy moments when you need a little sweetness in your day. No yeast, no rising, no fuss, just a warm, gooey, delicious treat that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with fun variations, these muffins are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Simple enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough for special occasions, they check all the boxes. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.