Craving a warm, cozy treat that brings the comfort of cinnamon rolls without the hassle of rolling dough? Look no further than these Cinnamon Roll Muffins recipe! They’re light, fluffy, and filled with sweet cinnamon swirls, then topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins are easy to make and a guaranteed hit with family and friends. Even without the cream cheese glaze, they’re simply irresistible.
Easy Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
When you pair soft, airy muffins with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, you create the ultimate indulgence. The cinnamon filling weaves through the tender batter, offering a touch of warmth and sweetness in every bite. Topped with a silky cream cheese glaze, these muffins are reminiscent of a classic cinnamon roll—without all the kneading and waiting! They’re perfect for weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or whenever you’re craving a cozy pastry that’s not overly sweet.
Why Our Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the Best
Our Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Soft, buttery muffins meet a rich, spiced filling, all crowned with a creamy glaze. This easy recipe brings you the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute baking cravings.
Ingredients Notes for Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe plays a key role in creating these light and flavorful muffins:
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a light texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the batter soft and tender.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and creates structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Combines with sugar to create a rich filling.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star ingredient that gives the muffins their cozy spice.
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, tangy glaze.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze to perfection.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency for easy drizzling.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Complements the glaze with a subtle flavor boost.
Ingredient Tip: If you’re out of brown sugar, mix granulated sugar with a teaspoon of molasses for a quick substitute.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Muffin tin
- Muffin liners or cooking spray
- Mixing bowls (large, medium, and small)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Toothpick or skewer (for swirling)
- Cooling rack
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Making these Cinnamon Roll Muffins is a breeze! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect treat.
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with muffin liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Muffin Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon until smooth and well-combined.
4. Assemble the Muffins
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with the muffin batter.
- Add a spoonful of the cinnamon filling on top of the batter in each cup.
- Top with the remaining muffin batter, filling each cup almost to the top.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the batter and cinnamon filling together, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake the Muffins
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a medium bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until the glaze is smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk for a drizzling consistency.
7. Glaze the Muffins
Once the muffins are fully cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top of each muffin using a spoon or pastry bag.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cinnamon Roll Muffins warm or at room temperature and savor the blend of soft muffin, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze!
How to Store Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Refrigerator: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the muffins (without glaze) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and add glaze before serving.
Cinnamon Roll Muffin Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a crunchy twist.
- Maple Glaze: Replace the cream cheese glaze with a maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup.
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Add small chunks of diced apples to the muffin batter for a fruity touch.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Skip the glaze and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the muffins before baking for a simpler finish.
What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Muffins
These muffins are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with:
- A steaming cup of coffee or a chai latte for a cozy breakfast.
- Fresh fruit like orange slices or berries for a light and refreshing side.
- A dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Top Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins—stir just until combined.
- Swirl gently: When marbling the cinnamon filling, don’t overdo it, or the layers will blend completely.
- Cool before glazing: Ensure muffins are completely cool before adding the glaze, or it will melt.
- Room temperature ingredients: Use softened butter and cream cheese for smooth fillings and glazes.
- Measure accurately: Too much flour can make the muffins dry, so spoon and level it into the measuring cup.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Claire Saffitz suggests chilling the cinnamon filling briefly for cleaner swirls.
- Mary Berry emphasizes not overbaking to keep muffins moist.
- Paul Hollywood recommends adding a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra spice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?
Absolutely! The muffins are still delicious without the glaze.
2. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the muffins a day in advance and glaze them just before serving.
3. Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, granulated sugar substitutes like erythritol can be used, though the texture may vary slightly.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! This recipe scales well for larger batches.
5. Can I make mini muffins?
Yes, just reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes for mini muffins.
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are soft, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether for a lazy Sunday morning or a special brunch gathering, they’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 tablespoon baking powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- – 1 cup milk
- – 1 large egg
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- – 1/2 cup brown sugar
- – 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- – 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- – 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- – 1-2 tablespoons milk
- – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with muffin liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Muffin Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- Assemble the Muffins: Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the muffin batter. Add a spoonful of the cinnamon filling on top of the batter in each cup. Top with the remaining muffin batter, filling each cup almost to the top. Using a toothpick or skewer, swirl the batter and filling together to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined and smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
- Glaze the Muffins: Once the muffins are cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top of each muffin using a spoon or a pastry bag.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cinnamon roll muffins warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful blend of soft muffin, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze!
Notes
- For a lighter glaze, omit the cream cheese and use a simple powdered sugar glaze instead.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
