Cinnamon Roll Muffins – The Perfect Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you love the sweet, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls but don’t want to spend hours waiting for dough to rise, then Cinnamon Roll Muffins are about to become your new favorite treat. These muffins capture everything you adore about traditional cinnamon rolls—the warm spice of cinnamon, the rich sweetness of brown sugar, and that soft, fluffy bite—without the extra effort of yeast dough.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, these muffins are not only quick and easy to prepare, but they also fill your kitchen with that irresistible bakery-style aroma. Whether you serve them warm with a drizzle of glaze or pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise, these muffins are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: No yeast, no waiting. Just mix, swirl, and bake.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the sweet cinnamon-sugar layers.
Perfect Texture: Moist, fluffy muffins with a gorgeous cinnamon swirl.
Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even cream cheese glaze for an upgrade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the muffins, giving them structure.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the batter.
1 tablespoon baking powder – Ensures the muffins rise beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
1 cup milk – Whole milk works best, but you can use almond or oat milk.
1/3 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the muffins moist.
1 large egg – Adds richness and binds the ingredients.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For warm flavor.
1/2 cup brown sugar – Creates the cinnamon swirl.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – The star spice of the recipe.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – For extra richness and to help with the swirl.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—overmixing leads to dense muffins.

Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will create that signature cinnamon roll swirl inside the muffins.

Step 4: Layer the Muffins

Spoon a tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Sprinkle about a teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Repeat the layers until all the batter is used, finishing with cinnamon sugar on top.

Step 5: Add Melted Butter and Swirl

Drizzle a little melted butter over each muffin. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the muffins for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 280 kcal per muffin
Servings: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and better rise.
Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined for light, fluffy muffins.
Swirl Gently: Overmixing the cinnamon sugar will blend it into the batter instead of creating a swirl.
Add a Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk to drizzle on top for that classic cinnamon roll finish.

Variations to Try

Pecan Cinnamon Muffins: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop small dollops of sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
Pair with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast.
Drizzle with cream cheese glaze for an indulgent dessert.
Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet afternoon snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them the night before and store them in an airtight container. Warm them slightly before serving.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles well if you’re baking for a crowd.

Q: What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
You can use melted butter, coconut oil, or even Greek yogurt for a slightly different texture.

Q: Do I need to glaze these muffins?
No, they’re delicious as-is. But if you want the true cinnamon roll experience, a glaze makes them irresistible.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. They bring the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls into a muffin that’s quick enough for busy mornings yet elegant enough for brunch gatherings. Once you try them, they’ll surely become a regular in your baking rotation.