As I poured the flour into the mixing bowl, the sweet scent of cinnamon wafted through the kitchen, instantly transporting me back to cozy family breakfasts. These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are my go-to for busy mornings, allowing me to enjoy the beloved flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these irresistibly soft and gooey muffins that are perfect for grabbing on the go. Not only are they a crowd-pleasing treat, but they also offer the comfort of homemade goodness with minimal fuss. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a lazy weekend brunch, these muffins will bring joy to your table. Curious about how I get that perfect cinnamon swirl? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Are Cinnamon Roll Muffins a Must-Try?
Ease of Preparation: These muffins come together in just 30 minutes, making them a fantastic choice for busy mornings or spontaneous brunch gatherings.
Gooey Goodness: Each bite is packed with a luscious cinnamon swirl that rivals any traditional cinnamon roll, ensuring you get that decadent flavor without the long wait.
Adaptable Variations: Feeling creative? You can customize these muffins with seasonal fruits or delightful spices, such as folding in apples or adding a splash of orange zest, making them versatile for any palate.
Grab-and-Go Delight: Perfectly sized for those hectic mornings, these muffins are easy to pop in the bag and enjoy on the way to work or school.
Homemade Comfort: With a heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen, these muffins deliver a sense of warmth and nostalgia, creating beautiful moments around your kitchen table.
Serve with Friends: Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or enjoy alongside savory dishes like an egg casserole for a satisfying breakfast experience! If you’re on the lookout for more quick breakfast ideas, check out these delicious Cinnamon Roll French Bites and High Protein Muffins.
Cinnamon Roll Muffin Ingredients
For the Muffins
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture; substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Baking powder – Leavening agent responsible for muffins rising; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• Milk – Moisture contributor, keeps muffins tender.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; melted for easier incorporation.
• Large egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
• Brown sugar – Provides sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor in the filling.
• Ground cinnamon – Key flavoring agent for the swirl.
• Melted butter – Helps the filling blend smoothly and stick to the muffins.
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
• Cream cheese – Adds richness to the glaze; optional drizzle topping.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the glaze for a finishing touch.
• Milk – Used to adjust the glaze consistency for drizzling.
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are not only delicious but also easy to create, ensuring they become a beloved addition to your breakfast table!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your muffin tin. Grease the muffin cups lightly with non-stick spray or line them with paper liners for easy removal later. This step ensures your Cinnamon Roll Muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients thoroughly for about one minute, ensuring there are no lumps. This mixture sets the foundation for your muffins, creating a light, fluffy texture when baked.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Take about two minutes to ensure these components are well combined, creating a cohesive mixture that will bring moisture to your Cinnamon Roll Muffins and enhance their flavor profile.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Carefully pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the two mixtures together until just combined, being cautious not to overmix. This helps keep your muffins tender by retaining some air in the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to create a smooth cinnamon swirl filling. Stir this mixture for about one minute until all ingredients are combined and the sugar has dissolved slightly, ensuring a rich, gooey filling for your Cinnamon Roll Muffins.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Scoop a spoonful of muffin batter into each prepared muffin cup, filling them about one-third full. Next, add a generous spoonful of the cinnamon filling in the center of each. Top them off with additional batter until each cup is about two-thirds full, creating layers of deliciousness.
Step 7: Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture
Using a toothpick or knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the muffin batter, creating beautiful, inviting ribbons of flavor. Be careful not to over-swirling, as you want to keep some separation for those delightful bursts of cinnamon in your baked Cinnamon Roll Muffins.
Step 8: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on the muffins during the last few minutes to prevent them from over-baking.
Step 9: Drizzle with Cream Cheese Glaze
Once baked, allow the Cinnamon Roll Muffins to cool slightly in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, drizzle with a cream cheese glaze made from mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a bit of milk, creating an irresistible finish to your cozy treats!

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Elevate your breakfast experience by adding delicious sides that harmonize with these soft, gooey treats.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits enhances the sweetness of the muffins while adding a refreshing contrast. It’s a perfect way to lighten your breakfast.
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Scrambled Eggs: Creamy, fluffy scrambled eggs pair wonderfully, providing protein to balance the sweetness of the muffins. Incorporate some herbs for an extra flavor kick!
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered with honey and granola, this wholesome dish complements the cinnamon flavors beautifully. It’s a textural delight that adds crunch alongside your muffins.
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Crispy Bacon: The salty, smoky flavor of crispy bacon is a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the muffins. Together, they create a satisfying savory-sweet balance that will please any palate.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an indulgent touch, serve with a small pitcher of warm maple syrup. It adds another layer of sweetness that enhances the cinnamon, making each bite irresistible.
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Cinnamon Coffee: Brew a cup of cinnamon-infused coffee to echo the muffin’s flavors. Its warm spices create a comforting atmosphere, perfect for cozy mornings or brunch gatherings.
How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious for quick, grab-and-go breakfasts.
Fridge: If you need them to last longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To prevent dryness, wrap them in plastic wrap or keep them in a sealed container.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply microwave for 10 seconds to refresh their gooey goodness.
Reheating: To reheat, place muffins in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through. Enjoy them fresh out of the microwave for that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Cinnamon Roll Muffins: Fun Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these muffins your own—they’re an excellent canvas for flavor innovation and dietary preferences!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a delicious dairy-free version.
You won’t miss the creaminess one bit; these muffins will turn out just as soft and satisfying! -
Whole Wheat: Swap half or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to enhance the nutritional profile.
This variation adds a nutty flavor while maintaining that tender muffin texture. -
Sweet and Spicy: Mix in a teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger for a warming twist that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Your taste buds will thank you for the extra layer of flavor! -
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy.
With the right blend, you won’t even notice the difference in taste! -
Fruit-Infused: Add diced apples or blueberries to the batter for a fresher take bursting with seasonal flavor.
This fruity variation is delightful and adds a lovely moisture to the muffins! -
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
These delightful nuggets offer a fantastic contrast to the soft muffin base. -
Chocolate Drizzle: Top the muffins with a rich chocolate drizzle for a decadent treat that brings a sweet surprise.
Perfect for those days when you crave that extra indulgence with your coffee! -
Festive Flavor: Incorporate orange zest into the batter for a refreshing pop, especially suited for brightening up your brunch table.
The zesty twist evokes cheerful vibes and pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon.
Don’t forget, if you’re looking for more breakfast inspiration, check out these delightful Sausage Egg Roll Ups or try making these yummy Garlic Bread Rolls as a savory accompaniment!
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Roll Muffins
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Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to maintain a tender muffin texture. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy muffins.
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Add Extra Moisture: Incorporate a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the batter. This simple addition ensures a moist and fluffy bite every time.
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Prevent Sticking: If muffins tend to stick to liners, lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray before filling. This trick promises an easy release post-baking.
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Check Baking Powder Freshness: Ensure your baking powder is fresh, as old baking powder can fail to leaven your muffins properly, resulting in flat cinnamon roll muffins.
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Experiment with Flavor: Don’t hesitate to add fun twists like diced apples or orange zest into the batter to elevate these muffins. Your imagination is your only limit!
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a wonderful option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their warm, gooey goodness throughout the week! You can prepare the muffin batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine the dry ingredients and mix the wet ingredients separately, then store both in the refrigerator. For a quicker breakfast, you can also fill the muffin cups with the prepared batter and cinnamon swirl filling, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and pop them in directly from the fridge—no need to wait for them to come to room temperature! This way, you’ll have fresh, delicious Cinnamon Roll Muffins ready to serve without any hassle!

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for Cinnamon Roll Muffins?
All-purpose flour works best for Cinnamon Roll Muffins as it provides the perfect structure and texture. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute part or all of it with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
How should I store Cinnamon Roll Muffins?
Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or wrap them individually and freeze them for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to microwave them for about 10 seconds before serving to bring back that warm, gooey goodness!
Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Muffins?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just microwave for about 10 seconds to refresh their soft texture.
What if my muffins stick to the liners?
If you’re experiencing sticking, lightly spray the muffin liners with non-stick cooking spray before filling them. This ensures easy removal after baking. Additionally, allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack.
Are these muffins suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are vegetarian-friendly! They contain no meat or fish ingredients. If you have specific dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixed with water, making them suitable for vegan diets too.
How can I enhance the flavor of my muffins?
To elevate your Cinnamon Roll Muffins, consider folding in diced apples tossed in a bit of cinnamon or adding orange zest into the batter. Just a little creativity can turn these muffins into a unique and joyful experience that everyone will love!

Cinnamon Roll Muffins: Soft, Gooey Treats Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare muffin tin by greasing lightly or lining with paper liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until no lumps remain.
- In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and gently fold together until just combined.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create a smooth cinnamon swirl filling.
- Fill muffin cups about one-third full with batter, add cinnamon filling, and then top off with more batter.
- Gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the muffin batter with a toothpick or knife.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly in the tin, then drizzle with cream cheese glaze before serving.

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