Cinnamon Roll Muffins

by Sophia

There’s something about the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven that instantly makes a house feel like home. But let’s be honest—sometimes, we just don’t have the time (or patience) to wait for dough to rise, roll, and bake before we can enjoy that sweet, spiced goodness. That’s where these Cinnamon Roll Muffins come in!

Imagine all the delicious flavors of a classic cinnamon roll—soft, buttery dough, rich brown sugar-cinnamon swirls, and that irresistible cream cheese glaze—but in a quick and easy muffin form. No yeast, no kneading, no hours of waiting. Just mix, swirl, bake, and enjoy!

These muffins are the perfect morning treat, whether you’re enjoying a slow weekend breakfast, prepping for a busy weekday, or need a special baked good to impress your guests. So, let’s dive right into making these irresistible muffins!

HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS

The best part about this recipe? It’s incredibly simple, yet it delivers all the flavor and texture of a freshly baked cinnamon roll. The muffins themselves are tender and buttery, the cinnamon filling is rich and gooey, and the cream cheese glaze ties everything together beautifully. Here’s exactly how to make them:

STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Before we start mixing up the batter, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the muffins bake evenly and rise properly.

Next, line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners or lightly grease the cups with cooking spray. This makes cleanup easier and prevents the muffins from sticking.

STEP 2: MIX THE MUFFIN BATTER

Now, it’s time to create the base of our muffins—the soft, buttery dough that will hold all that delicious cinnamon swirl.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Now, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and we want them soft and fluffy!

STEP 3: PREPARE THE CINNAMON FILLING

This is where the magic happens—the rich cinnamon-sugar filling that gives these muffins that signature cinnamon roll flavor.

In a small bowl, mix together:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

You’ll want this mixture to be smooth and spreadable so that it swirls easily into the muffins.

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE MUFFINS

Now for the fun part—layering and swirling the batter with the cinnamon filling!

Fill each muffin cup halfway with the prepared muffin batter.
Add a generous spoonful of the cinnamon filling on top of each.

Top with the remaining muffin batter, filling each cup almost to the top.
Using a toothpick or a skewer, gently swirl the batter and filling together to create a marbled effect. This step ensures that every bite has that sweet, spiced cinnamon goodness!

STEP 5: BAKE THE MUFFINS

Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

As the muffins bake, your kitchen will start smelling like a bakery—a warm, sweet aroma that’s impossible to resist!

Once done, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly while staying soft and tender.

A cinnamon roll—or in this case, a cinnamon roll muffin—just isn’t complete without a silky, sweet glaze drizzled over the top. This cream cheese glaze is thick, smooth, and just the right balance of tangy and sweet. It’s the final touch that transforms these muffins from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

The best part? It comes together in just minutes with a few simple ingredients.

STEP 6: PREPARE THE CREAM CHEESE GLAZE

In a medium bowl, beat together the following ingredients until smooth and creamy:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzling consistency. If you prefer a thicker frosting-like texture, you can reduce the milk slightly.

STEP 7: GLAZE THE MUFFINS

Once the muffins have cooled completely, it’s time to drizzle on the glaze!

Use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the top of each muffin.
If you want a neater look, transfer the glaze to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) and drizzle it in a zig-zag pattern over the muffins.
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Now, step back and admire your work—these muffins look just as good as they taste!

TIPS FOR THE BEST CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS

To make sure your muffins turn out soft, fluffy, and full of flavor every time, here are a few pro tips:

Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing leads to dense muffins. Stir until just combined for the best texture.
Use room temperature ingredients – Let the egg, milk, and butter sit out for about 30 minutes before using. This helps them mix more smoothly into the batter.
Soften the butter for the cinnamon filling – If the butter is too hard, it won’t mix well with the sugar and cinnamon, making it harder to swirl.

Let the muffins cool before glazing – If they’re too warm, the glaze will melt and soak in instead of sitting beautifully on top.

VARIATIONS & ADD-INS

Want to get creative? Here are some fun ways to customize your muffins:

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a crunchy twist.

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a crispy, caramelized topping.
Swap the cream cheese glaze for a simple vanilla icing if you want a lighter topping.
Make them extra gooey by adding a little extra cinnamon filling in the center of each muffin.

However you choose to make them, these muffins are guaranteed to be a hit!

STORAGE & MAKE-AHEAD TIPS

These cinnamon roll muffins taste best fresh, but you can easily store leftovers for later.

At Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

In the Refrigerator – Since the glaze contains cream cheese, store glazed muffins in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly before eating.
In the Freezer – Freeze muffins (without the glaze) in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze when ready to serve.

For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm the muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before eating.

Baking can sometimes bring up a few questions, especially when making something as special as these Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Below are some of the most common questions readers ask, along with helpful answers to ensure your muffins turn out perfect every time.

FAQ SECTION

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! These muffins can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’ve already glazed them, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before serving.

2. Can I freeze these muffins?
Absolutely! To freeze, place unglazed muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and then glaze before serving.

3. How do I prevent my muffins from becoming dry?
The key to moist muffins is not overmixing the batter and not overbaking them. Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, and check for doneness at the 18-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!

4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser. If you want a healthier twist without compromising softness, try using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.

5. Can I substitute the cream cheese glaze with something else?
Of course! If you prefer a lighter glaze, you can make a simple vanilla icing by whisking together:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Drizzle over the muffins just as you would with the cream cheese glaze.

6. Can I make these into mini muffins?
Yes! For mini cinnamon roll muffins, use a mini muffin tin and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they will cook faster than standard-sized muffins.

7. Can I add nuts or raisins to these muffins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition to the cinnamon filling, adding a nice crunch. Raisins can also be mixed into the batter for a chewy texture.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS

If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t want to spend hours rolling dough, these muffins are the perfect solution. They capture everything you crave in a cinnamon roll—soft dough, gooey cinnamon swirls, and creamy glaze—but in a quick and easy muffin form.

They’re:
✔ Easy to make – No yeast, no waiting, just mix and bake.
✔ Perfect for any time of day – Breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
✔ Customizable – Add nuts, swap the glaze, or make them mini!
✔ Crowd-pleasers – Everyone will love them, from kids to adults.