Imagine waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon swirls and buttery vanilla glaze, but without the effort of making yeasted dough. Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect solution when you crave the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll but want something quicker and easier to whip up. These muffins deliver that cozy, spiced sweetness in a tender crumb, with a gooey cinnamon center and icing drizzle that makes each bite irresistible.

Perfect for brunch, snack time, or a sweet breakfast treat, these muffins are a crowd-pleaser and incredibly beginner-friendly. They bake up with golden tops, fluffy interiors, and the best part? No waiting around for dough to rise. Just mix, bake, drizzle, and enjoy the magic of cinnamon rolls in muffin form.

What Kind of Cinnamon Should I Use?

When it comes to cinnamon, the type you choose makes a big difference in flavor. For bold, warming spice, go with Saigon cinnamon. If you prefer something more mellow and traditional, Ceylon cinnamon is a lovely choice. Whichever you use, make sure it’s fresh for the most flavorful muffins.

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Roll Muffins

All-purpose flour – This gives the muffins their soft, cake-like structure while still holding everything together.

Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the muffins brown beautifully.

Baking powder – Ensures the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.

Salt – Just a pinch balances all the sweet notes.

Milk – Keeps the batter moist and smooth. Whole milk adds extra richness.

Egg – Acts as a binder and helps give the muffins structure.

Vanilla extract – Infuses the muffins with a cozy depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.

Unsalted butter – Melted into the batter for richness and used in the cinnamon swirl for that buttery goodness.

Brown sugar – Essential for the gooey cinnamon filling and adds a caramel-like taste.

Ground cinnamon – The star of the show, bringing warm spice to the swirl.

Powdered sugar – Used in the glaze for a smooth, sweet topping.

Milk or cream (for glaze) – Helps create the perfect drizzle consistency for the icing.

How To Make the Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Make the Muffin Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are totally fine!

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick paste. This will create those gooey, swirled cinnamon pockets.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl

Spoon a bit of the muffin batter into each lined muffin cup, filling it about 1/3 of the way. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon swirl, then top with more batter until about 3/4 full. Swirl the tops gently with a toothpick for a pretty marbled effect.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–22 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Drizzle with Glaze

While the muffins cool slightly, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle generously over the tops of the warm muffins. Let set for a few minutes and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Cinnamon Roll Muffins

These muffins are at their best when served slightly warm, fresh from the oven or reheated just enough to make the icing a little melty again. Pair them with a cozy coffee, chai, or glass of cold milk for a satisfying bite.

To store, place completely cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them (without glaze) for up to 2 months—just thaw and glaze before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my muffins from becoming dry?

Avoid overbaking them. Check for doneness at the 18-minute mark. Overmixing the batter can also lead to dense or dry muffins.

Can I use a cinnamon roll glaze recipe instead of powdered sugar glaze?

Absolutely! If you already love your go-to cinnamon roll icing, feel free to use it here. Cream cheese glaze also works beautifully.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use a quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.

What can I use instead of brown sugar in the swirl?

Coconut sugar is a good alternative with a similar deep flavor. Maple sugar could also work in a pinch.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. This recipe scales well. Just divide the batter evenly and keep an eye on bake time—it may vary slightly with more muffins in the oven.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! Bake the muffins and store unglazed. Warm slightly before adding the glaze to revive that fresh-baked goodness.

Want More Muffin & Cinnamon-Inspired Ideas?

If you’re loving these Cinnamon Roll Muffins, here are a few more treats that bring a little sweet spice to your kitchen:

• Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole for a cozy brunch centerpiece.
• Easy Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls when you want shortcut satisfaction.
• Oreo-Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls for a fun twist that kids and adults both love.
• The Best Homemade Cinnamon Roll Icing to try on any muffin or roll.
• Cinna Bun Cake when you’re craving a sliceable version of your favorite roll.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the glaze or keep it light? Add some nuts or a splash of maple?

I love seeing the creative twists others make—questions are always welcome too. Let’s help each other bake better, one muffin at a time.

✨ For more cozy muffin ideas and sweet treats, follow along on Pinterest – Life with Nina

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Category: Breakfast / Brunch
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls with the ease of muffins—no yeast or rising time required. Soft, buttery centers with gooey cinnamon swirls and a vanilla glaze make them a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch treat.