Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love these Cinnamon Roll Muffins because they combine all the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls with the ease of muffin-making. The cinnamon and vanilla flavors blend so perfectly, and the muffins turn out so light and fluffy. I can’t help but smile every time I see that beautiful swirl in the center. Plus, the recipe is versatile enough to be served warm as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time, and I fondly remember the way my friends swooned when they first tasted them—they couldn’t get enough!
Ingredients
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All-Purpose Flour: Provides a soft, fluffy texture for the muffins.
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Baking Powder: Essential for giving the muffins that perfect rise.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness.
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Cinnamon: High-quality ground cinnamon is key for an aromatic, flavorful muffin.
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Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
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Milk: Whole milk or buttermilk helps to keep the muffins moist and rich.
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Eggs: Eggs add structure and moisture to the muffins.
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Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness and flavor.
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Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm depth to the flavor.
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Cream Cheese (optional): Add cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist!
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to make removing the muffins easy later.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will ensure everything blends together evenly.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Be careful not to overmix—the more you mix, the less fluffy your muffins will be.
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Add Cinnamon Swirl Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Swirl half of this mixture into the batter before topping it with the remaining batter. This creates that gorgeous cinnamon swirl.
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Fill Muffin Tin and Bake: Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool slightly before enjoying them warm from the oven. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 12 muffins. The total time to prepare and bake these cinnamon roll muffins is around 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep time and 18-20 minutes of baking time.
Variations
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Gluten-Free or Whole Wheat: You can swap regular flour for whole wheat or gluten-free flour to make this recipe fit your dietary needs.
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Indulgent Twist: Add some chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips into the cinnamon swirl for a more indulgent muffin.
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Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of maple syrup to the batter to enhance the flavors even more.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them individually. Just reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Yes, buttermilk will give these muffins a slightly tangier flavor and a richer texture. It’s a great option if you have it on hand!
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the muffin batter, fill the muffin tins, and refrigerate the unbaked muffins overnight. Just pop them in the oven in the morning for fresh muffins!
Can I freeze the muffins?
Absolutely! After baking, let the muffins cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, just microwave them for 20 seconds.
How do I make the cinnamon swirl?
To make the swirl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Swirl half of the mixture into the muffin batter before topping it with the remaining batter.
Can I add cream cheese frosting?
Yes! For an extra indulgent treat, you can make cream cheese frosting and pipe it on top of the cooled muffins. It adds a rich, tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect balance of fluffy, cinnamon goodness in a convenient muffin form. Whether I’m serving them at breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, they always bring smiles to the table. The cinnamon swirl and the comforting vanilla flavor make every bite a delight, and the best part is that they’re quick and easy to make! Try them out and enjoy the deliciousness with every bite!
PrintCinnamon Roll Muffins
Cinnamon Roll Muffins offer the comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls in a quick and easy muffin form. Fluffy, sweet, and with a beautiful cinnamon swirl, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gatherings!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup milk (or buttermilk for a richer texture)
¼ cup melted unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional:
Cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Chopped nuts or chocolate chips (for an indulgent twist)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix to maintain a fluffy texture.
Add Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Gently swirl half of the cinnamon mixture into the batter before topping it with the remaining batter. Add the rest of the cinnamon mixture to create the signature swirl.
Fill Muffin Tin and Bake: Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool slightly before enjoying. Serve warm for the best experience!
Notes
Make Ahead: You can refrigerate unbaked muffins overnight. Just pop them in the oven for fresh muffins in the morning!
Frozen Muffins: After baking, let the muffins cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds.
Add-Ins: Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.