There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the house, isn’t there? Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a midweek treat, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins bring the warm, gooey comfort of cinnamon rolls into a soft, fluffy muffin form. If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t have time for yeast-based dough, this recipe is your shortcut to indulgence!
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Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Muffins
✔️ No yeast, no waiting – Ready in under an hour!
✔️ Soft and buttery texture – Thanks to a rich batter.
✔️ Delicious cinnamon filling – Just like a classic cinnamon roll.
✔️ Drizzled with cream cheese glaze – Because why not?!
The taste? Imagine the rich, buttery goodness of a cinnamon roll in a tender, handheld muffin. The cinnamon-sugar swirls melt into the batter, and that luscious cream cheese glaze makes each bite absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
What You’ll Need
✔️ Muffin tin + liners
✔️ Mixing bowls
✔️ Whisk & spatula
✔️ Electric mixer (optional but helpful)
✔️ Piping bag or zip-top bag (for the filling)
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Step 1: Prep the Muffin Batter
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with liners or grease it well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until combined—don’t overmix!
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, stir together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off).
Step 3: Assemble & Swirl
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter.
- Pipe a swirl of cinnamon filling on top, then add another scoop of batter to cover.
- Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon filling through the batter.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
Step 5: Drizzle with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over the muffins while they’re still slightly warm.
What to Serve with These Muffins
These muffins are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate your breakfast or brunch, try pairing them with:
🥛 A glass of cold milk
☕ A hot cup of coffee or chai tea
🍓 Fresh berries for a refreshing contrast
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Muffins
✔ Don’t overmix – This keeps them soft and fluffy!
✔ Use room-temperature ingredients – Ensures a smooth batter and filling.
✔ Make extra glaze – Because more glaze = more happiness!
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days (just warm before serving).
- Freezer: Freeze without glaze for up to 3 months. Thaw & drizzle fresh glaze before eating!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them the night before and glaze them in the morning for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Can I use a different glaze?
Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar + milk glaze works if you don’t have cream cheese.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with vegan butter and milk with almond or oat milk.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Recipe!
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins bring all the comfort of classic cinnamon rolls into an easy, no-fuss treat. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Pinterest with your muffin photos—I’d love to see your delicious creations!
Happy baking! 🧁✨