Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the best parts of classic cinnamon rolls in a convenient muffin form. These muffins are soft, spiced, and irresistibly sweet, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. With a swirl of cinnamon-sugar and a drizzle of glaze, these muffins are a delightful alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls, offering all the flavors without the hassle.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup milk

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Make the Muffin Batter: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.

4. Assemble the Muffins: Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining batter, filling each cup about ¾ full. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the tops of each muffin.

5. Bake: Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Prepare the Glaze: While the muffins cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

7. Finish and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins and serve.

Nutrients

• Calories: 220 kcal per muffin

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Sugar: 22g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 370mga

The Fluffy Muffin Base

The base of these cinnamon roll muffins is wonderfully light and soft, thanks to the combination of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. These ingredients create the perfect muffin batter that’s not too dense but still holds up well when swirled with cinnamon and sugar. The milk and melted butter ensure the muffins remain tender and moist, while the egg and vanilla extract provide richness and flavor.

What makes these muffins special is the infusion of cinnamon-sugar into the batter. A portion of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture is added directly to the center of each muffin, creating that signature swirl of sweetness. The result is a muffin with the perfect balance of soft, fluffy texture and spiced cinnamon goodness in every bite.

Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: The Secret to Flavor

The cinnamon-sugar mixture is where the magic happens. Brown sugar and ground cinnamon are mixed together and sprinkled into the muffin batter, creating a sweet, spiced center that mimics the filling of a classic cinnamon roll. This swirl not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful marbled effect in each muffin, ensuring that every bite is a perfect combination of sugar, spice, and everything nice.

When the muffins bake, the cinnamon-sugar melts into the batter, giving them that gooey, irresistible quality that makes cinnamon rolls so special. The trick is to swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the top of each muffin just before baking, ensuring that the filling is well distributed throughout the muffin for maximum flavor.

Baking the Muffins to Perfection

Baking the muffins at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes ensures that they rise beautifully and develop a golden-brown exterior while staying soft and fluffy on the inside. It’s important to check the muffins by inserting a toothpick into the center—when it comes out clean, the muffins are ready to be taken out of the oven.

As the muffins bake, your kitchen will fill with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon, butter, and sugar. The aroma alone is enough to make you excited to taste these little delights.

The Sweet Glaze: The Finishing Touch

Once the muffins have cooled slightly, it’s time to add the finishing touch—a simple, sweet glaze that takes these muffins from delicious to decadent. The glaze is made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and it’s whisked together until smooth and creamy. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled muffins for a sweet, glossy finish that adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the cinnamon flavor.

The glaze is the perfect complement to the cinnamon-sugar swirl inside, creating a balanced and indulgent flavor profile. The sweetness of the glaze enhances the spiced muffin and adds a smooth, creamy contrast to the fluffy texture.

Serving Cinnamon Roll Muffins

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are perfect when served warm, straight out of the oven, with the glaze still slightly melted. They are ideal for breakfast or brunch, making them a crowd-pleasing option for family gatherings or special occasions. You can also enjoy them as a sweet snack or a dessert, especially with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

For an extra special touch, consider serving the muffins with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The sweetness and richness of these additions pair beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced muffins.

Why Cinnamon Roll Muffins are Perfect for Any Occasion

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are versatile enough to be served at almost any occasion. They’re quick to make and easy to share, making them a great option for busy mornings, brunch with friends, or even as a fun treat for the family. The combination of cinnamon and sugar is a classic flavor that appeals to almost everyone, and the addition of the glaze makes them extra special.

These muffins are also easy to customize. For an extra pop of flavor, you could add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter, or even some raisins or chocolate chips for an added twist. They’re equally delicious when made with or without the glaze, depending on how indulgent you’re feeling.

Nutritional Information

Each Cinnamon Roll Muffin contains approximately 220 calories, making it a moderately indulgent treat. With 10 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat, it’s rich but still balanced. The muffins also provide 30 grams of carbohydrates and 22 grams of sugar, giving them the sweetness you’d expect from a cinnamon roll-inspired dessert. Additionally, they offer 3 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber, helping to provide a little balance alongside the sweetness.

While these muffins are best enjoyed as an occasional treat, they’re certainly a comforting and satisfying option that can be enjoyed by everyone. Their balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness makes them a popular choice for almost any occasion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a delightful and easy-to-make twist on the classic cinnamon roll. With their soft, spiced texture, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and sweet glaze, these muffins deliver all the comfort and indulgence of traditional cinnamon rolls without the fuss. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of cinnamon rolls any time you crave them!