Name: Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 200 g all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 90 g unsalted butter, melted; 100 g granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 175 g buttermilk, room temperature; 50 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 50 g brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe·4 from 27 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the warm, gooey delight of cinnamon rolls but wished for a quicker, portable treat, then this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine all the luscious cinnamon-sugar swirls wrapped inside tender, buttery muffins that bake up in a snap. These muffins marry the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of grab-and-go muffins, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet snack time. Each bite bursts with a cinnamon-swirled surprise that feels both indulgent and nostalgic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two side-by-side photos show a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface with a lit candle, two mugs, and a small green plant in the background. In the left photo, the bowl contains a yellow melted butter layer at the bottom with a raw egg yolk and some dark brown vanilla extract on top, and a white spatula resting inside the bowl. In the right photo, a woman's hand is stirring the mixture, adding a thick white layer of cream or yogurt above the yellow butter base, creating a creamy texture with some swirls of yellow showing through. The scene is bright with natural sunlight casting soft shadows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake.

200 g all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness for the muffins, creating that tender crumb.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds lift and lightness, ensuring the muffins rise beautifully.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give a little extra rise and a subtle tang.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
90 g unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness for tender bites without greasiness.
100 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins just right, creating a golden crust as they bake.
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to structure and softness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, fragrant undertone that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
175 g buttermilk, room temperature: Adds tang and moisture, keeping the muffins tender and delicate.
50 g unsalted butter, softened: For the cinnamon swirl, this butter helps the sugar and cinnamon create a sumptuous, gooey filling.
50 g brown sugar: Gives depth and caramel undertones to the cinnamon swirl.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star of the show, delivering that signature warm spice punch in every bite.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the dry ingredients

Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Combining these first ensures even distribution of leavening agents, which is key for a perfect rise. This base sets the foundation for your tender muffins.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then gently stir in the buttermilk. Using room temperature ingredients here helps everything blend smoothly without curdling, giving you a velvety batter that’s full of flavor.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry mixes

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing leads to tough muffins, but a tender crumb is what you’re aiming for with this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe.

Step 4: Prepare the cinnamon swirl

In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. This luscious cinnamon filling will create the delightful swirl that makes these muffins irresistibly special.

Step 5: Assemble the muffins

Divide half of the muffin batter evenly into your muffin tin lined with paper liners or greased. Dollop a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl on top of each, then cover with the remaining muffin batter. Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the batter, creating beautiful ribbons of cinnamon goodness inside each muffin.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Bake your muffins in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The batter will rise around those cinnamon swirls, giving each muffin a soft, tender crumb with a gooey surprise inside.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

The image shows a black muffin tray with six cinnamon rolls placed inside white parchment paper liners. Each cinnamon roll has two visible layers: the bottom layer is a light beige dough with a soft texture, and the top layer is a dark brown spiral swirl of cinnamon filling. A woman's hand in a cream-colored knitted sweater is seen piping more of the dark brown cinnamon filling onto one of the cinnamon rolls. In the background, there is a lit three-wick candle in a glass holder with a botanical design and some small green plants on a white marbled countertop. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These muffins are wonderfully delicious on their own, but adding a light drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese icing takes them to another level. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few chopped nuts can add a lovely finishing touch and some textural contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of creamy yogurt balances the sweetness perfectly and adds a fresh, vibrant element to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these muffins sliced in half and lightly toasted, then spread with a pat of butter or cream cheese for an irresistible treat. They also make fantastic mini-desserts when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfect for impressing guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their moisture locked in so they remain soft and flavorful. For longer storage, refrigeration helps extend freshness but can slightly dry the muffins.

Freezing

These muffins freeze wonderfully, making them a perfect make-ahead breakfast option. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep their delicious taste and texture for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating

To bring your muffins back to life, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven until heated through. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before reheating. This quick method restores their tender crumb and melty cinnamon swirls beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 175 g of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s tangy acidity. This swap won’t affect the rise or flavor much.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking?

Make sure to slightly swirl the cinnamon mixture just enough to create ribbons but not completely stir it in. Start by adding half the batter, then the swirl, and top with the rest. This layering helps the cinnamon stay suspended without sinking.

Can I replace brown sugar with white sugar in the cinnamon swirl?

You can, but brown sugar’s molasses content adds moisture and a richer flavor that white sugar can’t match. For the best taste and gooey texture, stick with brown sugar if possible.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing after baking or before?

They freeze well both before and after baking. Baking first and freezing allows for quick thaw and serve, while freezing the batter packed in muffin tins can be handy for fresh-baked muffins any time.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use almond milk or oat milk mixed with lemon juice for the buttermilk. The muffins will still be flavorful and soft without dairy.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe enough if you love everything cinnamon rolls stand for but need a fuss-free way to enjoy them. The tender texture, luscious cinnamon swirl, and buttery sweetness make it an instant favorite for any time of the day. So go ahead, make a batch and share the cozy joy with friends and family—these muffins have a way of turning ordinary mornings into something truly special.