There’s just something magical about cinnamon rolls. The rich aroma, the swirl of cinnamon sugar, the creamy glaze—it’s enough to make anyone swoon. But what if I told you that you can enjoy all that goodness in muffin form? That’s right! Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the best parts of a cinnamon roll with the ease of a muffin. They’re perfect for busy mornings, a snack on the go, or as a showstopper at brunch.

Let me take you on a journey to create these heavenly muffins. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you.

THE BEGINNING OF A DELICIOUS JOURNEY

Why These Muffins Are Special
Have you ever craved a cinnamon roll but didn’t want to commit to the time and effort? That’s where these muffins come in. They bake up faster than traditional rolls but still have that soft, sweet dough, swirls of cinnamon filling, and a drizzle of cream cheese glaze.

Plus, they’re versatile! You can enjoy them warm out of the oven or pack them for later. They’re like a warm hug in muffin form—impossible to resist.

Getting Started: Prepping for Success
Before diving into the recipe, let’s make sure we’ve got everything ready. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking as soon as your muffins are assembled. Line a muffin tin with liners or give it a generous spritz of cooking spray.

Making the Muffin Batter

This part is simple, but it lays the foundation for our cinnamon roll muffins. Here’s how to whip up the batter:

1. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This combination gives the muffins their structure and light sweetness.
2. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and richness to the batter.
3. Combine: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing! A few lumps are fine—it keeps the muffins light and fluffy.

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The Cinnamon Swirl Magic

This is where the muffins get their cinnamon roll personality. Let’s prepare the filling:

• In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. This should form a smooth, spreadable paste.

Assembling the Muffins
Now comes the fun part!

1. First Layer: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the muffin batter.
2. Cinnamon Filling: Add a spoonful of the cinnamon mixture on top of the batter in each cup.
3. Top It Off: Cover the filling with the remaining batter, filling each cup almost to the top.
4. Swirl It: Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cinnamon filling into the batter. This step creates that beautiful marbled effect that looks just as good as it tastes.

BRINGING THE CINNAMON ROLL MUFFINS TO LIFE

Once you’ve baked your cinnamon roll muffins to golden perfection, it’s time to take things up a notch. In this part, we’ll focus on the finishing touches that make these muffins truly unforgettable. From the creamy glaze to pro tips for muffin magic, let’s dive in!

PERFECTLY BAKED MUFFINS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR

After 18–20 minutes in the oven, your muffins should be puffed up with lightly golden tops. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), they’re ready.

Let them cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling on a wire rack prevents soggy bottoms and helps them cool evenly—plus, it gets them ready for their glaze moment faster!

CREATING THE DREAMY CREAM CHEESE GLAZE

The glaze is where the magic happens. Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-drizzly, it’s the finishing touch that transforms these muffins from delicious to downright irresistible.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Softened Cream Cheese: Start with 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. This is key for a smooth glaze, so let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before using.
2. Powdered Sugar: Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to the cream cheese. This sweetens the glaze while keeping it silky.
3. Milk: Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk, adjusting for the consistency you prefer. A thinner glaze will drizzle beautifully, while a thicker one adds more of a frosting-like texture.
4. Vanilla: Finally, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that extra depth of flavor.

Whisk everything together until the glaze is creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk; if it’s too thin, mix in a little more powdered sugar.

GLAZING THE MUFFINS

Now for the fun part—decorating your muffins with that luscious glaze!

1. Wait for the Muffins to Cool: Make sure the muffins are completely cool before glazing. If they’re still warm, the glaze will melt and slide right off.
2. Drizzle or Spread: Use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the muffins in a zigzag pattern, or spread it more generously for a richer topping. For a professional look, you can use a piping bag or even a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off.
3. Extra Cinnamon: For a final touch, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top of the glaze. It’s a simple step that adds a little extra visual and flavor appeal.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MUFFIN PERFECTION

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make muffins dense instead of fluffy. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for the best results.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the batter comes together smoothly and bakes evenly.
3. Customize the Cinnamon Filling: Love extra cinnamon? Add a little more to the filling. Want some crunch? Toss in a few chopped pecans or walnuts.
4. Storage Tips: These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them (especially after glazing).

SERVING IDEAS: WHEN AND HOW TO ENJOY

Cinnamon roll muffins are versatile enough to fit any occasion:

• Breakfast Bliss: Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a morning treat.
• Brunch Star: Serve them alongside fresh fruit and scrambled eggs for an indulgent brunch spread.
• Snack Time Hero: Grab one on the go for a quick and satisfying snack.
• Dessert Favorite: Warm them slightly and enjoy as a dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

By now, your kitchen is likely filled with the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon, and your muffins are sitting pretty with their creamy glaze. But before you dive in, let’s cover a few commonly asked questions to help you perfect this recipe every time.

FAQ: ALL YOUR CINNAMON ROLL MUFFIN QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! These muffins can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and glaze them just before serving for the freshest look and taste.

2. How do I store leftover muffins?
If glazed, store the muffins in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. If unglazed, you can store them at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes! Freeze the muffins without glaze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and glaze them fresh for that just-baked feel.

4. What variations can I try?

• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for extra texture.
• Swap the cream cheese glaze for a simple vanilla or maple glaze for a different flavor profile.
• Sprinkle raisins or mini chocolate chips into the batter for a fun twist.

5. How can I make these muffins healthier?
For a lighter version, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, reduce the sugar slightly, and swap the butter in the batter for unsweetened applesauce. The muffins will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.

6. Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk in the batter and glaze. You can also substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based version.

7. Why did my muffins turn out dense?
Dense muffins usually result from overmixing the batter or using old baking powder. Be sure to stir the batter gently and check that your leavening agents are fresh before starting.

CONCLUSION: YOUR NEW FAVORITE MUFFINS

Congratulations, you’ve just mastered the art of Cinnamon Roll Muffins! Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven, gifting a batch to friends, or storing a few for later, these muffins are guaranteed to bring joy to any occasion.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

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• Author: David
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Description

Transform the irresistible flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into easy-to-make muffins! These muffins are soft, buttery, and swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling, all topped with a creamy glaze.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners or grease with cooking spray.

2️⃣ Prepare the Muffin Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

3️⃣ Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.

4️⃣ Assemble the Muffins:

Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about halfway.

Add a spoonful of cinnamon filling on top of the batter in each cup.

Cover with the remaining muffin batter, filling each cup nearly to the top.

Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the batter and cinnamon filling together for a marbled effect.

5️⃣ Bake the Muffins:

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

6️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and smooth, adjusting the milk for a drizzle-worthy consistency.

7️⃣ Glaze the Muffins:

Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over each muffin using a spoon or piping bag.

8️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!

Notes

• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm them in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
• Freezing Option: Freeze unglazed muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw, glaze, and serve.
• Additions: Sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins into the cinnamon filling for extra texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 muffins