There’s something especially comforting about the smell of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven but not every morning leaves room for yeast dough and long rise times. That’s where Cinnamon Roll Muffins come in. They deliver all the familiar flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a quicker, easier form that fits effortlessly into real life.

Each muffin is soft and tender inside, with buttery cinnamon swirls running through every bite. The edges bake up lightly golden, while the centers stay moist and fluffy. As they cook, the kitchen fills with a warm, cozy aroma that feels just right for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon break with coffee.

What makes these muffins so appealing is how simple they are to pull together. There’s no special equipment or extra steps just everyday ingredients, a single bowl, and a muffin tin. The result is a homemade treat that feels indulgent and familiar, without the time or effort of traditional cinnamon rolls.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

What Are Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

Cinnamon Roll Muffins are exactly what they sound like: a hybrid between classic cinnamon rolls and soft breakfast muffins. Instead of rolling and slicing dough, the batter is spooned into muffin cups and swirled with a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture that mimics the signature spiral of a cinnamon roll.

The result is a muffin that’s tender and cake like, with pockets of gooey cinnamon sugar throughout. Once baked, they’re often finished with a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese drizzle, giving you that familiar cinnamon roll experience in a much quicker, more casual format.

Think of them as the shortcut version of a cinnamon roll same cozy flavors, far less effort, and just as satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: No yeast, no rising, no special equipment required.
Classic cinnamon roll flavor: Buttery, sweet, and warmly spiced in every bite.
Perfect for breakfast or brunch: Easy to serve, easy to share, and always a hit.
Freezer friendly: Make a batch now and enjoy later.
Customizable: Switch up the glaze, add nuts, or play with fillings.

How This Recipe Works

Muffin batter = speed: A simple batter replaces yeast dough, cutting prep time dramatically.
Cinnamon swirl technique: Layering and swirling creates pockets of cinnamon sugar instead of one solid layer.
High heat bake: Helps the muffins rise quickly while staying soft inside.
Glaze added last: Keeps the muffins tender and adds sweetness without soaking in too much.

Ingredients

For the Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)
⅓ cup melted butter (or neutral oil)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl

½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons melted butter

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions & Notes

Swap milk for almond or oat milk if needed.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Use cream cheese glaze if you prefer a richer topping.

cinnamon roll muffins icing close up — That sweet glaze moment you can’t resist

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be thick but smooth—don’t overmix.

5. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until it forms a thick, sandy paste.

6. Assemble the Muffins

Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin cup. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon swirl, then more batter, and another small spoonful of swirl. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl.

7. Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8. Add the Glaze

Whisk glaze ingredients together. Drizzle over warm muffins before serving.

Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations

Extra gooey centers: Add a little extra swirl to the middle.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
Apple cinnamon version: Add small diced apples to the batter.
Pumpkin spice twist: Replace some milk with pumpkin purée and add pumpkin spice.
Cream cheese glaze: Swap milk for softened cream cheese in the glaze.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions

Make-Ahead:
Bake the muffins a day ahead and glaze just before serving.

Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze unglazed muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

cinnamon roll muffins served for breakfast — Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee or tea for breakfast.
Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced brunch plate.
Add to a breakfast board with muffins, yogurt, and pastries.
Enjoy as a sweet afternoon snack.

These muffins also pair beautifully with other cozy bakes like banana bread or Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies.

Nutritional Notes (Approximate per Muffin)

Calories: 260
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 22g

Values will vary based on glaze and portion size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter: Leads to dense muffins.
Skipping liners or greasing: Cinnamon sugar can stick easily.
Too much swirl: Can sink and burn at the bottom.
Overbaking: Dries out the muffins quickly.

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Can I make these without a glaze?
Yes, they’re still delicious on their own or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Do these taste like real cinnamon rolls?
They capture the flavor and feel, just in a softer, muffin-style format.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—perfect for brunch or holidays.

What’s the best way to reheat them?
Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Muffins bring together everything people love about classic cinnamon rolls warm spices, soft texture, and sweet glaze in a recipe that’s faster, simpler, and just as comforting. They’re easy enough for busy mornings and special enough for weekends, making them a true kitchen staple.

If you love easy Breakfast like Easy & Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes or Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins Recipe, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are soft, swirly, and glazed to perfection save this recipe now for the coziest breakfast treat anytime

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect mashup of soft, fluffy muffins and classic cinnamon rolls, swirled with warm cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet glaze. Tender on the inside with irresistible spiced flavor in every bite, they’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy treat. Easy to make and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the best aroma.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Muffins

Calories 320 kcal