There’s something magical about cinnamon rolls — warm, fluffy, and filled with that sweet cinnamon swirl. But what if you could have all the nostalgic comfort of a cinnamon roll without waiting hours for dough to rise? Enter: Cinnamon Roll Muffins. These are soft, fluffy, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness, baked to golden perfection in under 40 minutes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick treat with your coffee.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday breakfast, a cozy weekend at home, or meal prepping for the week, these muffins are a quick and delightful option that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- No yeast required: Get all the flavor of cinnamon rolls without the long rise time.
- Quick & easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Kid-approved: Sweet, soft, and perfectly portable.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of glaze to make them your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this easy cinnamon roll muffin recipe:
For the Muffin Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the perfect muffin texture. You can sub with whole wheat or gluten-free flour if needed.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – For rise and fluffiness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Adds just the right sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Warm, spicy aroma throughout the muffins.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup whole milk – Keeps the muffins moist. Room temperature works best.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness. Can substitute with oil or plant-based butter if desired.
- 2 large eggs (room temp) – Helps bind the muffins and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – For that classic, gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl.
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings
- Chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Mini chocolate chips: For a melty surprise inside.
- Cream cheese glaze: Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, and milk to drizzle over the top.
- Maple glaze: Combine powdered sugar with a splash of maple syrup for a fall twist.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Do not overmix — stop as soon as everything is combined to keep your muffins soft.
5. Add the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with a pinch of cinnamon (optional). Spoon a layer of muffin batter into each muffin cup, sprinkle some of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then top with more batter. Use a toothpick or knife to lightly swirl if you want a marbled effect.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Make Ahead: Bake and freeze a batch to always have a cozy snack or breakfast ready to go.
Nutrition Information (Per Muffin – Approximate)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 11g
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect shortcut to a classic favorite — no yeast, no rolling, no fuss. Just tender, cinnamon-filled goodness in every bite. Whether you serve them warm with butter or drizzle on icing for a bakery-style finish, these muffins are guaranteed to become a staple in your baking rotation.