Dessert

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

ByZoe Lane March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the cozy flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a muffin. These soft, fluffy treats feature a sweet cinnamon swirl and a smooth vanilla glaze, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack.

Four cinnamon muffins sit closely together on a white plate, each muffin showing a golden brown base layer with a crumbly, darker brown cinnamon sugar topping that looks rough and textured. Drizzled thick white icing flows unevenly over the tops, giving a shiny and smooth contrast to the rough cinnamon crumble. The muffins have a slightly rounded, uneven top with visible soft and moist texture beneath the crumb layer, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Muffin Batter:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup milk
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Vanilla Glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease it lightly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined with no streaks of flour; avoid overmixing.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to prepare the cinnamon swirl filling.
Step 6: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Add a small spoonful of the cinnamon mixture on top.
Step 7: Cover with more batter until each cup is about three-quarters full. Swirl the filling gently into the batter using a toothpick or knife.
Step 8: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: While the muffins cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze until smooth.
Step 10: Drizzle the glaze over the warm muffins and serve immediately for the best gooey, soft texture.

Tips & Variations

Don’t overmix the batter to ensure tender and fluffy muffins.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for an extra crunch.
For a richer glaze, substitute half the milk with cream.
Use dairy-free milk and butter substitutes to make the muffins vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To revive their fresh-baked warmth, microwave a muffin for about 10 seconds before serving.

How to Serve

Four cinnamon crumb muffins sit on a white plate against a white marbled background. Each muffin has a golden brown base with visible ridges, topped with a thick layer of crumbly, dark brown cinnamon streusel. Drizzled over the muffins is a white glaze that runs down unevenly in soft, smooth streams, adding a shiny texture. The muffins appear moist and rich, with the crumb topping looking slightly crunchy and uneven in shape. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and filling ahead, then assemble and bake the muffins just before serving. Once baked, they store well for several days as noted.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

Absolutely. After cooling completely, wrap muffins individually or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before glazing and serving.