Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe: Cozy Morning Magic

Warm, gooey cinnamon roll muffins drift between breakfast decadence and morning comfort.

Soft peaks of buttery dough swirl with sweet spice and caramelized sugar.

Delicate crumbles melt across your palate with each tender bite.

Kitchen magic happens when classic pastry meets convenient muffin form.

Minimal effort produces maximum satisfaction in this clever recipe.

Weekend mornings demand something special that feels indulgent yet simple.

Baking these treats will make you the breakfast hero among hungry companions.

What Makes Cinnamon Roll Muffins Irresistible

  • Quick Morning Magic: Whip up delicious cinnamon roll muffins in under 30 minutes with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique that guarantees success every time.
  • Family Breakfast Delight: Kids and adults will love these soft, sweet muffins packed with warm cinnamon flavor that transforms ordinary mornings into special moments.
  • Versatile Treat Option: Serve as a grab-and-go breakfast, afternoon snack, or weekend brunch companion that impresses without requiring professional baking skills.

What Goes In Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Base for the muffin structure, provides essential texture and support.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents to help muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter (Melted): Adds richness and moisture to the muffin base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with muffin browning.
  • Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the muffins.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor enhancement.
  • Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and adds subtle tanginess.
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter (Softened), Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Classic combination for creating a sweet, spicy swirl throughout the muffins. Best when butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.

How To Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Line a muffin pan with 6 tulip muffin liners, ensuring they are evenly spaced and ready for delicious batter.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the following dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure the ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredient Mixture

In a separate bowl, start with melted butter and granulated sugar.

Crack in a fresh egg and splash of vanilla extract.

Pour in buttermilk and whisk until the mixture looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture.

Mix just until the ingredients are combined – avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.

Step 5: Craft Cinnamon Swirl Filling

In a small bowl, blend:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Mix until the ingredients create a rich, aromatic spread.

Step 6: Layer Muffin Batter

Fill each muffin liner halfway with batter.

Add a generous teaspoon of cinnamon mixture, then top with remaining batter.

Step 7: Create Cinnamon Swirl Design

Use a toothpick to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Smart Tips for Cinnamon Roll Muffins

  • Use exact measurements to ensure perfect texture and rise in your muffins.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep muffins tender and prevent tough, dense results.
  • Use a toothpick to create beautiful cinnamon swirls without completely blending the mixture.
  • Bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature for better ingredient integration and smoother batter.
  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins – Storing and Reheating Made Simple

  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
  • Warm muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  • Remove muffins from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave for 30-45 seconds until soft and warm.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Muffins

  • Brew a Perfect Morning Companion: Serve these warm cinnamon roll muffins with a steaming cup of medium-roast Colombian coffee, which complements the sweet cinnamon notes and cuts through the rich, buttery texture.
  • Indulge with Creamy Counterpoint: Pair the muffins with a cold glass of vanilla almond milk, creating a smooth, refreshing balance that enhances the warmth of the cinnamon and softens the muffin's sweetness.
  • Elevate with Breakfast Harmony: Match these muffins with a side of Greek yogurt topped with a drizzle of honey, adding a tangy protein element that contrasts beautifully with the muffin's soft, sugary profile.
  • Create a Weekend Treat: Accompany the muffins with a light sparkling apple cider, bringing a subtle effervescence that lifts the dense muffin and adds a fruity brightness to the overall breakfast experience.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins: Flavor Twists to Try

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Muffins: Substitute egg with flax egg, use plant-based butter, and swap buttermilk with almond milk to create dairy-free option.
  • Low-Sugar Cinnamon Muffins: Reduce granulated sugar and use monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly alternative.
  • Whole Wheat Healthy Variation: Incorporate whole wheat flour and add ground flaxseed for increased fiber and nutritional value.

FAQs

  • Why do I need buttermilk for this recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, soft texture in the muffins by adding moisture and helping activate the baking soda, which makes the muffins rise and become fluffy.

  • How do I create the perfect cinnamon swirl?

Use a toothpick to gently drag the cinnamon mixture through the batter in a circular motion, creating a marbled effect without fully mixing the layers together.

  • Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator, covered. Just bring it to room temperature before baking in the morning.

  • What's the best way to ensure my muffins don't stick to the liners?

Use tulip muffin liners or lightly grease standard liners to prevent sticking, and let the muffins cool completely before removing them from the pan.

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Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe


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4.5 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cinnamon roll muffins blend breakfast pastry magic with handheld convenience, marrying sweet swirls of cinnamon and buttery dough. Homemade comfort emerges from your kitchen, promising delightful morning moments that spark pure breakfast joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 200 g (7.05 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 175 g (6.17 ounces) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 90 g (3.17 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
  • 100 g (3.53 ounces) granulated sugar

Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 50 g (1.76 ounces) brown sugar
  • 50 g (1.76 ounces) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 180°C (350°F) and arrange tulip muffin liners in a muffin pan.
  2. Create the dry mixture by whisking together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a comprehensive mixing bowl.
  3. Construct the wet base by blending melted butter with granulated sugar, then incorporate the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly.
  4. Gently fold buttermilk into the wet ingredients, ensuring a smooth, uniform consistency.
  5. Merge the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  6. Prepare the cinnamon swirl by combining softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a rich, aromatic mixture.
  7. Layer the muffin batter strategically: distribute initial batter to half-fill each liner, dollop the cinnamon mixture, then cover with remaining batter.
  8. Use a toothpick to create elegant swirling patterns across the muffin tops, integrating the cinnamon layer.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean and the muffins develop a golden, enticing surface.
  10. Allow muffins to cool completely, enabling them to set and develop optimal flavor and texture before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins tender and light, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like egg and buttermilk to ensure even mixing and consistent texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the same soft crumb.
  • Create beautiful swirls by using a thin skewer or toothpick and gently dragging through the cinnamon mixture in circular motions for a marbled effect.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 226
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 174 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 32 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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