Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Soft, warm, and irresistibly fragrant, Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the comfort of classic cinnamon rolls with the ease of muffins. This recipe delivers bakery-style results with a tender crumb, rich cinnamon swirl, and a smooth cream cheese drizzle—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins bring together nostalgia and simplicity. They bake quickly, require no yeast or rising time, and fill your kitchen with a cinnamon aroma that feels both exciting and calming. Each bite balances sweetness, soft texture, and warmth, making them hard to resist.

Tools You’ll Need

– Standard 12-cup muffin pan

– Mixing bowls (large and medium)

– Whisk

– Spatula or wooden spoon

– Measuring cups and spoons

– Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Muffin Batter

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 3 teaspoons baking powder

– ½ teaspoon salt

– ¼ cup granulated sugar

– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

– 1 large egg

– 1 cup milk

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling and Topping

– 1 cup light brown sugar, loosely packed

– 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

– 1½ cups chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

– ¼ cup cream cheese, softened

– 1 cup powdered sugar

– 1 tablespoon milk

– 1 dash pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously grease a 12-cup muffin pan.

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

In another bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, and milk until smooth.

Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed. The batter should be thick but spoonable.

In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts, and melted butter until crumbly.

Fold half of the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating light swirls.

Divide the batter evenly into muffin cups, filling about three-quarters full.

Top with the remaining cinnamon mixture and gently press it in.

Bake for 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden.

Cool briefly before transferring to a rack.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the muffins tender. Use room-temperature ingredients for better blending, and do not overbake—slightly moist crumbs are ideal.

Flavor Variations and Add‑Ins

Swap nuts for chocolate chips for a sweeter version, add orange zest for brightness, or drizzle with maple glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a deeper warmth.

Storage and Reheating

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.