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There’s something magical about waking up to the scent of cinnamon filling the air. For me, it’s more than just a morning treat, it’s a memory, a moment of comfort that brings me back to cozy mornings spent baking with loved ones. These Cinnamon Roll Muffins capture that warm, nostalgic feeling in every bite. Soft, fluffy, and topped with a sweet glaze, they’re the perfect way to start your day, or to simply indulge in a little comfort when you need it most.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are everything you love about cinnamon rolls, wrapped up in the convenience of a muffin. They’re light and airy with a sweet, spiced swirl that brings cozy cinnamon flavor to every bite. The best part? They’re quick to make, so you can enjoy that bakery-fresh goodness without the wait. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Easy & Quick: No rolling dough or waiting for yeast to rise.
- Perfectly Sweet: The cinnamon filling is irresistible, and the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or raisins, for an extra personal twist.
- Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a sweet afternoon treat, or a delightful dessert, these muffins hit the spot.
Tools You’ll Need
To make your Cinnamon Roll Muffins come together seamlessly, you’ll need just a few essential tools:
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Two sizable bowls, one to combine the dry ingredients and another for the wet mixture.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (for dry ingredients)
- Use a batter portioner or big spoon to fill the muffin cups with equal amounts of mix.
- Pastry brush (optional, for glazing)

Helpful Tips for Success
Mix Batter Gently: Blend the ingredients only until they come together. Stirring too much can make the muffins heavy instead of light and tender, so keep it light-handed.
Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar Well: Don’t just sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top. Be sure to mix it evenly into the batter to ensure that signature cinnamon roll flavor in every bite.
Test for Readiness: Poke the center of a muffin with a toothpick; if it comes out without any wet batter, they’re perfectly baked and good to go.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze unbaked muffins: After assembling the muffins, place the muffin tin in the freezer for about 2 hours. Once frozen, remove the muffins and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Just bake them frozen, adding 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
To freeze baked muffins: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. These can be kept frozen for as long as 3 months. To warm them up, microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins: The Ultimate Sweet Indulgence
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsps baking powder
- ½ tsp 1.5 g baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup full-fat yogurt or sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Streusel Topping
- 43 g all-purpose flour
- 8 g ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar loosely packed
- 2 tbsp melted butter approx.
Sweet Cream Glaze
- 3 tbsp cream cheese softened
- 14 g butter softened
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla
- 60 g powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp whole milk
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get your muffin tray ready by either placing paper liners in each cup or giving it a light coating of grease, this helps your muffins come out easily and keeps cleanup simple.
- Grab a big bowl and stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients first makes sure everything rises evenly and your muffins bake up light and fluffy.
- In another bowl, crack in the eggs, pour in the milk, add the melted butter and a splash of vanilla, then whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well mixed, this creamy blend sets the stage for a rich, moist muffin batter.
- Add the yogurt (or sour cream) into the wet mixture and whisk again until smooth. This helps make the muffins extra moist and gives them a soft, rich bite.
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, then gently fold everything together just until there’s no visible flour. Be careful not to stir too much, or the muffins might turn out heavy instead of light and fluffy. The batter should remain thick but slightly lumpy.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon filling. Set aside to use later as a swirl for the muffins.
- Scoop the muffin batter into the muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed to ensure uniform muffin size.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter in each muffin cup. This will give your muffins the signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Stir softly so you don’t mess with the texture, too much mixing can make the muffins tough instead of tender.
- Place the muffin tray in your heated oven and let them bake for about 18 to 20 minutes. To check if they’re done, poke one in the center with a toothpick, if it comes out without wet batter, they’re ready. Ovens can vary, so it’s a good idea to keep a close watch near the end.
- Let the muffins rest in the pan for a short while, then gently move them to a wire rack so they can cool down a bit as you get the glaze ready.
- Make the glaze by mixing softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth. Pour in a little milk to get the glaze to the texture you prefer, smooth and easy to drizzle, but not runny. After the muffins have cooled a bit, spoon the glaze over the tops and let it settle.
Notes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 130mg
Cinnamon Roll Muffins FAQs
What is the secret to moist muffins?
The key to moist muffins lies in using the right amount of fat (like butter or oil) and not overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense, dry muffins. Stir the ingredients gently until they’re blended together, being careful not to overmix for the perfect texture.
What is the most important rule to follow when baking muffins?
For muffins that are soft and airy, be sure to mix the batter gently and avoid overworking it. Mix the ingredients gently until they’re just blended to maintain that soft, tender texture. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so be careful to mix only as needed.
How do you know when muffins are done?
To determine if your muffins are ready, simply insert a toothpick into the middle. If it comes out clean, they’re all set. If it comes out clean, they’re ready.
What makes muffins sticky?
Muffins can become sticky if the batter has too much moisture or if they are stored while still warm. The key to preventing this is to let your muffins cool completely before storing them. This will help them maintain their texture and prevent any excess moisture from causing a sticky exterior.
What causes muffins to rise?
Muffins rise due to the action of leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. These ingredients react with the liquid in the batter, releasing carbon dioxide gas. As the gas expands, it causes the batter to rise, creating the fluffy texture that makes muffins so light and airy.
Why do muffins become hard?
Muffins become hard when they are either overbaked or overmixed. To ensure they stay tender, bake them just until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, and be gentle when mixing the batter. Mixing the batter too much can result in muffins that are heavy and hard, rather than light and fluffy. Always follow the recommended baking time and avoid stirring the batter too much to achieve a soft, airy texture.
What is the best way to serve muffins?
The best way to enjoy your cinnamon roll muffins is while they’re still warm. Drizzle a sweet glaze on top for that extra burst of flavor, or serve them with a side of butter or jam for a simple treat. These muffins are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a tasty treat, and they’ll definitely be a crowd-pleaser when enjoyed warm from the oven.
What ingredients provide flavor to the muffins?
For the perfect cinnamon roll muffins, cinnamon and sugar are key to that classic, sweet-spiced flavor. Adding a hint of vanilla extract brings a deep, flavorful layer that elevates the entire taste. Together, these ingredients bring out the warm, comforting essence that makes cinnamon roll muffins irresistible.