Cinnamon Roll Muffins

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the soft, fluffy texture of muffins with the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls. Featuring a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, a marbled swirl effect, and a rich cream cheese glaze, these muffins are the perfect cozy treat for breakfast, brunch, or a weekend indulgence. Even without the glaze, they are deliciously satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – No need to roll out dough like traditional cinnamon rolls.
• Warm, comforting flavors – Perfect for cozy mornings and holiday breakfasts.
• Creamy glaze – The cream cheese glaze adds a luscious finishing touch.
• Customizable – Enjoy them with or without the glaze.
• Great for meal prep – Make a batch and enjoy them throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a muffin tin with muffin liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.

Prepare the Muffin Batter

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

6. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth.

Assemble the Muffins

7. Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the muffin batter.
8. Add a spoonful of the cinnamon filling on top of the batter in each cup.
9. Top with the remaining muffin batter, filling each cup almost to the top.
10. Using a toothpick or skewer, swirl the batter and cinnamon filling together to create a marbled effect.

Bake the Muffins

11. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

13. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth.
14. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Adjust milk to reach a drizzling consistency.

Glaze the Muffins

15. Once the muffins are completely cool, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over each muffin using a spoon or pastry bag.

Serve and Enjoy

16. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful mix of soft muffins, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for extra crunch.
• Caramel Drizzle – Swap the cream cheese glaze for a caramel drizzle.
• Chocolate Twist – Stir in mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-cinnamon fusion.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use plant-based butter, milk, and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
• Gluten-Free Alternative – Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze muffins (without glaze) in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins without the cream cheese glaze?

Yes! They are still delicious on their own or with a simple cinnamon-sugar topping.

How do I prevent dry muffins?

Avoid overmixing the batter and be sure not to overbake them.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil, but butter adds a richer flavor.

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Almond flour alone won’t work the same way, but you can try a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix for a similar result.

What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon filling?

Use a toothpick or skewer and gently swirl in circular motions to create a marbled look.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for the filling and a sugar substitute for the muffin batter if needed.

Do these muffins taste exactly like cinnamon rolls?

They have the same flavors, but the texture is more like a soft, fluffy muffin rather than a dense cinnamon roll.

Can I make mini muffins instead?

Yes! Adjust the baking time to 12-15 minutes for mini muffins.

How do I store leftover glaze?

Store extra cream cheese glaze in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir well before using.

Can I add fruit to the batter?

Absolutely! Diced apples or raisins pair wonderfully with the cinnamon flavors.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect combination of soft muffins, sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and a rich cream cheese glaze. They are easy to make and bring the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls without the hassle of rolling dough. Whether for a weekend brunch or a holiday treat, these muffins are sure to be a crowd favorite!

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