Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Picture soft, fluffy muffins bursting with swirls of cinnamon sugar that melt into every crumb—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack any time of day. These Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the nostalgic flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the ease and convenience of a muffin, making them an irresistible treat you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating these mouthwatering muffins. Each one plays a special role in building the perfect texture, sweetness, and that beautiful golden color that makes Cinnamon Roll Muffins so inviting.
- 200 g all-purpose flour: The base for tender muffins with a light crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the ideal lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 90 g unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture while keeping the crumb soft.
- 100 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffin batter just right without overpowering.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and gives structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- 175 g buttermilk, room temperature: Adds tang and tenderness for a moist muffin.
- 50 g unsalted butter, softened: For the cinnamon swirl, making it rich and gooey.
- 50 g brown sugar: Gives the cinnamon swirl its caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice creating those irresistible swirls.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, setting the stage for golden, fluffy muffins. Line a muffin pan with 6 tulip muffin liners, leaving every other hole empty—it’s best to use half the pan for even baking and plenty of room for each muffin to rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps your Cinnamon Roll Muffins rise evenly and have a tender crumb.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated. Finally, pour in the buttermilk, mixing gently until everything comes together with a lovely silky texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula, stirring just until combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing—some lumps in the batter are perfectly okay. This step ensures your Cinnamon Roll Muffins have that tender, fluffy texture with just the right bite.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Paste
In a small bowl, blend softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon into a smooth, creamy paste. If your butter is a bit stiff, use a fork to mash it against the bowl for a luscious swirl filling that will infuse your muffins with gooey cinnamon goodness.
Step 6: Fold and Pipe the Cinnamon Swirls
Mix half of the cinnamon paste lightly into the muffin batter, creating gentle swirls without fully blending. Transfer the remaining cinnamon paste to a piping bag fitted with a small ¼-inch opening. Fill your muffin liners completely with batter, then pipe a swirl of cinnamon paste onto the surface, dragging the tip slightly to embed the swirl smoothly into the batter.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes until they puff up and develop a golden brown top that’s just begging to be torn into. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—or dig in while they’re warm and perfectly melty.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Cinnamon Roll Muffins with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. A dollop of cream cheese frosting also pairs beautifully if you want to bring those classic cinnamon roll vibes to the table.
Side Dishes
Serve these muffins alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries for a refreshing contrast. A steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk complements the warm, spicy flavors of the Cinnamon Roll Muffins perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your muffins on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a charming brunch display. For parties, place them in decorative cupcake liners or wrap each muffin in parchment paper tied with twine, making them an irresistible grab-and-go treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Roll Muffins keep wonderfully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the muffins soft and the cinnamon swirls gooey without drying out.
Freezing
To enjoy your Cinnamon Roll Muffins later, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to three months, making them a perfect batch-bake for future cravings.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and revives the delightful cinnamon aroma, almost as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which keeps your Cinnamon Roll Muffins tender and moist.
Is it necessary to use tulip muffin liners?
Tulip muffin liners add a beautiful presentation and help contain tall muffins during baking, but regular liners or greasing your muffin tin well will also work just fine.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk plus a splash of apple cider vinegar as a buttermilk substitute to keep every bite as delicious as the original Cinnamon Roll Muffins.
How can I make the cinnamon swirl more pronounced?
For bolder swirls, increase the amount of brown sugar and cinnamon in your paste or add a second swirl of cinnamon paste on top just before baking for a double dose of cinnamon goodness.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No worries! You can use a resealable plastic bag and cut a small hole in one corner to pipe the cinnamon swirl or even dollop spoonfuls and gently swirl them into the batter with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth and sweet spice of Cinnamon Roll Muffins to brighten your day. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or sneaking a few for yourself, these muffins bring a touch of homemade magic that’s impossible to resist. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start baking your own batch of Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you endlessly!
