If you can’t decide between cinnamon rolls and muffins, why not have both in one delicious bite?
I’m a big fan of cinnamon rolls, but I don’t always want to make a whole batch from scratch. 😂
The dough, the rising time, the rolling…..sometimes I just want something I can mix, bake, and eat. That’s how these Cinnamon Roll Muffins came about.
I wanted that same cinnamon and brown sugar flavor, just in a muffin. So I added a cinnamon-butter swirl to the batter and finished the tops with a buttery crumble.
Once they were baked and cooled, I drizzled over a little vanilla glaze. That part was definitely not optional for me. 😍
Soft in the middle, full of cinnamon flavor, and finished with that buttery crunch…..these muffins disappeared much faster than I expected.
If cinnamon rolls are your favorite but you don’t always want the whole baking project, these muffins are an easy way to get the same flavors. ✨
If you enjoy easy bakery-style bakes, you may also want to try my Biscoff Muffins or Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins.
Why I Love the Muffin Version
There’s something really satisfying about getting the flavors of a cinnamon roll without having to work with yeast dough. These muffins come together in separate little components, but none of them require the kind of preparation that traditional cinnamon rolls do.
These muffins aren’t just cinnamon muffins with some sugar sprinkled on top. Each part adds something different.
- Cinnamon swirl: Brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter create the sweet, warmly spiced layer running through the muffin.
- Crumble: Flour, melted butter, and granulated sugar create a crumbly topping that adds texture to the soft muffins.
- Vanilla glaze: Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla make a simple drizzle that adds sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon.
Together, they give each bite a mix of soft muffin, buttery cinnamon, crisp little crumbs, and sweet glaze.
How to Get Cinnamon Roll Flavor in Every Bite
The key is keeping the cinnamon mixture as a swirl instead of mixing it completely into the batter.
A gentle swirl gives you little pockets of brown sugar and cinnamon throughout the muffin. Then the buttery crumble adds a slightly crisp topping, while the vanilla glaze brings everything together.
It’s a simple way to get the flavors of a cinnamon roll without turning these muffins into a complicated baking project.
My Little Baking Tip
Go easy with the swirl. A gentle swirl gives you those cinnamon pockets without blending the filling completely into the batter.
Overmixing can also make muffins heavier, so once the dry ingredients are incorporated, it’s time to put the spatula down.
Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, and sugar until crumbly. Refrigerate the crumble while you prepare the remaining components.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and milk, then whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently mixing until a smooth muffin batter forms.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to make the cinnamon mixture.
- Mix the cinnamon crumble with a spoon until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
- Spoon the muffin batter evenly into a lined muffin tin.
- Add a small amount of the cinnamon mixture over each muffin. gently swirl it into the batter.
- Gently swirl it into the batter.
- Spoon a small amount of the chilled crumble over each muffin.
- Bake the muffins until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled muffins.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then serve
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Serve them slightly warm with a fresh drizzle of vanilla glaze, and pair them with your favorite coffee or tea. For a bakery-style touch, arrange the muffins on a simple serving plate and let the cinnamon crumble and glaze stand out.
A Few Ways to Make Them Your Own
Once you have the basic muffins down, there are a few easy ways to give your next batch a different twist.
- Go bite-sized: Bake the batter in a mini muffin tin for smaller treats that are easy to grab and share.
- Add some crunch: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a nutty bite.
- Bring in some fruit: Fold in finely chopped apples for a little sweetness and texture.
- Switch the flavor: Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a subtle change.
I’ve always loved those local bakery treats that look simple but somehow make you stop and take a second look. These cinnamon roll muffins have that same bakery-style charm, with a soft center, cinnamon swirl, crumble, and sweet glaze.
How to Store Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- At room temperature: Keep the muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep them in a single layer: This helps protect the crumble and vanilla glaze from getting smudged.
- Let the glaze set first: Allow the glaze to firm up before placing the muffins in a container.
- For longer storage: Freeze the muffins without the glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then add fresh glaze before serving.
Common Questions About These Muffins
- Why are my cinnamon roll muffins dry?
Dry muffins can happen when the batter is overmixed or the muffins are baked longer than needed. Mix the batter only until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and check them with a toothpick toward the end of the baking time. - How do I get a thicker cinnamon swirl in muffins?
Add a slightly more noticeable amount of the cinnamon mixture to each muffin and swirl it gently rather than spreading it throughout the batter. - Why is my crumble not crunchy?
The crumble needs to stay chilled until you are ready to use it. Keeping it cold helps the pieces hold their shape better as the muffins bake. - Why do my muffins sink in the middle?
Muffins can sink if the batter is overmixed or if they are removed from the oven before the center is fully baked. Mix gently and check the center with a toothpick before taking them out.
If you make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins, I’d love to know how they turned out. Leave a rating and share 💌 what you thought of the cinnamon swirl, crumble, and vanilla glaze!
I’ve always found joy in the kitchen. Since I was seven, cooking has been my favorite way to learn, create, and unwind. From baking sweet treats to exploring global flavors and brewing coffee, I’m always chasing my next delicious discovery.