Dessert

Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Muffins for Cozy Mornings Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

Introduction

Cinnamon roll muffins are the perfect cozy treat to start your morning or enjoy with afternoon tea. They combine the tender crumb of muffins with the sweet, swirled cinnamon sugar of classic cinnamon rolls. These muffins promise a gooey, flavorful bite that’s both comforting and delicious.

The image shows a close-up of a single muffin on a white paper liner with brown and golden textures, topped with a thick drizzle of cream-colored icing. The muffin’s surface is rough with visible bits of nuts or fruit, giving it a crunchy look. In the background, there are more muffins with similar texture and icing, slightly out of focus on a black wire rack. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup brown sugar (for filling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Pour half of the batter into the muffin cups, then sprinkle some of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Add the remaining batter on top and swirl gently with a skewer or knife to create a marbled effect.
Step 6: Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature eggs and milk to ensure the batter blends smoothly.
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra texture.
For a richer flavor, replace whole milk with buttermilk or add a tablespoon of sour cream to the batter.
Drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk over cooled muffins for a classic cinnamon roll finish.

Storage

Store the cinnamon roll muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a warm oven to restore their softness and gooey filling.

How to Serve

A close-up view of six cinnamon muffins arranged on a black round cooling rack, each muffin topped with a thick layer of white icing drizzled in uneven lines, giving a glossy and creamy texture. The muffins have a golden-brown color with a slightly crumbly surface showing specks of cinnamon and small folds at the edges, wrapped in white paper liners. The background is a white marbled texture that contrasts softly with the warm tones of the muffins. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser, nuttier muffin. Just keep in mind the muffins might be less fluffy.

How can I make the cinnamon swirl more defined?

Swirl the cinnamon sugar filling gently but thoroughly before baking to create visible layers. Avoid mixing the batter too much after adding the filling to keep distinct swirls.