Cinnamon Roll Muffins: Easy Recipe & Baking Tips

Cinnamon Roll Muffins: the irresistible breakfast treat that combines the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the ease and convenience of a muffin! Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla, all baked into a perfectly portioned, handheld delight. Forget wrestling with sticky dough and lengthy proofing times; these muffins deliver all the satisfaction of a homemade cinnamon roll in a fraction of the time.

Cinnamon rolls themselves have a rich history, tracing back to Scandinavia, where they are known as “kanelbullar” in Sweden and “kanelsnegle” in Denmark. These sweet, spiced buns have become a beloved treat worldwide, representing warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence. Our muffin version pays homage to this classic pastry, offering a modern twist that’s perfect for busy mornings or a delightful afternoon snack.

What makes cinnamon roll muffins so universally appealing? It’s the perfect combination of textures: a soft, tender crumb studded with pockets of gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. The warm spices, the sweet glaze, and the satisfyingly soft texture create a symphony of flavors and sensations that are simply irresistible. Plus, their individual portion size makes them ideal for on-the-go enjoyment or a quick and easy treat any time of day. Get ready to experience the magic of cinnamon rolls in a brand new, incredibly convenient way!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preparing the Muffin Batter:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for a consistent rise.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the butter pieces, the flakier the muffins will be! Don’t overwork it, though; you want some small chunks of butter remaining.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.

Making the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

1. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is what will give our muffins that delicious cinnamon roll flavor!

Assembling the Cinnamon Roll Muffins:

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with cooking spray. This will prevent the muffins from sticking and make them easier to remove.
2. Layer Batter and Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the muffin batter into each muffin cup. Then, dollop about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar filling on top of the batter in each cup.
3. Add More Batter and Filling: Spoon another tablespoon of muffin batter over the cinnamon sugar filling in each cup. Top with another teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar filling. You should have two layers of batter and two layers of filling in each muffin cup. Don’t fill the cups too full, as the muffins will rise during baking.
4. Swirl the Filling (Optional): Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar filling into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough. This step is optional, but it creates a beautiful marbled effect.

Baking the Muffins:

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top.
2. Cool: Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking to the tin.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to create a powdered sugar cloud!
3. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. The glaze should be smooth and easily pourable.

Glazing the Muffins:

1. Glaze: Once the muffins are completely cool, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top of each muffin. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more precise application.
2. Serve: Serve the muffins immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Muffins:

• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky muffins. The cold butter creates pockets of steam as it melts in the oven, resulting in a tender and flaky texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough muffins. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
• Softened Butter for Filling and Glaze: Make sure the butter for the cinnamon sugar filling and cream cheese glaze is softened, but not melted. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add more or less milk to the cream cheese glaze to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk. If you prefer a thinner glaze, use more milk.
• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Variations: Get creative with your cinnamon roll muffins! You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the batter or filling. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom.
• Freezing: These muffins freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Troubleshooting:

• Muffins are too dry: This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and bake the muffins for the recommended time.
• Muffins are too dense: This could be due to overmixing the batter or using old baking powder or baking soda. Make sure to use fresh baking powder and baking soda and mix the batter until just combined.
• Muffins are not rising: This could be due to using old baking powder or baking soda, or not using enough leavening agents. Make sure to use fresh baking powder and baking soda and follow the recipe instructions carefully.
• Filling is leaking out: This could be due to overfilling the muffin cups or using too much filling. Make sure to fill the muffin cups only about two-thirds full and use the recommended amount of filling.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest: you’ve scrolled this far because you’re intrigued, right? And I’m here to tell you that these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are even better than they sound. They’re the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence, offering all the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll without the fuss of kneading dough and waiting for it to rise. Seriously, who has time for that on a busy weekday morning?

But beyond the ease of preparation, these muffins deliver on taste. The soft, tender crumb, the swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness, and that irresistible glaze – it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for a second (and maybe even a third!). They’re the kind of treat that instantly brightens your day, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee, packing them in a lunchbox, or serving them as a delightful dessert.

And the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to recipe, feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking. Want to add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a nutty crunch? Go for it! Craving a little extra spice? A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom will take these muffins to the next level. You could even experiment with different glazes – a cream cheese glaze would be divine, or perhaps a simple maple glaze for a touch of autumnal warmth.

Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

• Warm and cozy: Serve them straight from the oven, slightly cooled, with a generous drizzle of glaze.
• Brunch perfection: Add them to your brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
• Lunchbox treat: Pack them in your kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
• Dessert delight: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
• Gift-giving: Bake a batch and share them with friends, neighbors, or coworkers – they’ll be forever grateful!

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these Cinnamon Roll Muffins your own. That’s the beauty of baking, right? It’s all about creating something delicious and sharing it with the people you love.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of these incredible muffins. I promise you won’t be disappointed. They are truly a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast, or anyone who just loves a good cinnamon roll flavor without all the work!

And once you’ve tried them, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor and texture? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking!

I am confident that you will love this recipe, and it will become a staple in your home. Enjoy!