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Cinnamon roll muffins with buttery cinnamon swirl and vanilla glaze
Bia

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

These cinnamon roll muffins are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet cinnamon sugar swirls that taste just like classic cinnamon rolls in an easy muffin form. They are quick to prepare, simple to bake, and topped with a creamy glaze that makes them extra indulgent.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy homemade treat, these muffins deliver warm bakery-style flavor in every bite without the long wait of traditional cinnamon rolls.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 Muffins
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Muffin Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour 260g
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup sugar 50g
  • 3 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup milk 240ml
Cinnamon Swirl Filling
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed (200g)
  • 3 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1½ cups chopped pecans or walnuts optional
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
Cream Cheese Glaze
  • 2 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar 120g
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • Dash of vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
  3. Whisk melted butter, egg, and milk in another bowl.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  5. Mix cinnamon filling ingredients in a separate bowl.
  6. Fold half of the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
  7. Fill muffin cups ¾ full and top with remaining cinnamon mixture.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and springy.
  9. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.
  10. Drizzle over warm muffins and serve.

Notes

For the best cinnamon roll muffins, make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can make them dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until the ingredients come together for a soft bakery-style texture.
The cinnamon sugar mixture is what gives these muffins their signature swirl, so try to distribute it evenly for the best flavor in every bite. Baking time is also important remove them as soon as they are lightly golden and spring back when touched to keep them moist inside.
For an extra soft and gooey finish, drizzle the cream cheese glaze while the muffins are still slightly warm so it melts beautifully into the top.