Easy Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe: Soft, Sweet Breakfast Ready in 30 Minutes

Fluffy cinnamon roll muffins with swirled cinnamon sugar and sweet glaze. Quick 30-minute breakfast treat that tastes like bakery cinnamon rolls in muffin form!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In separate bowl, combine melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Don’t overmix.
5. For cinnamon swirl: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in small bowl.
6. Fill muffin cups 1/3 full with batter, add 1 tsp cinnamon mixture, then top with remaining batter.
7. Use knife to gently swirl cinnamon mixture through batter.
8. Bake 18-20 minutes until tops are golden and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
9. Cool in pan 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
10. For glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Why This Recipe Works

These cinnamon roll muffins combine the beloved flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of muffin baking. The key is creating distinct layers of batter and cinnamon filling, then swirling them together for that signature marbled appearance. Using melted butter instead of cold butter ensures tender, moist muffins every time.

Nutritional Benefits

These cinnamon roll muffins provide quick energy from complex carbohydrates and contain calcium from milk for bone health. The cinnamon offers powerful antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar levels. Each muffin contains approximately 280 calories with 6g protein.

Pro Tips & Techniques

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring egg and milk to room temperature for better mixing and lighter texture
• Don’t Overmix: Stir batter just until flour disappears to prevent tough, dense muffins
• Perfect Swirl: Use a knife tip to create figure-8 patterns for beautiful marbling
• Test for Doneness: Muffin tops should spring back when lightly touched
• Extra Cinnamon Flavor: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the muffin batter itself

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Dairy-Free: Use plant milk and vegan butter
• Reduced Sugar: Replace half the sugar with unsweetened applesauce
• Protein Boost: Add 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
• Nutty Twist: Fold in 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted muffins up to 3 months in freezer bags. To refresh day-old muffins, warm in 300°F oven for 5 minutes. These muffins freeze beautifully – just thaw overnight and add fresh glaze.