Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Roll Muffins – 9-Step Bakery-Style Bliss

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By Gianna Poulef

Soft Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Oh my dear friends… if you love the warm, gooey magic of cinnamon rolls but don’t always have time to wait for dough to rise, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are about to change your mornings forever.

This recipe brings you all that buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl, that tender crumb, and that sweet vanilla glaze — but in a quick, easy muffin form. No yeast. No rising time. No fuss.

Just mix, swirl, bake… and inhale the most comforting aroma your kitchen has ever known.

These muffins are soft and fluffy inside, slightly crisp on top, and beautifully marbled with cinnamon filling. They taste like a cinnamon roll and a vanilla cupcake had a cozy little baking baby.

If you adore easy breakfast treats that feel indulgent but approachable, you’re in the right place. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a warm, comforting recipe from my kitchen to yours.

Now let’s swirl some happiness.

Overview of Cinnamon Roll Muffins

These muffins are:

  • Soft and fluffy
  • Swirled with cinnamon sugar
  • Topped with sweet vanilla glaze
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

What Makes Them Special?

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these muffins don’t require yeast or rising time. The cinnamon filling is layered and swirled right into the batter, creating beautiful ribbons of sweetness throughout.

They’re quicker than rolls — but just as comforting.

Full Ingredient List (Makes 12 Muffins)

This Now, Make It Later!

For the Muffin Batter:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240ml) whole milk (room temperature)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil OR melted unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

½ cup (100g) brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Vanilla Glaze:

1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Tips for Perfect Results

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Cold eggs or milk can prevent the batter from mixing evenly.

Brown Sugar is Key

It creates that caramelized cinnamon roll flavor.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing makes dense muffins. Stir just until combined.

Tools You’ll Need

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Muffin liners (optional)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Toothpick or skewer (for swirling)
  • Cooling rack

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line muffin tin or grease lightly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk:

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk:

  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Oil or melted butter
  • Vanilla

Step 4: Combine

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

Batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

Mix:

  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Melted butter

It should resemble thick paste.

Step 6: Assemble & Swirl

Fill muffin cups halfway with batter.

Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon filling.

Top with more batter.

Add another small spoon of filling on top.

Use a toothpick to gently swirl.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes.

Toothpick should come out clean.

Let cool 5 minutes before glazing.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

Whisk together:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla

Drizzle generously over warm muffins.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Muffins

  • Hot coffee or cappuccino
  • Warm chai latte
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Scrambled eggs (for brunch spread)

They shine on holiday breakfast tables too.

Tips for Making Them Perfect

  • Don’t overfill muffin cups
  • Swirl gently — too much mixing loses the pattern
  • Let cool slightly before glazing
  • Use melted butter for richer flavor

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:
Store in airtight container for 3 days.

Refrigerator:
Up to 5 days.

Freezer:
Freeze unfrosted muffins up to 2 months.

Reheat 15 seconds in microwave.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)

NutrientAmount
Calories280
Carbohydrates38g
Sugar22g
Fat12g
Protein4g
Sodium180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make them ahead?
Yes, bake the day before and glaze before serving.

Can I add nuts?
Chopped pecans work beautifully.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Replace half the flour for best texture.

Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but it adds that classic cinnamon roll feel.

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Interactive Pinterest Section

Save these Cinnamon Roll Muffins for later:

https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Tell me:

  • Extra glaze or light drizzle?
  • Breakfast or dessert?
  • Did you add pecans?

Tag me so I can see your swirl masterpieces!

Nutritional Breakdown Table

Serving Size1 Muffin
Calories280
Protein4g
Carbohydrates38g
Sugar22g
Fat12g
Saturated Fat5g
Fiber1g
Sodium180mg
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Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Roll Muffins – 9-Step Bakery-Style Bliss


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: PT35M
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft and fluffy Cinnamon Roll Muffins with swirled brown sugar cinnamon filling and sweet vanilla glaze. Quick and bakery-style delicious!


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup milk

2 eggs

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp cinnamon

1/4 cup melted butter

1 cup powdered sugar

23 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp vanilla


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Mix dry ingredients.

3. Mix wet ingredients.

4. Combine gently.

5. Prepare cinnamon filling.

6. Layer batter and filling.

7. Swirl gently.

8. Bake 18-22 minutes.

9. Prepare glaze and drizzle.

Notes

Do not overmix batter.

Swirl lightly for best pattern.

Best enjoyed warm.

  • Prep Time: PT15M
  • Cook Time: PT20M
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Roll Muffins – 9-Step Bakery-Style Bliss
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

Let’s be friends!

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