A delicious blend of soft muffins and gooey cinnamon rolls, these Cinnamon Roll Muffins are perfect for breakfast or dessert!
What Are Cinnamon Roll Muffins?
Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and fluffy muffins. They feature a soft, moist crumb infused with a sweet cinnamon swirl and topped with a luscious glaze. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require yeast and rising time, these muffins are quick and easy to make.
The Origin of Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls trace their roots back to Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar.” The American version is sweeter and often topped with a glaze. Muffin adaptations arose from the desire for a quicker, easier alternative to yeast-based rolls.
Seasonal & Cultural Relevance
Cinnamon Roll Muffins are perfect for cozy fall and winter mornings. They are a staple during the holiday season and make a great addition to brunch tables year-round.
Key Ingredients
- Flour – Provides structure.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness.
- Cinnamon – The star ingredient.
- Butter – Ensures richness.
- Eggs – Helps bind the batter.
- Milk – Adds moisture.
- Baking Powder – Helps muffins rise.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown
Each muffin contains approximately:
- 220 calories
- 8g fat
- 32g carbs
- 3g protein
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Muffin Tin
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Line a muffin tin with liners or grease it lightly.
- Prepare the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring gently.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Assemble Muffins
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter.
- Add a spoonful of cinnamon swirl and swirl it in with a toothpick.
- Fill with more batter, then add another small swirl on top.
- Bake the Muffins
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze & Finish
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled muffins.
Tools & Techniques
Essential Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Muffin tin
- Whisk & spatula
- Toothpick (for swirling)
Special Techniques
- Swirling the cinnamon filling ensures every bite has flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
Variations & Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and dairy-free butter.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free flour.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
Best Pairings
These muffins pair well with:
- Hot coffee or chai tea
- Fresh fruit
- Scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Overbaking: Muffins become dry if overbaked. Check at 18 minutes.
- Overmixing Batter: Leads to dense muffins. Stir gently.
- Skipping the Swirl: Mixing cinnamon into the batter instead of swirling loses texture contrast.
FAQs
What are the characteristics of a cinnamon roll?
Cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, often topped with icing.
What is the most important rule when baking muffins?
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep them light and airy.
What are common mistakes made when preparing cinnamon rolls?
Over-kneading the dough, not proofing properly, or using too little filling.
What are the main ingredients for cinnamon rolls?
Flour, sugar, butter, cinnamon, milk, eggs, and yeast.
Storage & Leftovers
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 7 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and store for up to 2 months.
Presentation Tips
- Drizzle extra glaze for an elegant look.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks.
- Serve on a rustic wooden platter.
Fun Facts
- The first cinnamon roll recipe appeared in Sweden.
- October 4th is National Cinnamon Roll Day.
- Adding espresso powder to the glaze enhances flavor.
Suggested Recipes
For more savory recipes, you can also check my friend Alicia’s blog here.