Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Cinnamon roll muffins are a delightful combination of the gooey, cinnamon-spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls and the convenient, handheld nature of muffins. This recipe will walk you through creating these scrumptious treats that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Read on to discover how you can make these irresistible cinnamon roll muffins at home and impress your family and friends with your baking skills.

What are Cinnamon Roll Muffins?

Cinnamon roll muffins are a hybrid dessert that marries the best elements of cinnamon rolls and muffins. They feature a tender, moist muffin base swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy glaze. These muffins capture the essence of a cinnamon roll but are easier to make and serve.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Roll Muffins

To make these delectable cinnamon roll muffins, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Muffin Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

If you need to adjust the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences, consider these substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or another plant-based milk and replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
• Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of granulated and brown sugar.
• Add Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making cinnamon roll muffins is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

How to Cook Cinnamon Roll Muffins: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
2. Prepare the Muffin Batter:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
• In another bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:

• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.

1. Assemble the Muffins:

• Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter.
• Add a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter in each cup.
• Use a toothpick or a skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
• Add more batter to fill the muffin cups about ¾ full.
• Top with another small dollop of the cinnamon swirl mixture and swirl again gently.

1. Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Prepare the Glaze:

• While the muffins are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

1. Glaze the Muffins:

• Once the muffins are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
• Drizzle the glaze over the warm muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to dense, tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve the correct texture and rise.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the muffins and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to avoid dry muffins.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Cinnamon roll muffins are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be served at room temperature. Here are some tips on serving and presenting these delightful treats:

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins

• Warm with Butter: Serve the muffins warm with a pat of butter for an extra indulgent treat.
• With Coffee or Tea: These muffins pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal choice for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Roll Muffins

• On a Cake Stand: Arrange the muffins on a cake stand for an elegant presentation.
• In a Basket: Place the muffins in a lined basket for a cozy, homey feel.
• With Extra Glaze: Serve extra glaze on the side for those who like a bit more sweetness.

Cinnamon Roll Muffin Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your milk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Measuring Flour: Properly measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to avoid dense muffins.
• Swirling Technique: Use a gentle hand when swirling the cinnamon mixture to create a beautiful marbled effect without overmixing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze cinnamon roll muffins?

Yes, you can freeze cinnamon roll muffins. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before serving.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to bake the muffins immediately after preparing the batter. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.

Can I add other flavors to the muffins?

Absolutely! You can add a variety of flavors to these muffins, such as adding a bit of nutmeg to the batter or incorporating a cream cheese filling for extra richness.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll muffins are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll. With their tender crumb, sweet cinnamon swirl, and luscious glaze, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. By following this detailed recipe and keeping the provided tips in mind, you'll be able to create perfect cinnamon roll muffins every time. Whether you're serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, these muffins are bound to impress. Happy baking!

Print