If you’re craving that perfect balance of soft, fluffy texture with the irresistible swirl of cinnamon and sugar, then you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe. These delightful muffins capture all the warmth and sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls but come together so much faster and are wonderfully portable. Imagine biting into a tender muffin bursting with cinnamon-sugar streusel, finished with a luscious glaze that’s just the right touch of sweetness—this recipe is pure joy in every bite and sure to become a new favorite for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe is crucial because each one plays a special role in delivering that perfect texture and flavor. From the richness of melted butter to the tangy creaminess of sour cream, these simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a muffin that’s tender, moist, and full of flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the cinnamon and adds a tender crumb.
- ½ cup salted butter (melted): Adds richness and moistness while enhancing the flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help the muffins rise beautifully.
- ½ cup sour cream: Keeps the muffins moist and adds a subtle tang.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the batter for a soft and tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the muffins body and structure.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the muffins, making them fluffy and light.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for perfect rise.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the batter.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Creates the crumbly texture of the cinnamon streusel.
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon topping.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these muffins their signature flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for streusel): Binds the streusel and adds a buttery crunch.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet, smooth glaze on top.
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream: Thins the glaze so it drizzles beautifully over the muffins.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tins
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners. Since this recipe yields around 15 muffins, you’ll want to have a second muffin tin ready for the extra batter. This setup ensures your muffins bake evenly and come out perfectly golden and fluffy every time.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until everything is smoothly blended. Then, in one go, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a gentle whisk until you see no flour streaks left—remember not to over-mix, or your muffins might lose their lightness.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Streusel
In a smaller bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter, then stir until you get small clumps of streusel that will add that irresistible crumbly texture and cinnamon goodness on top of each muffin. Streusel is where the magic happens for that classic cinnamon roll feel.
Step 4: Layer the Batter and Streusel
Scoop two tablespoons of muffin batter into each liner first. Then sprinkle three teaspoons of the cinnamon streusel on top of the batter. Follow that with another two tablespoons of batter, covering the streusel layer, and finish by sprinkling a little more streusel on top. This layering is key to achieving those signature cinnamon roll swirls in muffin form.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the muffins into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops spring back lightly when touched. Let them cool before moving on to glazing — patience here means your glaze won’t melt off and will sit beautifully atop these cinnamon delights.
Step 6: Drizzle with Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar and heavy cream until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Pour it generously over the cooled muffins, creating that irresistible, glossy finish that sets the Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe apart and makes each bite extra special.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cinnamon or a few tiny chocolate chips sprinkled on top of the glaze can add a special decorative touch. Freshly chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts offer a delightful crunch to complement the soft texture as well.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair beautifully with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, making them the perfect companion for morning chats or weekend brunches. For a fuller meal, serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt to add some refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these muffins in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin for a charming brunch presentation. You can also stack them on a tiered cake stand for a festive gathering, or drizzle a little extra glaze tableside to let guests customize their sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep any leftover Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness without drying out.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw at room temperature or warm them gently.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your cinnamon roll muffins is in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325 degrees for 10 minutes. This helps restore their soft, fresh-baked texture and reactivates the glaze’s delectable aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of heavy cream for the glaze?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but heavy cream gives a richer, thicker glaze. If you use milk, reduce the amount slightly to keep the glaze thick enough to drizzle.
How do I make sure the streusel doesn’t sink to the bottom?
Layering the batter and streusel carefully as instructed helps keep the streusel suspended in the middle and on top of the muffins, so it doesn’t sink during baking.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Are these muffins suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled muffins before baking by placing the tin in the freezer until solid, then transferring the muffins to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen but add extra baking time.
What’s the best way to prevent muffins from drying out?
Don’t over-bake and store them properly in an airtight container once cooled. Adding sour cream to the batter also helps keep them moist and tender for longer.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe truly brings all the cozy flavors and textures you love about cinnamon rolls but in a quick and easy muffin form. Whether breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these muffins are a perfect way to show some love to yourself or your guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple that you return to again and again. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 15 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, featuring a soft and tender muffin filled with a cinnamon streusel layer and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they bake up quickly and are easy to make in batches for family and friends.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Streusel
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (use less if using regular milk)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners. Since this recipe yields around 15 muffins, you will need a second muffin tin or bake in batches.
- Make the Muffin Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add the 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk gently just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel: In a small bowl, mix the ¼ cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms small clumps or crumbles resembling streusel.
- Assemble the Muffins: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of muffin batter into each muffin liner. Sprinkle approximately 3 teaspoons of the cinnamon streusel evenly over the batter. Add another 2 tablespoons of batter on top of the streusel, then sprinkle more streusel on top. Repeat until all batter and streusel are used.
- Bake: Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the muffins spring back lightly when pressed on top.
- Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool completely in the tins before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Muffins: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled muffins. Serve and enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll muffins!
Notes
- The recipe yields about 15 muffins, so using two muffin tins or baking in batches is recommended.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins moist and tender.
- You can adjust the heavy cream quantity in the glaze depending on the consistency desired; use less if substituting with milk.
- Muffin liners help with easy removal and cleaning.
- Allow muffins to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
