If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t always have the time (or patience) for traditional dough-rising, these Muffin Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new breakfast favorite. They have all the gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness you crave, but they’re baked in a muffin tin for a fun, individual-sized treat. Perfect for brunch, busy mornings, or when you just need something sweet with your coffee!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Yeast, No Hassle – Skip the rising time and get straight to baking.
- Perfectly Portable – Great for on-the-go breakfasts or packing in lunchboxes.
- Crispy Edges + Gooey Centers – Baking in a muffin tin gives the best of both worlds.
- Quick and Easy – Simple ingredients, minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need (find the full list of ingredients below):
- Flour, baking powder, and salt for the dough
- Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling
- Powdered sugar and milk for a sweet glaze
Directions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and a little sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add milk to form a soft dough. Roll it out on a floured surface.
Step 2: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
Spread softened butter all over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll it up tightly, just like classic cinnamon rolls.
Step 3: Slice and Bake
Cut the roll into even slices and place them in a greased muffin tin. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and delicious.
Step 4: Drizzle with Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the warm muffins and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use a sharp knife or floss to cut clean slices without squishing the dough.
- Don’t overbake! The edges should be golden, but the center should stay soft.
- For extra gooey rolls, brush a little melted butter over the tops as soon as they come out of the oven.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts bring extra crunch.
- Make them extra indulgent – Swap the milk in the glaze for heavy cream or cream cheese.
- Try a different spice – A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom adds a unique twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These cinnamon roll muffins go perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte. If serving for brunch, pair them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back the fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them the night before, store them in the fridge, and bake in the morning.
2. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze baked muffins for up to 3 months, then reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.
3. What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
No problem! You can bake them in a regular baking dish just like classic cinnamon rolls.
4. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, if you’re short on time, pre-made biscuit or crescent roll dough works well too.
Conclusion
Muffin Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll without all the fuss. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try and let me know what you think!
PrintMuffin Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Twist on Breakfast
Muffin Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls with the convenience of muffins. These soft, fluffy treats feature a cinnamon-sugar swirl and are topped with a sweet glaze, making them perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, loosely packed
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using).
- Assemble Muffins: Spoon half of the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon filling over the batter. Add the remaining muffin batter on top and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon filling.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze: While the muffins are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze Muffins: Once the muffins have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling.
- Ensure the butter is melted and cooled to prevent curdling the milk when mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 318
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 228mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 54mg