Sweet Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Name: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love these Sweet Cinnamon Roll Muffins! They are the perfect blend of comforting cinnamon and fluffy muffin texture, creating a delicious treat that’s ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. As I experimented with recipes, I found that adding a touch of cream cheese to the batter elevates the flavor, making each bite heavenly. These muffins not only satisfy my sweet tooth, but they also fill my kitchen with a comforting aroma that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, your family will be asking for more!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:34:28.530Z

Every time I bake these muffins, my house feels like a bakery. The sweet cinnamon scent wafts through the air, inviting everyone to gather in the kitchen. I made these for a family brunch, and they disappeared in minutes! The secret is in the swirl; I learned that folding the cinnamon and sugar into the batter creates that iconic cinnamon roll experience.

What I love most is how the cream cheese icing ties everything together. Instead of pouring it over the muffins, I drizzle it to ensure each muffin gets a perfect amount. It’s a simple twist that makes them extra special and irresistible!

Why You Will Love These Muffins
Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
The perfect balance of cinnamon sweetness in every bite
Easy to make, ideal for breakfast or a snack

Mastering the Muffin Texture

Achieving the perfect muffin texture is all about balancing the ingredients. Using room temperature ingredients like the egg and milk allows for better incorporation into the batter. A common pitfall is over-mixing; stir until just combined to keep your muffins light and fluffy. The batter should be slightly thick yet pourable; if it appears too runny, you may want to add a tad more flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until the right consistency is achieved.

Another tip for soft muffins is to ensure your butter is melted but not too hot when mixed with the other wet ingredients. If the melted butter is too warm, it can prematurely cook the egg, leading to a lumpy texture. Aim for a temperature that’s warm to the touch but not scalding. This ensures a uniform batter and a delightful muffin that rises beautifully in the oven.

Elevating the Cinnamon Flavor

Cinnamon is the star ingredient in these muffins, and the type you use can greatly affect the outcome. Look for fresh ground cinnamon to ensure a vibrant flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a warm spice blend that complements the cinnamon perfectly. You can also tweak the cinnamon sugar ratio, increasing the amount if you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor that permeates each bite.

Enhance the filling by letting it sit for a few minutes after mixing. This allows the sugars to dissolve slightly and infuse the butter, creating a more cohesive mixture that spreads evenly throughout the muffin. When you layer the filling, make sure not to use too much; a thin layer will allow the batter to rise without overwhelming the muffins, ensuring the cinnamon flavor shines through instead of being overpowered.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Sweet Cinnamon Roll Muffins:

Muffin Ingredients

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

Cinnamon Filling

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Icing

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your muffins:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to over mix.

Prepare Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly.

Add Batter and Filling

Spoon half of the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle a layer of cinnamon filling over the batter, then top with the remaining batter.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make Icing

While the muffins are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Drizzle and Enjoy

Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese icing over the muffins and enjoy!

These muffins are best served warm!

Pro Tips

For an extra special touch, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Sweet Cinnamon Roll Muffins can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be made ahead for convenience. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider placing them in the refrigerator, which can extend their freshness to about a week.

If you're looking to freeze the muffins, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This revives their soft texture and warms the cinnamon filling, making them a delightful treat even after freezing.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delectable on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. Top with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or even a drizzle of maple syrup for added flavor and richness. This makes for a delightful brunch presentation.

Another fun way to serve these muffins is to turn them into a mini breakfast sandwich. Slice them in half and add a smear of cream cheese or even your favorite jam. This unexpected twist will impress your family and guests, making breakfast even more special without adding extra work to your morning routine.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can! Just note that the texture may be a bit denser.

→ How can I store these muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

→ What can I do if I don't have cream cheese?

You can substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of powdered sugar for a different but delicious icing.