Cinnamon Roll Muffins: Easy Recipe & Baking Tips

Cinnamon roll muffins: the irresistible breakfast treat that combines the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the convenience of a muffin! Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla, all baked into a perfectly portioned, handheld delight. Forget the fuss of kneading dough and waiting for it to rise; these muffins deliver all the cinnamon roll goodness in a fraction of the time.

The allure of cinnamon rolls stretches back centuries, with variations appearing in different cultures. While their exact origins are debated, the modern cinnamon roll, as we know it, likely evolved in Northern Europe. The Swedes, for example, cherish their “kanelbullar,” enjoying them during “fika,” a coffee break tradition. These cinnamon roll muffins capture that same spirit of cozy indulgence, making them perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast.

What makes these muffins so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The soft, tender crumb of the muffin contrasts beautifully with the gooey, cinnamon-spiced filling. The optional cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the entire experience. Plus, their portability makes them ideal for on-the-go snacking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Get ready to experience the magic of cinnamon rolls in muffin form!

Ingredients:

• For the Muffins:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon Swirl:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk, or more as needed for consistency

Preparing the Muffin Batter

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for a consistent rise. I like to whisk for at least 30 seconds to ensure this.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Don’t overheat the melted butter, or it might cook the egg! Let it cool slightly before adding it to the other wet ingredients.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough muffins. A few streaks of flour are okay.

Making the Cinnamon Swirl

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand. If using a mixer, start on low speed to prevent the sugar from flying everywhere.
2. Add Cinnamon: Stir in the ground cinnamon until well combined. The mixture should be a thick paste. If it seems too dry, you can add a tiny splash of milk, but it shouldn’t be necessary.

Assembling and Baking the Muffins

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with cooking spray. I prefer using liners for easy cleanup.
2. Layer Batter and Swirl: Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the muffin batter. Then, spoon a generous dollop of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter in each cup.
3. Swirl the Cinnamon: Use a toothpick or a thin knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain distinct swirls. I like to make a figure-eight motion with the toothpick.
4. Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining muffin batter over the cinnamon swirl in each cup, filling them about ¾ full.
5. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops of the muffins should be golden brown.
6. Cool: Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and allows them to cool evenly.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both are at room temperature for the best results. Lumps are not our friends!
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar.
3. Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. I prefer a thick, spreadable frosting, but you can add more milk for a thinner glaze.

Frosting the Muffins

1. Frost Cooled Muffins: Once the muffins are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a knife, a spatula, or a piping bag for a more decorative look.
2. Optional Garnish: If desired, sprinkle the frosted muffins with extra cinnamon or chopped nuts for added flavor and visual appeal. A drizzle of caramel sauce would also be delicious!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These cinnamon roll muffins are truly a must-try recipe, and I’m not just saying that because I wrote it. The combination of the soft, fluffy muffin base, the gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl, and that decadent cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible. They’re quick enough for a weekday breakfast treat but impressive enough to serve at a weekend brunch. Honestly, what’s not to love? I know there are a million muffin recipes out there, but trust me on this one. These aren’t your average muffins. They capture all the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll without the fuss of kneading dough and waiting for it to rise. Plus, the individual muffin format makes them perfectly portioned and easy to grab on the go.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how you can enjoy these little bundles of joy. Of course, they’re delicious served warm, straight from the oven. But they’re also fantastic at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas: * Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added texture and flavor. * Spice it Up: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the muffin batter will add a warm, aromatic note. * Fruit Filling: Fold in some chopped apples or berries for a fruity twist. * Chocolate Chips: Because who doesn’t love chocolate? Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra decadent treat. * Maple Glaze: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a simple maple glaze by whisking together maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a touch of milk. These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Feel free to experiment and create your own unique variations! The possibilities are endless.

Time to Bake!

I truly believe that baking is a form of therapy, and these cinnamon roll muffins are the perfect recipe to soothe your soul. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers, yet satisfying enough for even the most experienced pastry chefs. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious muffins. I promise you won’t regret it. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] so I can see your creations. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’m always happy to help. Enjoy these delightful cinnamon roll muffins!

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