Muffin Cinnamon Rolls – The Best Homemade Treat
If you love cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, easier version, these Muffin Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect solution! They bring you all the warm, gooey cinnamon sugar goodness of traditional rolls but are baked in a muffin tin for a fun, individual-sized treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these muffin cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Made with simple pantry ingredients, these muffins are soft, fluffy, and filled with a buttery cinnamon swirl, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quicker than traditional cinnamon rolls – No yeast, no rising time!
- Soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon sugar goodness.
- Baked in a muffin tin for easy portioning and a fun twist.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Drizzled with a delicious vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with muffin liners.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract until the dough just comes together.
3. Roll & Fill the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the dough.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cinnamon sugar layer.
4. Roll & Cut
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge.
- Cut into 12 even slices and place each slice into a greased muffin cup.
5. Bake
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before adding the glaze.
6. Make the Glaze & Drizzle
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm muffin cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Muffin Cinnamon Rolls
- Use cold butter – It helps create a tender, flaky texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough – This keeps the rolls soft.
- Add nuts or raisins – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Extra gooey filling? – Increase the butter and brown sugar filling.
- Make ahead option – Prepare the rolls, refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
What to Serve with Muffin Cinnamon Rolls
- Hot Coffee or Tea – The perfect pairing for a sweet treat.
- Fresh Fruit – Berries or citrus balance out the richness.
- Scrambled Eggs & Bacon – A complete breakfast combo.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey – A creamy, tangy side.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Freezing:
- Freeze unglazed muffins for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight, then reheat and drizzle with glaze before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes! You can use store-bought biscuit or crescent dough for an even quicker version.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use non-dairy butter and milk substitutes like almond or oat milk.
How do I keep them soft?
Store in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.
Can I add a cream cheese frosting instead of glaze?
Yes! Substitute the glaze with a cream cheese frosting for a richer topping.
Are these muffins or cinnamon rolls?
A little of both! They have the soft, flaky texture of muffins but the swirled cinnamon filling of classic cinnamon rolls.
Final Thoughts
Muffin Cinnamon Rolls are a quick, delicious, and fun twist on classic cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or an easy weekday breakfast, these soft, sweet, and gooey treats are sure to be a hit.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the best homemade cinnamon roll muffins!
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Muffin Cinnamon Rolls – The Best Homemade Breakfast Treat
Description
If you love cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, easier version, these Muffin Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect solution! They bring you all the warm, gooey cinnamon sugar goodness of traditional rolls but are baked in a muffin tin for a fun, individual-sized treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these muffin cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Made with simple pantry ingredients, these muffins are soft, fluffy, and filled with a buttery cinnamon swirl, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute cravings.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with muffin liners.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract until the dough just comes together.
3. Roll & Fill the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the dough.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cinnamon sugar layer.
4. Roll & Cut
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge.
- Cut into 12 even slices and place each slice into a greased muffin cup.
5. Bake
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before adding the glaze.
6. Make the Glaze & Drizzle
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm muffin cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Notes
- Use cold butter – It helps create a tender, flaky texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough – This keeps the rolls soft.
- Add nuts or raisins – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Extra gooey filling? – Increase the butter and brown sugar filling.
- Make ahead option – Prepare the rolls, refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
