Cinnamon Roll Muffins: The Perfect Marriage of Sweet Swirls and Fluffy Muffins

Some mornings deserve more than just a basic breakfast—and that’s where these Cinnamon Roll Muffins come in. Imagine all the gooey, spiced goodness of your favorite cinnamon rolls baked into a soft, muffin-style treat. They’re fluffy, golden, perfectly spiced, and topped with thick vanilla frosting plus a creamy drizzle that melts into every swirl. Basically, they’re everything you love about a cinnamon roll, minus the rolling and fuss.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal-prepping a cozy snack, or just want your kitchen to smell like a bakery, these muffins are the definition of sweet comfort.

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

These cinnamon roll muffins give you the classic cinnamon sugar swirl, but in a fuss-free, grab-and-go format. No yeast, no rising time, no rolling pin. Just simple ingredients, warm flavors, and a bakery-style finish thanks to that irresistible frosting. They’re sweet without being too rich, fluffy without being dry, and ideal for sharing… or not sharing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the muffins:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– ⅔ cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– ⅓ cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon swirl filling:

– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– ⅓ cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon

For the thick vanilla frosting:

– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream (adjust for consistency)

Optional drizzle:

– ¼ cup additional cream cheese frosting thinned with 1 tsp milk

How to Make Them

1. Mix the Muffin Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix just until combined—don’t overmix!

2. Swirl in That Cinnamon Goodness

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Fill each muffin liner halfway with batter. Add 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon filling, then top with more batter to fill about ¾ full. Swirl with a toothpick or knife to create that cinnamon roll vibe.

3. Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake muffins for 17–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden. Let cool slightly before frosting.

4. Frost Like a Pro

While the muffins cool, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Add a splash of cream for a spreadable texture. Pipe or spoon thick swirls of frosting onto each muffin.

Then, for extra drama and bakery-worthy finish, drizzle a bit of thinned frosting over the top in zigzag lines.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Muffins

– Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
– Don’t skip the swirl—it adds depth and cinnamon punch in every bite.
– Want more filling? Double the cinnamon mixture and add more in the center.
– Make them ahead: Store unfrosted muffins at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze. Frost just before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are your shortcut to cinnamon roll heaven. All the cozy, gooey flavor you crave—with half the effort and twice the cuteness. With that rich vanilla frosting and buttery cinnamon swirl, they’re soft, satisfying, and sweet enough to steal the show at any breakfast table.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.