Who can resist the warm, gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls? Imagine that same comforting flavor, but in the form of a fluffy, perfectly-sized muffin. These Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine all the best parts of a classic cinnamon roll—swirls of cinnamon, buttery streusel, and a creamy glaze—into an easy-to-make treat.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is perfect for anyone craving something special yet simple to whip up. The soft texture and rich cinnamon ribbon make these muffins a delightful breakfast or snack option, ideal for sharing with friends and family. Get ready to create your new favorite homemade indulgence!
The process is straightforward, and with a few everyday ingredients, you’ll have bakery-quality muffins that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon. Let’s dive in and make these delicious Cinnamon Roll Muffins!
Ingredients Overview
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s go over the key components of this recipe.
Muffin Batter:
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the cinnamon spice.
- Butter (melted): Brings richness and moisture to the muffins.
- Eggs: Essential for binding and structure.
- Sour Cream and Milk: The sour cream adds a slight tang and moisture, while milk keeps the batter light.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the muffin batter.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Provides the lift, making these muffins rise beautifully.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Cinnamon Streusel:
- Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
- Flour: Gives structure to the streusel.
- Cinnamon: The star spice in this recipe, bringing warmth and flavor.
- Butter (melted): Binds the streusel together.
Glaze:
- Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy sweetness to the glaze.
- Butter: Makes the glaze rich and smooth.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze without adding grittiness.
- Milk: Helps to thin the glaze for easy drizzling.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the glaze’s flavor.
Baking the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Muffins
1. Preparing the Muffin Batter
The muffin batter is simple but rich, making these muffins soft and fluffy. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (212 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113 g) melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (113 g) sour cream
- ½ cup (121 g) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a dark muffin tin, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the Muffin Tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the tin if you prefer.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
2. Making the Cinnamon Streusel
The streusel is a key feature in these muffins, delivering that signature cinnamon roll flavor. It’s buttery, crumbly, and delicious.
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup (71 g) brown sugar
- ⅓ cup (47 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp (43 g) melted butter
Directions:
- Mix Streusel Ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and mix until the streusel forms small clumps. This dry-ish mixture will create the perfect cinnamon ribbon through the muffin without sinking to the bottom.
3. Assembling the Muffins
Now that we have both the batter and streusel ready, let’s assemble the muffins.
Directions:
- First Layer of Batter: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter into each muffin liner.
- Add Streusel: Sprinkle 2 to 3 teaspoons of the cinnamon streusel over the batter.
- Second Layer of Batter: Spoon another 2 tablespoons of batter on top of the streusel, so the muffin cups are about ¾ full.
- Top with More Streusel: Lightly sprinkle the remaining streusel on top.
4. Baking the Muffins
Directions:
- Bake: Bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should spring back lightly when touched.
- Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Crafting the Perfect Cream Cheese Glaze
The glaze is the final touch, adding a creamy sweetness to the muffins. You can either drizzle it on or dip the muffin tops in for a thicker coating.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp (43 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp (14 g) butter, softened
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (57 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (plus more as needed)
Directions:
- Whisk Together Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the milk, mixing until the glaze is thick but pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
- Drizzle Over Muffins: Once the muffins have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. Alternatively, you can dip the muffin tops in the glaze for a more indulgent coating.
Storage Tips
These muffins stay fresh for a couple of days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. However, because the glaze stays soft, you’ll want to ensure there’s enough space between the muffins to avoid sticking.
Freezing:
For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins (unglazed) in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature, and then glaze just before serving.
Reheating:
Warm them up in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste. If glazed, reheat them for about 8-10 seconds to keep the glaze intact.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Muffins Too Dense?
- Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix your batter. Mixing too much activates the gluten in the flour, making your muffins dense and heavy.
Streusel Sinking?
- Streusel Consistency: Ensure that the streusel mixture is dry and crumbly. If it’s too wet, it will sink into the batter.
Muffins Overflowing?
- Muffin Tin Size: Make sure you don’t fill the muffin cups more than ¾ full. If using different muffin tins (especially smaller ones), you may need to adjust the amount of batter per cup.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
I have taken note of the gaps in some competitor recipes and made sure to address them here:
- Consistent Results: One issue with similar recipes is inconsistency in muffin size and streusel distribution. I recommend using a cookie scoop for even portions and a test muffin to adjust your batter.
- Layering Tips: Other recipes might gloss over the importance of layering the streusel. By emphasizing the layering technique, you ensure that the cinnamon flavor runs through every bite.
- Customizable Glaze: Unlike many basic recipes, I’ve offered tips on how to customize the glaze thickness to suit your preference. You can dip the muffins for a thicker glaze or drizzle for a lighter touch.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. They’re soft, tender, and full of cinnamon sugar goodness. Plus, they’re easy enough to make on a whim yet impressive enough to serve at a special brunch. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these muffins are sure to become a household favorite.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mixing bowls and get started on these delightful treats!