Description
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect marriage of two beloved breakfast treats: the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls and the convenience of muffins. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy muffin bursting with cinnamon-sugar swirls, topped with a sweet, decadent glaze. These muffins capture all the essential flavors and textures of a traditional cinnamon roll, but in a single-serving, easy-to-eat package. They’re ideal for a quick breakfast on the go, a satisfying brunch addition, or a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea any time of day. Forget the lengthy process of making yeasted cinnamon rolls – these muffins are ready in under an hour, making them a perfect solution for those cinnamon roll cravings without the all-day commitment.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll fall in love with these Cinnamon Roll Muffins for their delightful simplicity and incredible taste. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and no specialized baking skills. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying treat. The combination of the warm cinnamon-sugar filling and the sweet vanilla glaze is simply irresistible. The muffins are also incredibly versatile; you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding nuts, raisins, or different spices. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing! Bring a batch to your next brunch gathering, bake sale, or simply enjoy them with your family and friends. Prepare to receive rave reviews – these muffins are always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial first step to ensure that your muffins bake evenly. While the oven is preheating, prepare your muffin tin. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. If you don’t have paper liners, you can grease the muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent the muffins from sticking. Proper preparation of the muffin tin ensures that your muffins will release easily and have a clean, appealing look.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisking is important because it helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour. This will result in a more consistent and even rise in the muffins. Ensure there are no lumps in the flour mixture before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are well combined. The melted butter should be cooled slightly before adding it to the egg to prevent cooking the egg. Proper blending of the wet ingredients ensures that they will incorporate evenly into the dry ingredients, creating a smooth and consistent batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the mixture together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. A few streaks of flour are okay; they will disappear as the muffins bake. The goal is to create a light and tender muffin, so gentle mixing is key.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: In a smaller bowl, combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Mix well until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the brown sugar. This cinnamon-sugar mixture will create the signature swirl in your muffins, providing that classic cinnamon roll flavor. Make sure the brown sugar is not lumpy for the best texture.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter in each cup. Add the remaining batter on top, filling each muffin cup about 3/4 full. Avoid overfilling the muffin cups, as this can cause the muffins to overflow during baking.
Step 7: Create the Swirl: Swirl the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture into the tops of each muffin using a toothpick or knife. This creates the characteristic swirl pattern that makes these muffins look and taste like cinnamon rolls. Be careful not to over-swirl, as this can cause the cinnamon-sugar mixture to sink to the bottom. A few gentle swirls in each muffin are all that’s needed.
Step 8: Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check the muffins after 18 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed. The muffins should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly touched.
Step 9: Cool the Muffins: Once the muffins are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the muffins from sticking to the pan and allows them to cool evenly.
Step 10: Prepare the Glaze: While the muffins are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the muffins but thin enough to drizzle easily.
Step 11: Glaze the Muffins: Once the muffins are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops of each muffin. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to apply the glaze. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. They can be served for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day. Consider serving them with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a more complete meal. For a special occasion, you can top the muffins with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter to ensure tender muffins.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the muffins in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
- For a richer glaze, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- You can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a unique flavor twist.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
18-20 minutes
Total Time:
33-35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per muffin)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 3-4g
- Sodium: 150-200mg
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a delightful treat that brings the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls to your table in a convenient and easy-to-make muffin form. With their irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl and sweet vanilla glaze, they are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying brunch addition, or a sweet treat to enjoy any time of day, these muffins are the perfect solution. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious Cinnamon Roll Muffins – you won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and nuttier flavor. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to add a tablespoon or two more milk to the batter to achieve the desired consistency. You can also use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need to make these muffins gluten-free.
Q2: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These muffins are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake the muffins a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Glaze them just before serving to keep the glaze fresh. You can also freeze the unglazed muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and glaze them before serving.
Q3: What can I use instead of butter?
A: If you’re looking for a substitute for butter, you can use coconut oil or a vegetable oil. Coconut oil will add a slight coconut flavor to the muffins, while vegetable oil will provide a more neutral flavor. Be sure to use melted coconut oil for the wet ingredients and softened coconut oil for the cinnamon-sugar filling.
Q4: Can I add nuts to the muffins?
A: Yes, you can definitely add nuts to these muffins. Chopped pecans or walnuts are a great addition and will add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Simply add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts to the batter along with the wet ingredients. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the muffins before baking for an extra decorative touch.
Q5: How do I prevent the cinnamon-sugar mixture from sinking to the bottom?
A: To prevent the cinnamon-sugar mixture from sinking to the bottom, make sure the butter in the filling is softened, not melted. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can cause the cinnamon-sugar mixture to settle. When swirling the mixture into the muffins, use a gentle hand and avoid over-swirling. You can also try lightly pressing the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter before baking to help it stay in place.
