Easy Cinnamon Roll Muffins

These easy cinnamon roll muffins taste just like a traditional cinnamon roll, but without all the work. They're perfectly moist and packed with tons of flavor so don't be afraid to make two batches!

Start any morning off with a sweet cinnamon roll muffin for the best pick me up. I like to serve these muffins along side air fryer sausage patties or a gluten-free breakfast casserole for a complete meal.

One of the best things about this easy recipe is that you can make a batch, or two, on the weekend and serve them throughout the week. Meal prepping these muffins is so easy sometimes my kids ask for them in their lunchbox!

Looking for another easy and delicious muffin with cinnamon? Try these gluten-free banana muffins.

Why these muffins are the best

• These are extra fluffy, bakery style, muffins like our gluten free blackberry muffins
• They have all the flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls without all the work
• You're going to love the icing on top
• Meal prepping these muffins is a breeze

Head to the pantry and grab...

• Muffin mix - Use your favorite muffin mix, I love the gluten free mix from Simple Mills.
• Sugar - You'll need brown sugar and powdered sugar for these delicious muffins.
• Butter - Unsalted butter works best, but you can use salted butter if you're in a pinch.
• All spice - I love adding all spice to my muffins for that holiday feel, but you can skip this if you want the classic cinnamon roll taste.
• Cinnamon - Do I need to elaborate? 😉
• Milk - You'll need this for the icing, use whatever milk you have on hand.

How to make cinnamon roll muffins

Step 1: Prepare

In a large bowl, prepare the muffin batter as directed on the package and then divide into muffin liners. (I love using silicone liners because they're reusable and mess free!)

Step 2: Fill it up

In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients together for the filling.

Step 3: Add a bit more

Sprinkle it on top of each muffin and then press or stir into the batter.

Step 4: Bake & make icing

Bake until muffins are golden brown and toothpick comes out clean

Step 5: Top it off

Prepare the icing while the muffins are cooling. Drizzle icing over the top of the muffins once they are slightly cooled.

Pro tip: Over filling the muffin cups will give you that extra tall, bakery style muffin that everyone loves. So don't be afraid to overfill.

Should cinnamon rolls be baked on low or high heat?

Around 375 degrees f is the sweet spot for baking cinnamon rolls. However, for this cinnamon roll muffin recipe, it's best to follow the directions on the muffin mix. Keep an eye on the muffins and take out when they're golden brown or a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I use cream cheese frosting?

Yes you can use cream cheese frosting instead of the simple icing. For cream cheese glaze you'll need melted butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. You can find a recipe with a quick google search.

Tips and tricks

• Room temperature ingredients - Room temperature ingredients will mix better and also allow the batter to rise higher.
• Cook times may vary - Depending on which muffin mix you use and how much you filled the liners, the bake time will vary. It's best to keep the oven light on and check with a toothpick before removing from the oven.
• Do not over mix the batter - Like most baking recipes, over mixing the batter will change the texture of the muffins. Mix the ingredients until just combined for moist and fluffy muffins.
• Use a mini muffin pan - If you want to make smaller, snack sized servings, bake these cinnamon muffins in a mini muffin tin.

Storage

Storing - Once these muffins are cooled, you can store them in plastic wrap or airtight container on the counter. They'll last at room temperature for 3-4 days.

Freezing - After the muffins are frosted, let the frosting harden and then freeze. I recommend wrapping each individual muffin for freezing but you can also place all of them in a freeze safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I meal prep these gluten free cinnamon roll muffins?

Yes you can meal prep these muffins and eat them throughout the week. This is the perfect way to have a delicious snack on hand at all times. They also make the best gran and go breakfast on a busy weekday morning.

More recipes you'll love

• For more easy muffin recipes, try my banana protein muffins for a healthy and yummy breakfast.
• My gluten-free cinnamon roll recipe is a huge hit during the holidays.
• For something different, try these fluffy gluten-free pancakes.
• IIf you're looking for a dessert, try these oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips.

*This post was originally posted on December 9, 2011 but has since been updated with new photos and helpful information in April 2023. Here is the original photo...