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Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Cinnamon Roll Muffins – Perfectly baked individual cinnamon rolls that are baked in a muffin tin and topped with homemade cream cheese frosting. The perfect brunch recipe!

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

I will be the first to admit that I could not figure out what to name these little cinnamon rolls. They are individual like a muffin but they are made from a yeasted dough like a pan of traditional cinnamon rolls. I decided to go with cinnamon roll muffins because I think the individual nature of these is so essential!

They are perfect for brunch and so easy to serve! To make them, you make the dough, roll it out, fill it with a cinnamon sugar filling, and bake. Before serving, you whip up the most amazing cream cheese frosting to smear on top.

Common Questions About Making Cinnamon Roll Muffins

What are cinnamon roll muffins?

Cinnamon roll muffins are an individual cinnamon rolls made with a yeasted dough and cinnamon sugar filling. They are baked in muffin tins and topped with homemade cream cheese frosting.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 12 muffins.

Do I have to make yeasted dough?

Nope! If you are looking for a super easy cinnamon roll recipe that’s ready in 25 minutes, then check out my mini cinnamon rolls recipe. It uses pre-made crescent roll dough instead!

Ingredient Notes –

  • Make sure your milk is the correct temperature – if it’s too warm the milk will kill the yeast while if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t bloom.
  • Sugar sweetens the dough slightly and helps feed the yeast.
  • Yeast makes the dough rise so we have light and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
  • Egg binds the dough together and adds richness.
  • Butter also adds richness to the dough and enhances the butter flavor in the filling. It also helps the brown sugar stick to the dough in the roll.
  • Vanilla enhances the flavor of the cinnamon and brown sugar.
  • Flour gives the dough structure so it isn’t too tough or too wet.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg add a bit of spice and warmth to the filling.

Looking for more breakfast recipes? Check these out!

Yield: 12 Muffins

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Cinnamon Roll Muffins - Perfectly baked individual cinnamon rolls that are baked in a muffin tin and topped with homemade cream cheese frosting. The perfect brunch recipe!

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Muffins

  • 3/4 cup warm milk (100-110F)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling

  • 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Frosting

  • 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

For the Muffins

  1. Add the milk, sugar, and yeast to a large bowl. Mix to combine and set aside until the yeast has bloomed - about 5 minutes.
  2. Whisk in the egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
  3. Slowly stir in the flour, mixing with a dough hook or wooden spoon. Once the dough forms into a shaggy ball, transfer to a clean surface and knead until a smooth ball forms - about 2 minutes.
  4. Transfer the dough to a well oiled bowl and set it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size - about 1.5 hours.
  5. Punch the dough down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface . Roll it to a rectangle that is 12"x8".

For the Filling

  1. Spread the softened butter over the dough, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture over the butter.
  3. Roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal it. Slice the dough into 12 (approximately 1" long) pieces.
  4. Grease 12 muffin tins with butter or nonstick baking spray and place one dough round into each one, making sure to place it cut side up.
  5. Set the pan in a warm place to rise until the muffins begin to rise over the top of the pan - about 30 minutes.
  6. While the muffins rise, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the muffins are set and begin to turn golden brown on top.
  8. Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes before removing them from the pan.

For the Frosting

  1. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla.
  2. Next, add the powdered sugar and mix until the icing is smooth. Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy.

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