Tired of complicated breakfast recipes that take up your entire morning? Craving the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls but short on time? Then look no further! This Cinnamon Roll Muffin recipe is your answer. These delightful little muffins capture all the deliciousness of a classic cinnamon roll in a convenient, individual-sized package. Perfect for busy weekdays or a delightful weekend brunch, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready to enjoy a taste of heaven in every bite!
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside. This creates a luscious, flavorful filling that’s the heart of these delicious muffins.
Make the Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This thorough mixing ensures even distribution of leavening agents for perfectly fluffy muffins.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough muffins, so be gentle!
Assemble and Bake:
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Fill each muffin cup about halfway with batter.
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Top each muffin with a generous spoonful of the cinnamon filling.
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Use a toothpick or small knife to swirl the filling slightly into the batter. This creates a beautiful marbled effect and ensures every bite has that delicious cinnamon swirl.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.
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Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Muffins:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh baking powder and baking soda: Stale leavening agents can affect the rise of your muffins.
- Let the muffins cool slightly before frosting (optional): This prevents the frosting from melting.
Delicious Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a delightful crunch.
- Use different spices: Experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice along with the cinnamon.
- Make it a glaze: Drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze over the cooled muffins for extra indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
These delicious cinnamon roll muffins are a quick and easy way to enjoy a sweet treat for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. They are a simple yet impressive homemade recipe, perfect for both experienced bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. Enjoy!