Quick & Easy Cinnamon Roll Muffins: The Ultimate No-Yeast Gooey Delight

Indulge in the irresistible charm of our Cinnamon Roll Muffins – a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll experience, crafted to deliver pure indulgence in a fraction of the time. These speedy, no-fuss treats are perfect for those busy mornings when you crave something truly special, without the extensive waiting.

Imagine sinking your teeth into the luscious taste of a thick and gooey cinnamon roll, but perfectly transformed into a quick and easy muffin. This incredible recipe brings you that beloved flavor profile, ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes. Each muffin is generously topped with a heavenly vanilla glaze, embodying the comforting essence of your favorite mall food court Cinnabon, right from your own kitchen. You get all the warmth and spice of a traditional cinnamon roll, baked into a convenient, individual serving.

What truly makes these muffins a game-changer is that you can enjoy all of the authentic cinnamon roll flavor without the need for yeast. This crucial difference means there’s absolutely no waiting for dough to rise, no complex kneading, and no tedious proofing steps. It’s a brilliant idea turned into a mouthwatering reality, offering a brilliant shortcut to a cherished sweet treat. This recipe is perfect for those who are new to baking or simply don’t have hours to dedicate to making traditional pastries but still desire that rich, homemade taste.

Every now and then, we ought to make room for a sweet breakfast. From light and fluffy Lemon Pancakes to a comforting slice of Blueberry Breakfast Cake, nothing suits a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk better than a little something sweet. These Cinnamon Roll Muffins elevate your morning routine, transforming an ordinary start into a moment of pure bliss. They also make an excellent addition to any brunch spread, a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, or a comforting dessert after a meal.

Why These Quick Cinnamon Roll Muffins Will Become Your New Favorite

These aren’t just any muffins; they’re a revelation for anyone who loves the classic cinnamon roll but needs a faster, simpler alternative. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your recipe collection:

• Quick Morning Bliss – Say goodbye to lengthy preparation times! These muffins offer all the richness and gooey texture of a traditional cinnamon roll without the hassle of waiting for yeast dough to rise. You can whip up a batch from start to finish in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weekdays or impromptu weekend cravings. Skip the tedious, time-consuming steps and dive straight into the joy of savoring a thick, gooey delight that feels truly indulgent and satisfying, all before your coffee even cools.
• Remarkable Versatility – These Cinnamon Roll Muffins transcend the typical breakfast category. While they make an amazing start to your day, their delightful flavor and easy portability mean they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed any time. Pack them for a quick and satisfying snack at work or school, serve them as a charming dessert after dinner, or offer them as a sweet pick-me-up during an afternoon slump. They fit seamlessly into any schedule, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness to every moment, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering.
• Freeze for Future Happiness – One of the best features of these muffins is how wonderfully they freeze, making meal prep and future treats a breeze. Make a large batch and save some for later! Having a stash of these delicious muffins in your freezer ensures that the joy of savoring a homemade cinnamon roll delight isn’t confined to just one morning. You’ll always be prepared for a delightful treat, even on the busiest days, when unexpected guests arrive, or when that sweet craving hits out of nowhere. We’ll cover detailed freezing and reheating instructions later to maximize their freshness and flavor.
• Effortless Elegance – Impress your family and friends with minimal effort. The luscious vanilla glaze topping adds an elegant and professional touch to these already delicious muffins, making them a treat for your taste buds and a feast for the eyes. They look like they took hours to make, but only you’ll know the secret of their speedy creation. Effortlessly elevate your breakfast routine, turning even the simplest moments into a special occasion worth celebrating, without all the stress and hard work.
• No Yeast, No Stress Baking: For many home bakers, working with yeast can be intimidating and time-consuming. The need for precise temperatures, proofing times, and potential failures can deter even enthusiastic cooks. These muffins eliminate that stress entirely. By cleverly utilizing baking soda and the acidity of buttermilk, we achieve a wonderful rise and tender crumb without any proofing or complex yeast activation steps. This makes the recipe approachable and forgiving for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring consistent, delicious results every single time. It’s baking simplified, without sacrificing flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Muffins

To create these utterly delightful Cinnamon Roll Muffins, you’ll need a selection of common pantry staples that come together to form magic. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements for each ingredient.

For The Muffin Dough:

• Buttermilk – Buttermilk is truly essential for this recipe’s unique texture and rise. Its inherent lactic acid reacts chemically with the baking soda, creating tiny air pockets that result in a wonderfully light, airy, and exceptionally soft crumb. This acidic reaction contributes significantly to the tender qualities that make these muffins so irresistible and helps mimic the texture of a yeast-leavened dough. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make your own homemade version with regular milk and lemon juice or vinegar (check our “Recipe Tips & Tricks” section for details).
• Light Brown Sugar – This sweetens the muffin base and adds crucial moisture. Unlike granulated sugar, brown sugar contains molasses, which imparts a subtle caramel note and a rich depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully, making the dough incredibly tender.
• Baking Soda – This is the primary leavening agent in our no-yeast recipe. When it combines with the acidic buttermilk, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which causes the muffins to rise beautifully and contributes to their fluffy texture.
• Salt – A small but mighty ingredient! A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the intense sweetness of the sugars and enhancing all the other flavors in the dough. It prevents the muffins from tasting flat or overly sweet, bringing out the best in every bite.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, fragrant, and inviting aromatic depth to the dough. This classic flavor pairs perfectly with cinnamon and brown sugar, contributing to the overall comforting taste of the muffins.
• Egg (Large) – The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the dough together and providing essential structure to the muffins. It also contributes to the richness of the dough, adds moisture, and helps create a lovely golden-brown crust during baking.
• All-Purpose Flour – This forms the structural base of our muffins. All-purpose flour provides the necessary framework and body without making the muffins too dense. It’s important to measure it correctly to ensure the right consistency.

For The Gooey Filling:

• Unsalted Butter (Softened) – Using unsalted butter that is truly at room temperature (softened, but not melted) is absolutely critical for the filling. It needs to be easily spreadable over the rolled dough; cold butter will tear the dough, and melted butter will simply soak into the dough rather than creating that distinct, ooey-gooey, spiced layer of filling we all know and love. Unsalted butter allows you complete control over the overall saltiness of your finished muffins.
• Light Brown Sugar – This forms the core of our signature cinnamon roll flavor and gooey texture. When combined with the softened butter and fragrant cinnamon, it melts into that irresistible, sticky layer during baking, creating the beloved swirl.
• Ground Cinnamon – The star spice and what truly gives these muffins their distinctive “cinnamon roll” character. Use good quality ground cinnamon for the most robust and authentic flavor. The aroma alone will transport you!

For The Irresistible Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar) – You absolutely must use powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, to create a smooth, lump-free glaze. Its incredibly fine texture dissolves quickly and easily in liquid, making it ideal for creating a glaze with a consistent, velvety texture and a beautiful glossy finish that drizzles perfectly over the warm muffins. Granulated sugar will not work for this application, as it won’t dissolve properly and will result in a grainy texture.
• Milk – Provides the liquid base for the glaze, allowing you to adjust its thickness to your preference. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond or oat milk) will work equally well.
• Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla extract in the glaze elevates its flavor, adding another layer of warmth, sweetness, and depth that perfectly complements the spiced cinnamon muffins, enhancing the overall indulgence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Creating these heavenly cinnamon roll muffins is simpler than you might think, making them accessible even for novice bakers. Follow these easy, detailed steps for perfect results every time:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to 375º F (190°C). Then, generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin. You can use butter, baking spray, or line with paper/silicone muffin liners for easier removal. Set the prepared tin aside.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, and one large egg. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until they are thoroughly blended and slightly frothy. Next, add the buttermilk to this mixture and stir again until everything is smoothly incorporated and uniform. This ensures all the leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent rise.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture in the bowl. Using a spoon or spatula, stir gently until the flour is *just* combined with the wet ingredients and a cohesive dough begins to form. It is absolutely crucial not to over-mix the dough; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable and will actually result in a more tender, moist muffin. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can lead to tough, dry muffins.
4. Knead and Roll the Dough: Lightly flour a clean, flat work surface (like a countertop or large cutting board). Turn the prepared dough out onto this surface and knead it very gently for about one minute. This brief kneading helps to bring the dough together smoothly without overworking it. Then, using a rolling pin, carefully roll the dough into a large rectangular shape, approximately 12 inches wide by 24 inches long. Aim for an even thickness across the entire rectangle to ensure uniform rolls.
5. Create the Cinnamon Filling: In a small, separate bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the remaining light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a thick, spreadable paste. This is your luscious cinnamon sugar filling. Carefully and evenly spread this mixture over the entire surface of your rolled dough rectangle, making sure to cover every inch right up to the edges. This guarantees every bite will be packed with that signature cinnamon goodness.
6. Shape and Bake Your Muffins: Starting from one of the long sides of the rectangular dough, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, gently stretch the log slightly to ensure an even thickness from end to end. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (for perfectly clean cuts), slice the log into approximately 2-inch thick pieces. Place each cut piece, spiral side up, into the prepared muffin tin. Bake in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the muffins are visibly puffed up, golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Irresistible Vanilla Glaze: While the muffins are baking or cooling slightly, prepare your icing. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the perfect drizzling consistency – it should be thick enough to cling to the muffins but thin enough to flow smoothly off a spoon.
8. Glaze and Serve: Once the muffins are out of the oven and have cooled for about 5 minutes in the tin (this helps them firm up slightly), carefully transfer them to a wire rack. While still warm, generously drizzle the prepared vanilla glaze over the top of each muffin. The residual warmth of the muffins will allow the glaze to melt slightly and settle, creating that classic gooey finish. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!

Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Elevate your cinnamon roll muffin game with these handy tips and tricks, ensuring every batch is a resounding success and perfectly suited to your taste and schedule:

• Homemade Buttermilk Hack: Don’t have buttermilk on hand, or suddenly realize you’re out? No problem at all! You can easily make a homemade substitute. For every 1 cup of buttermilk needed, simply pour 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way to the 1-cup line with regular milk (any fat percentage, dairy or non-dairy, is fine). Stir it gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles and thickens. This homemade buttermilk will work perfectly to activate the baking soda and create a tender muffin. For a more in-depth guide, check out our dedicated Homemade Buttermilk post!
• The Golden Rule: Don’t Overmix the Dough. This is perhaps the most critical tip for any muffin recipe, and especially important here. Once you’ve added the flour to the wet ingredients, stir only until it’s *just* combined. The dough should still look a little lumpy and shaggy – that’s ideal! Overmixing vigorously or for too long develops the gluten in the flour too much, which will inevitably result in tough, chewy, and dry muffins instead of the light, tender, and moist ones we’re aiming for. Gentle stirring is absolutely key!
• Get Creative with Your Fillings. While the classic cinnamon sugar filling is undeniably divine, feel free to experiment with different additions to customize your muffins! Consider adding finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon. A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, or even some finely diced dried fruit like raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apricots, could also add a wonderful twist and an extra layer of texture and sweetness. Just ensure any additions are finely chopped to allow for easy and tight rolling of the dough.
• Elevate the Glaze with Citrus Zest. If you want to take this recipe over the top and add a bright, refreshing contrast to the sweetness, try incorporating a touch of fresh citrus zest into your vanilla glaze. Both lemon zest and orange zest work beautifully, adding a fragrant burst of tangy flavor that complements the warm cinnamon and subtly cuts through the richness of the sugar, creating a more complex and sophisticated taste profile. Just a teaspoon or two will make a significant difference.
• Explore Different Glaze Variations. While our simple vanilla glaze is classic and delicious, don’t hesitate to try other glaze recipes to further customize your muffins. A rich cream cheese glaze, for instance, would add a tangy complexity and luscious texture, making them even more reminiscent of traditional cinnamon rolls. Alternatively, a maple glaze, made by substituting some of the milk with pure maple syrup, would introduce a wonderful autumn-inspired flavor profile that’s incredibly comforting.
• Freeze Unbaked Muffins for Freshness On Demand. For ultimate convenience and truly fresh-baked taste anytime, prepare the muffin rolls as instructed up to the point of placing them in the muffin tin. Instead of baking them all at once, place the unbaked muffins into the muffin tin and freeze them until they are completely solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When a craving strikes, simply pop the frozen unbaked muffins directly into a preheated oven (you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, or let them thaw slightly at room temperature for 15-20 minutes first) and bake as usual. This ensures you always have a fresh batch ready with minimal prep.
• Alternatively, Bake and Freeze for Quick Treats. If you prefer to have fully baked muffins ready to go, you can bake a batch, let them cool completely, but *skip the glaze* before freezing. Once cooled, wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply defrost the muffin at room temperature for an hour, then warm it gently in a toaster oven, microwave (for 20-30 seconds), or air fryer until it’s warm and gooey again. Then, drizzle with freshly made glaze or even a store-bought frosting if you’re short on time.
• Double the Batch for a Crowd. These cinnamon roll muffins are incredibly popular and tend to disappear quickly, especially when shared! If you’re planning for a large gathering, a brunch party, or simply want to ensure you have plenty for snacking and freezing, don’t hesitate to double the recipe. Having extra is always a good idea, as everyone will surely be reaching for a second (or third!) helping.
• Use Muffin Liners for Easy Cleanup: For simpler cleanup and perfectly shaped muffins that are easy to remove from the pan, consider using paper or silicone muffin liners. This also makes the muffins easier to grab and serve, especially when they’re generously glazed.
• Don’t Skimp on the Softened Butter: When spreading the butter for the filling, ensure it’s genuinely soft but not melted. This allows it to create a barrier and helps keep the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture in place, preventing it from soaking into the dough and ensuring that beautiful gooey swirl we all love.

More Delicious Muffin Recipes to Try

If you’ve loved these delightful Cinnamon Roll Muffins, then you’ll definitely want to explore more fantastic muffin creations from our collection. Muffins are a versatile, comforting, and quick treat for any time of day, and we have plenty of unique flavors to satisfy every craving!

• Irresistible Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Decadent Oreo Muffins
• Rich Red Velvet Muffins
• Easy Bisquick Muffins
• Fun Monkey Bread Muffins
• Sweet Strawberry Muffins

5 from 3 votes

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

By Erin Sellin

These Cinnamon Roll Muffins offer the rich, gooey taste of a classic cinnamon roll, but in a quick and easy muffin format. Ready in about 30 minutes, generously topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they’re truly perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet craving!

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12

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Ingredients 

Dough

• ▢ 1 cup buttermilk
• ▢ 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 whole large egg
• ▢ 3 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

• ▢ 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ▢ 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Glaze

• ▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
• ▢ 2-3 Tablespoons milk
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 375º F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the light brown sugar, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix until well combined. Add in the buttermilk and stir again until everything is smoothly incorporated.
• Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until it is *just* combined and forms a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins! A few lumps are fine.
• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead gently for about a minute to bring it together. Then, use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12 inches wide by 24 inches long, ensuring an even thickness.
• In a small separate bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together to create the filling. Spread this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the rolled dough rectangle, making sure to cover every inch.
• Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Gently stretch the log slightly to ensure an even thickness. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into approximately 2-inch thick pieces. Place each roll, cut side up, into the prepared muffin tin.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the muffins are puffed up and beautifully golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool in the muffin pan for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool further.
• Meanwhile, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. Adjust the sugar and milk if necessary to get the right drizzling consistency – thick enough to coat but thin enough to flow.
• Generously drizzle the prepared icing over the warm muffins and serve immediately to enjoy them at their best!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 299mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Course: Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12

Calories: 281

Keyword: cinnamon roll muffins

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