Cinnamon Roll Muffins
There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon baking in the oven. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just diving into the world of homemade treats, these cinnamon roll muffins are the perfect fusion of cozy comfort and easy prep. They combine the best parts of a classic cinnamon roll — warm spices, sweet layers, and that irresistible crumble — but come together in a fraction of the time.
In this post, we’ll walk you through an easy cinnamon roll muffin recipe that’s made with wholesome ingredients like applesauce and almond flour, creating a soft, flavorful muffin with a sweet cinnamon-sugar center and a buttery oat crumble on top. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Muffins
These aren’t just any muffins — they’re cinnamon roll-inspired muffins that pack in all the flavor without the hassle of yeast or rolling dough. Here’s why they’re a fan favorite:
Quick and easy – No need to wait for dough to rise!
Made with better-for-you ingredients like applesauce and almond flour
Naturally sweet and warm with a cinnamon sugar swirl and oat crumble
Great for meal prep, brunch spreads, or cozy weekend mornings
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Muffins
This recipe makes 6 generously sized muffins, perfect for a small batch treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
Muffin Batter:
3 tbsp melted butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
2 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup almond flour
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Crumble Topping:
1/4 cup softened butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
2. Make the Muffin Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined. Stir in the applesauce and milk.
Add the baking powder, all-purpose flour, and almond flour. Stir until just combined — don’t overmix, or the muffins may turn out dense.
3. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This will be your sweet swirl layer that mimics the flavor of cinnamon rolls.
4. Assemble the Muffins
Spoon a tablespoon of muffin batter into each muffin cup. Sprinkle about a teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
Add another spoonful of batter on top, then finish with a final sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. You should have enough to create a layered cinnamon swirl in each muffin.
5. Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, sugar, rolled oats, flour, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until crumbly.
Sprinkle a generous amount of the oat crumble on top of each muffin. This topping adds a crispy, golden finish that mimics the texture of a cinnamon roll's outer layer.
6. Bake
Bake the muffins for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden and crisp.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Optional: add a cinnamon powdered sugar glaze. 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2-4 tablespoons milk. Whisk until combined and drizzle on top.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Don’t skip the swirl layer! That middle layer of cinnamon sugar gives the muffins their signature “cinnamon roll” flavor.
Want extra cinnamon flavor? Add a pinch to the muffin batter or drizzle with a cinnamon glaze after baking.
Make it dairy-free by using plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives.
Double the batch and freeze extras — they reheat beautifully!
Healthier Cinnamon Roll Muffins? Yes Please!
These cinnamon roll muffins aren’t just tasty — they come with a few smart ingredient swaps:
Applesauce replaces some of the fat while adding moisture.
Almond flour brings in healthy fats and a nutty richness.
Rolled oats in the crumble add texture and fiber.
They’re still sweet and satisfying but feel a little more wholesome than traditional cinnamon rolls. That’s a win-win for breakfast lovers everywhere.
Cinnamon Roll Muffin Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these fun twists on the classic:
Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the crumble topping for a crunchy finish.
Mix in raisins or chopped apples for extra flavor and texture.
Drizzle with cream cheese glaze for that full cinnamon roll effect.
Make mini muffins and cut the baking time to 12–15 minutes for a bite-sized treat.
Pairing Ideas
These cinnamon roll muffins pair beautifully with:
A hot cup of coffee or chai tea
Fresh fruit or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast
A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side
Serve them warm for that true “just-baked cinnamon roll” feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Can I use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of white sugar?
You can substitute coconut sugar in equal parts. For maple syrup, reduce the amount slightly and decrease the milk to keep the batter from becoming too wet.
How do I store cinnamon roll muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These cinnamon roll muffins are everything you love about cinnamon rolls — warm, sweet, and comforting — but baked into a soft, tender muffin with a crispy oat crumble topping. They’re the perfect addition to your breakfast lineup, a cozy treat for a fall afternoon, or a make-ahead snack for busy mornings.
So grab your mixing bowls, preheat that oven, and enjoy the scent of cinnamon filling your kitchen. One bite of these cinnamon roll muffins, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner.
