Healthy Cinnamon Roll Muffins (low sugar, easy to make!)

Since my son is obsessed with cinnamon rolls, I've been on a mission to create a muffins form and these healthy cinnamon roll muffins do NOT disappoint! These are for those mornings where you want a cinnamon roll, but absolutely do not feel like rolling dough, cleaning flour off every surface in your kitchen, and pretending you have that kind of bandwidth before 9am.

Don’t get me wrong, homemade cinnamon rolls are still a crowd favorite in my fam. But as a busy mom, I wanted something that gives those same cozy cinnamon roll vibes in a way that feels way more realistic for actual life.

These healthy cinnamon roll muffins have become such a fun compromise over here because they’re soft, fluffy, lightly sweetened, have that buttery cinnamon swirl moment, and get topped with the easiest creamy Greek yogurt icing that makes them feel extra fun.

Why You + Your Toddler Will Love These Healthy Cinnamon Roll Muffins

• all the cozy cinnamon roll flavor without making dough
• soft and fluffy toddler-friendly texture
• lower in added sugar than traditional cinnamon rolls (can even sub out to make no added sugar version!)
• protein boost from Greek yogurt + eggs
• easy enough for weekday breakfast prep
• freezer-friendly
• can be made as regular or mini muffins

If you also have cinnamon lovers in your family, then make sure to try out my Greek yogurt cinnamon rolls, cinnamon roll baked yogurt bars, and apple cinnamon French toast bake (your WHOLE house will smell lovely).

Jump to:

• Why You + Your Toddler Will Love These Healthy Cinnamon Roll Muffins
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make Your Cinnamon Roll Muffins
• Hint for the Best Cinnamon Roll Muffins
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storing Your Healthy Cinnamon Roll Muffins
• Tiff's Dietitian Tip
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Healthy Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's everything you'll need to make these healthy cinnamon roll muffins:

For the Muffins:

• plain Greek yogurt - adds protein, moisture, and keeps these soft
• eggs - help create structure and fluffiness
• avocado oil or melted butter - adds richness and moisture (butter gives a more classic cinnamon roll flavor)
• maple syrup - keeps these lightly sweetened, sub with applesauce or mashed banana for no added sugar option
• milk - helps create the right batter consistency, especially with oat flour
• vanilla extract - gives flavor without the added sugar
• oat flour or all-purpose flour - oat flour keeps things a little heartier, while all-purpose gives fluffier bakery-style muffins
• baking powder + baking soda - for lift and structure
• cinnamon - the cozy star of the recipe
• salt - balances flavor

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• melted butter - for that gooey swirl
• coconut sugar or brown sugar - for classic cinnamon roll flavor
• cinnamon - obviously can't have cinnamon roll flavor without the main ingredient!

For the Greek yogurt icing:

• plain Greek yogurt - for a lighter frosting + protein boost
• maple syrup - optional to add some sweetness
• vanilla extract - for flavor without the added sugar

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Your Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Substitutions

Here are some easy options depending on your family’s needs:

• dairy-free: swap the Greek yogurt for a thick dairy-free yogurt (something unsweetened works best), use your favorite dairy-free milk, and use dairy-free butter if making the cinnamon swirl
• egg-free: I haven’t personally tested an egg-free version yet, but a flax egg will likely work as a substitute. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water and let sit for 5-10 minutes before adding. Just know the texture may be a little softer and less fluffy!
• gluten-free: use certified gluten-free oat or all-purpose flour if needed
• lower added sugar: you can reduce or omit the maple syrup, but since it also adds moisture, I’d recommend replacing it with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana if making that swap

Variations

Feel free to add some grated carrots or zucchini into these muffins for a veggie mix-ins! Kinda like my ABC oatmeal muffins for a veggie-packed muffin option that you can easily give "cinnamon roll vibes" to by adding yogurt icing + extra cinnamon.

Equipment

You just need a few kitchen basics to make these healthy cinnamon roll muffins!

• large mixing bowl
• whisk for even mixing
• measuring cups + spoons
• muffin tin (regular or mini)
• muffin liners (optional but helpful for easy cleanup)
• small bowl (for the cinnamon swirl + icing)
• toothpick or butter knife (for swirling)

Storing Your Healthy Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Store leftover healthy cinnamon roll muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Either frost before storing or store the Greek yogurt icing separate and frost once ready to serve. If you’d like to freeze them, I recommend freezing the muffins unfrosted for best texture, then adding the icing after thawing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months, and simply thaw overnight in the fridge or warm slightly before serving for that soft, cozy cinnamon roll vibe.

FAQ

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with these healthy cinnamon roll muffins: