Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Muffins (Dairy-Free Options)

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.  

Who doesn't love a warm cinnamon roll with icing? Whenever my kids get to pick a special breakfast pastry at one of our local bakeries, they always pick cinnamon rolls. I wanted take those delicious flavors and bake them into soft, fluffy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Muffins with a dairy-free Maple Cream Cheese Glaze to be enjoyed at home.

Why You Will Love These Gluten-Free Cinnamon Muffins

1. Fresh-Baked Aroma: These gluten-free Cinnamon Swirl Muffins fill your kitchen with the cozy scent of warm cinnamon rolls straight out of the oven.

2. Simple, Customizable Glaze: The Maple Cream Cheese Glaze uses just five staple ingredients and easily adapts to dairy or plant-based diets.

3. Kid-Approved Treat: A family-favorite recipe tested and loved by my kids (who can barely wait for them to cool before diving in).

4. All the Cinnamon Roll Flavor, Zero Hassle: No yeast, no proofing, and no rolling dough—you get all the warm, cozy flavor of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy muffin recipe.

   
   

The gluten-free flour blend I use in this Cinnamon Swirl Muffin recipe includes:

• This blend of almond flour and 1:1 gluten-free flour gives the muffins such a great crumb and texture. Check out Shop My Kitchen Essentials for other great gluten-free cooking products and non-toxic kitchenware I use in my home.

These muffins would be great for a sweet breakfast treat but also delicious as a dessert. One of my daughters chose a Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Muffins for an evening dessert and paired it with vanilla ice cream (non-dairy ice cream would also be delicious)!

If you love this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Muffins recipe, check out our full collection of Breakfast Recipes. Check out other great gluten-free, dairy free recipes to add to your family's meal rotation:

How to make these Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Muffins (Dairy-Free)

Ingredients List

Step 1: Prep Muffin Pan: 

Line a 12-cup standard muffin pan with parchment paper liners or grease thoroughly. Hold off on pre-heating the oven just yet.

Step 2: Mix Cinnamon Swirl:

In a small bowl, (I love these beautiful colored Pyrex Tinted Glass mixing bowls! They come in a set of 3 and are great for baking.) whisk together the 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pinch of sea salt. Stir in the 2 tbsp melted vegan butter (or regular butter if you prefer) until a moist, shiny paste forms. Keep on the counter at room temperature while you make the batter.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups 1:1 G/F flour, 1/2 cup spooned almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1/4 tsp + pinch salt until uniform and clump-free.

Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs lightly. Add maple syrup, 3/4 cup almond milk, vegan butter (or regular butter if you prefer) and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth and emulsified.

Step 5: Combine & Rest Batter:

Pour wet ingredients into dry and fold with a spatula just until combined. Let the batter rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to hydrate starches. If batter looks overly stiff after resting, whisk in 1 extra tbsp almond milk. Batter should drop easily from a spoon, not feel like stiff dough.

Step 6: Preheat Oven, Layer & Swirl

Set oven to 425°F.

1. Fill muffin cups 3/4 way with batter

2. Dollop half the wet cinnamon mix

3. Add remaining batter

4. Top with remaining cinnamon mix.

5. You should have 4 layers. Swirl gently with a toothpick or sharp knife.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes then without opening the oven door, lower the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 13 to 15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Whip the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze:

While muffins bake, beat the 4 tbsp softened cream cheese and 1 tbsp softened vegan butter (or regular butter if you prefer) until creamy. Whisk in 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp almond milk, and powdered sugar until completely smooth.

Step 9: Cool & Glaze

Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Let cool completely before generously drizzling or spreading the maple cream cheese glaze over the tops.

Check out the full recipe below for these Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Muffins (Dairy-Free). I hope you enjoy!