Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe
These Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes combine the soft, fluffy texture of classic cupcakes with the sweet, spicy swirl of cinnamon sugar reminiscent of traditional cinnamon rolls. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, they make a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cupcake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter.
- Stir in Vanilla: Add vanilla extract to bring a warm, sweet aroma and flavor to the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and sour cream to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry to keep the batter balanced and moist.
- Mix Until Just Combined: Incorporate the ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Add Milk: Stir in the milk gently until the batter is smooth and well integrated, ensuring proper consistency for baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then drizzle in melted butter and stir to create a paste-like cinnamon swirl.
- Assemble Cupcakes – Base Batter: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of cupcake batter into each liner to form the base layer.
- Add Cinnamon Swirl: Drop a small spoonful of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter in each cup.
- Create Swirl Effect: Use a toothpick or small knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled pattern for a cinnamon roll effect.
- Add Remaining Batter: Top each cupcake with another heaping tablespoon of batter, filling the liners about two-thirds full for proper rising.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool in Tin: Remove from oven and let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes to set.
- Transfer to Rack: Move cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents sogginess by allowing air circulation.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth to create the vanilla glaze.
- Glaze Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cool, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over each cupcake.
- Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to set before serving so it firms up slightly, enhancing both appearance and texture.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes, Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes, Vanilla Glaze Cupcakes, Soft Cinnamon Cupcakes, Breakfast Cupcakes, Sweet Swirl Cupcakes