Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe
These Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes combine the delightful flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of cupcakes. Featuring a moist, cinnamon-spiced batter swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar paste and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze, these cupcakes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert lovers seeking a sweet treat with a homemade touch.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake 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 Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This incorporates air for a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen cupcakes.
- Add Milk: Gently mix in the milk until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and stir until it forms a thick paste.
- Fill Cupcake Liners – Layer 1: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of batter into each cupcake liner to create the base layer.
- Add Cinnamon Swirl: Place a small spoonful of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of each batter portion in the liners.
- Swirl Mixture: Use a toothpick or small knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect throughout the cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners – Layer 2: Add another heaping tablespoon of batter over the cinnamon swirl, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool in Pan: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes to set their shape before transferring to a wire rack.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before glazing.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Cupcakes: Drizzle the glaze over each completely cooled cupcake to add sweetness and a creamy finish.
- Set Glaze and Serve: Allow the glaze to set for several minutes before serving to avoid mess and let the flavor meld.
Notes
- You can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and healthier twist.
- Ensure the cupcakes are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Leftover cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
- Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl can give a delightful crunch.
Keywords: cinnamon roll cupcakes, cinnamon swirl cupcakes, easy cinnamon dessert, breakfast cupcakes, cinnamon glaze cupcakes