Name: Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (150 g) sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup (120 ml) milk; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract

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If you’ve ever wished you could have the warm, gooey deliciousness of a cinnamon roll in a perfectly portioned treat, then this Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes are not just any dessert; they marry the soft, fluffy texture of cupcakes with the irresistible cinnamon sugar swirl and a heavenly cream cheese frosting that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cupcakes are guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a baking tray with twelve muffins in silver paper liners. Each muffin has a golden brown top with swirled, slightly textured surfaces that show a soft, baked inside. The muffins are evenly spaced in a dark gray metal tray resting on a white marbled surface. The light reflects softly on the tray’s edges, highlighting the fresh look of the warm muffins. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe is delightfully straightforward, with each one playing a vital role in creating the perfect cupcake texture, that iconic cinnamon flavor punch, and the luscious frosting that pulls it all together.

All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups / 190 g): Provides the structure and tender crumb of the cupcakes.
Baking powder (1 ½ tsp): Helps the cupcakes rise fluffy and light.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances and enhances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (½ cup /115 g), softened: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
Sugar (¾ cup / 150 g): Sweetens and helps with the golden cupcake color.
Eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and contribute to tenderness and lift.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Elevates all flavors with a warm aromatic note.
Milk (½ cup / 120 ml): Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Integral for that deep, caramel-like cinnamon swirl.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): The star spice for the classic cinnamon roll taste.
Cream cheese (4 oz / 115 g): Creates a tangy, smooth frosting that perfectly complements the sweetness.
Butter (¼ cup / 60 g) for frosting: Adds creaminess and helps the frosting set beautifully.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake tin with liners. This simple prep step ensures your cupcakes will bake evenly and be easy to remove once done.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a perfect base for the cupcakes. Then add the eggs one at a time with the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air and build a silky batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding this dry mixture with milk to the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined. This technique helps maintain a tender crumb and prevents overmixing.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Swirl

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, then sprinkle a small spoonful of the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly on top. Add a little more batter to cover. Use a skewer or toothpick to swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter gently, creating beautiful cinnamon ribbons.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the cupcakes in your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the tops turn a lovely golden color and a toothpick comes out clean. Once done, allow them to cool completely in the tin before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting and Decorate

Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Spread or pipe this luscious frosting generously on each cooled cupcake to complete the Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe experience.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows six cupcakes in a clear plastic container on a white marbled surface. Each cupcake has one layer of light brown cake at the bottom, topped with a thick swirl of light tan frosting. The frosting has a fluffy texture with small darker flecks on top, giving a slightly speckled look. The frosting swirls are evenly spaced and sit high above the cupcake base, making them the main focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these cupcakes, consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting. A light drizzle of caramel sauce also pairs wonderfully, adding an extra layer of indulgence that guests will adore.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes shine best alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch. They also make a delightful accompaniment to a refreshing glass of milk or vanilla almond milk for an afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe in a rustic wooden box or on a tiered cake stand garnished with fresh cinnamon sticks and small bunches of fresh mint leaves. You can even add edible flowers for a pop of color that makes this treat feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their moist texture and fresh flavor. If your kitchen is warm, the refrigerator is a good alternative, though bring them to room temperature before serving for best taste.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To freeze frosted cupcakes, flash freeze them uncovered for an hour, then wrap well to preserve the frosting’s texture.

Reheating

For thawed or room temperature cupcakes, a quick 10–15 second zap in the microwave softens them perfectly. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting. Warmed cupcakes with slightly softened frosting taste just like fresh-baked!

FAQs

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, cake flour can make your cinnamon roll cupcakes even more tender due to its lower protein content, but you may want to use slightly less or adjust liquid quantities as cake flour absorbs moisture differently.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! You can substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. Just make sure those substitutes are softened before mixing.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking?

Sprinkling the cinnamon sugar halfway through the batter in the cupcake liner and then topping with a little more batter as described helps keep the swirl visible and evenly distributed during baking.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?

Absolutely, chopped pecans or walnuts add wonderful texture and flavor, while raisins give bursts of chewy sweetness. Fold them gently into the batter or sprinkle some on top of the cinnamon sugar before swirling.

How long do these cupcakes stay fresh once frosted?

They are best enjoyed within two days of frosting for optimal freshness and texture. Beyond that, the frosting may start to dry out or the cupcakes may become stale unless refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

Giving the Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe a try is a surefire way to brighten your day and impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you. Their cozy cinnamon swirl and rich cream cheese frosting make every bite a comfort-filled moment worth savoring. So go ahead, bake a batch and enjoy the warm smiles that follow!