Description
These Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes combine the tender, fluffy texture of a classic cupcake with the warm, spiced swirl of cinnamon sugar reminiscent of your favorite cinnamon roll. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, these cupcakes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to get ready for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to ensure they are evenly combined for the cupcake batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs into the creamed butter and sugar one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
- Flavor the Batter: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition just until combined to prevent overmixing.
- Incorporate Milk: Add the milk and gently mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated, ready for portioning.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then drizzle the melted butter into the mixture and stir until it forms a thick paste, which will give a delicious cinnamon swirl in the cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners (First Layer): Spoon a heaping tablespoon of batter into each cupcake liner as the base layer.
- Add Cinnamon Swirl: Top each cupcake liner with a small spoonful of the cinnamon-sugar mixture to create that signature swirl.
- Create Swirl Effect: Use a toothpick or small knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled cinnamon effect inside each cupcake.
- Fill Cupcake Liners (Second Layer): Add another heaping tablespoon of batter on top of the cinnamon swirl to fill the liners about two-thirds full, ensuring there is enough batter for a fluffy cupcake.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool in Tin: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes after baking, making them easier to handle and preventing breakage.
- Transfer to Wire Rack: Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely, which is important before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
- Make Glaze: While the cupcakes cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make a smooth, sweet glaze.
- Glaze the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cupcake for extra sweetness and a beautiful finish.
- Set Glaze and Serve: Allow the glaze to set before serving the cupcakes to ensure a perfect texture and appearance.
Notes
- For best results, ensure ingredients like butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and a healthier twist.
- Use a toothpick to test doneness without over-baking the cupcakes, as over-baking can make them dry.
- These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving if stored in the refrigerator to soften the cupcake texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon roll cupcakes, cinnamon swirl cupcakes, vanilla glaze cupcakes, cinnamon sugar cupcakes, baked cinnamon cupcakes
