Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes: The Easiest Recipe EVER!

Cinnamon swirl cupcakes, oh how I adore them! These aren’t just cupcakes; they’re miniature cinnamon rolls disguised as cupcakes, offering the perfect blend of comfort and sweetness in every bite. Reminiscent of cozy Sunday mornings spent baking with my grandma, cinnamon swirl cupcakes bring warmth and joy to any occasion. I’m excited to share this foolproof recipe that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, making your day just a little bit sweeter. This recipe for cinnamon swirl cupcakes is the easiest and tastiest you’ll find!                                                     Close-up detail

Why You Will Love This cinnamon swirl cupcakes Recipe

These cinnamon swirl cupcakes are truly special, offering that delightful cinnamon roll flavor without all the fuss of making a full batch of rolls. They’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and ready in under an hour. The combination of moist cupcake and gooey cinnamon filling creates an explosion of flavor in every bite, making them perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special treat. Plus, who can resist the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon filling the air?

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Here are a few more reasons to love these:

• Quick and easy: Minimal effort for maximum flavor.
• Comforting: Familiar cinnamon roll taste in cupcake form.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion.
• Crowd pleaser: Everyone loves cinnamon rolls!

Ingredients Needed for This cinnamon swirl cupcakes Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed

How to Make This cinnamon swirl cupcakes Recipe

1. 1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12 cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

1. 2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

1. 3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

1. 4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

1. 5. Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. *Do not overmix!*

1. 6. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well blended.

1. 7. Fill Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with batter.

1. 8. Add Cinnamon Swirl: Drop a teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl filling onto the center of each cupcake. Using a toothpick or knife, swirl the filling into the batter.

1. 9. Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

1. 10. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. 11. Make the Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

1. 12. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If you’re in the mood baking, take a look at these Chocolate Swirl Cinnamon Rolls.

1. 13. Frost and Serve: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

How to Serve This cinnamon swirl cupcakes Recipe

These cinnamon swirl cupcakes are best served fresh, but they can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. For an extra touch, dust the tops with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. They also make a wonderful addition to brunch buffets or afternoon tea parties. For a dessert that brings together the flavor of cream cheese and cinnamon, try these Fluffy Cotton Cheesecake Cupcakes, too!

How to Store This cinnamon swirl cupcakes Recipe

Refrigeration: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Frosted cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Reheating: If refrigerated, bring the cupcakes to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Tips to Make This cinnamon swirl cupcakes Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
• Softened Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened for the smoothest frosting.
• Cinnamon Quality: Use high quality cinnamon for the best flavor in the filling.
• Even Baking: Rotate the cupcake pan halfway through baking to ensure even baking.

Helpful Notes for This cinnamon swirl cupcakes Recipe

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ¾ cup of whole milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Cream Cheese: Full fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture in the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting to avoid lumps.

Variation of This cinnamon swirl cupcakes Recipe

• Maple Glaze: Replace the cream cheese frosting with a maple glaze for a different take on cinnamon roll cupcakes.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl filling for added texture and flavor.
• Apple Pie Spice: Substitute apple pie spice for the cinnamon to create an apple cinnamon version. Have a party coming up? These Festive Green Cupcakes are the perfect treat!

Conclusion

These cinnamon swirl cupcakes are the perfect treat to bake when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Their delicious cinnamon and vanilla flavor is simply irresistable. Every bite is like a bite of warmth and happiness. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch of these amazing cinnamon swirl cupcakes today! I’d love to hear what you think of these cinnamon swirl cupcakes; please leave a comment below and share your results!

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Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes: The Easiest Recipe EVER!

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

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Description

Moist and flavorful cinnamon swirl cupcakes topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. These cupcakes are the perfect blend of cinnamon roll flavors in an easy to bake package.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• **For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:**
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• **For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12 cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well blended.
7. Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with batter.
8. Drop a teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl filling onto the center of each cupcake. Using a toothpick or knife, swirl the filling into the batter.
9. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
12. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
13. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cinnamon, cupcakes, cinnamon roll cupcakes, frosting