Description
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Cupcakes are soft, fluffy vanilla cupcakes layered with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl and topped with creamy vanilla frosting. These bakery-style treats deliver a warm, comforting flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups (163g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (155g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for swirl)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 3 cups (345g) powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1-2 tbsp milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract until combined.
- Add half of the dry ingredients, mix, then add milk, and finally the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter, sprinkle 1 tsp of cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Add more batter to fill liners about 3/4 full, then sprinkle another tsp of cinnamon sugar on top.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes in pan for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat butter until smooth, add half powdered sugar and mix.
- Add vanilla extract and 1 tbsp milk, mix until smooth.
- Add remaining powdered sugar and mix, adjusting consistency with more milk if needed.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and optionally sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and even baking.
- Avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Layer the cinnamon sugar evenly to create a defined swirl effect.
- Do not overbake to prevent dryness; check at 18 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg