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Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Cupcakes

These Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Cupcakes combine the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls with the soft, fluffy texture of cupcakes. Each bite features ribbons of cinnamon sugar baked right into the batter and topped with rich cinnamon buttercream frosting for an irresistible treat perfect for brunch, holidays, or coffee dates!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Servings: 16 cupcakes
Course: Cupcakes, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 365

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (207g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
  • 1 1/4 cups (280g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 5 cups (575g) powdered sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk or water
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • muffin pan
  • Cupcake liners
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • measuring spoons and cups
  • Piping bag and large star tip
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Line a 12–16 cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside.
  2. Combine 3 tablespoons sugar and 4 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir to blend and set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, oil, sugar, and vanilla on medium-high for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
  5. Add half the dry ingredients and mix on low until mostly combined. Add the milk and mix. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. For each cupcake liner, add 1 tablespoon batter, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon sugar, add another tablespoon batter, repeat 2–3 layers, finishing with batter on top.
  7. Bake 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
  8. Beat butter for 2 minutes until smooth. Add half the powdered sugar and mix on low, then beat until fluffy. Add cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and milk. Add remaining sugar and beat until light and creamy. Adjust with milk or sugar for desired consistency.
  9. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Tips for Success:
• Cream butter and sugar for the full 3–4 minutes for light texture.
• Use room-temperature eggs and butter for smooth batter.
• Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full for perfect domes.
• Don’t overbake — check at 15 minutes.
Flavor Variations:
• Add maple extract or brown butter for a fall twist.
• Replace buttercream with cream cheese frosting for cinnamon-roll vibes.
• Drizzle with glaze instead of frosting for a lighter version.

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