Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes are the perfect treat for anyone who dreams of waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through their home. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy cupcake that tastes just like a traditional cinnamon roll, complete with gooey icing melting on top. It’s like having brunch and dessert all in one delightful package.

As someone who loves both baking and eating, I can assure you that Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes are ideal for cozy Sunday mornings or festive brunch gatherings. These little delights promise an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes are quick to prepare, making them a perfect last-minute treat
- Their irresistible flavor profile combines sweetness and spice in every bite
- With their visually appealing swirl design, they stand out at any gathering
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed at breakfast or as a delightful dessert
Baking these cupcakes has always brought back memories of family gatherings where everyone would dive into dessert first—because who needs dinner when there are cinnamon rolls involved?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is your main ingredient; I usually use unbleached flour for better flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; brown sugar can be used for added moisture and richness.
- Baking Powder: Essential for fluffiness; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for that classic flavor; feel free to add more if you’re a cinnamon lover.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the cupcakes a rich texture; but any milk will suffice.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs work best; they help with uniform mixing.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness; I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor profile; choose pure vanilla for best results.
- Powdered Sugar: Used for the icing; it creates that sweet drizzle we all love.
- Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess to the icing, making it oh-so-delicious!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon until well combined. You should see little specks of cinnamon throughout—it’s a beautiful sight!
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. The aroma from the vanilla will make you want to dive right in.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cupcakes light and airy!
Create Your Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon for an irresistible filling. This step is where magic happens—trust me.
Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon about half of your batter into each muffin liner. Sprinkle some of the cinnamon mixture on top before adding more batter until each cup is about two-thirds full.
Bake Until Golden: Pop those beauties into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. The kitchen will smell heavenly!
Make Your Cream Cheese Icing: While waiting for cupcakes to cool, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth. Add a splash of milk if needed—it should be drizzly yet thick.
Once baked, let them cool slightly before drizzling with icing—this is where you have permission to lick your fingers!
Now you’ve created something truly special: Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes that taste just like your favorite breakfast treat but in cupcake form! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature; they’ll disappear faster than you can say “delicious.”
You Must Know
- Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes combine the best of both worlds: the fluffy texture of cupcakes with the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls
- Each bite bursts with flavor and warmth, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a sweet treat
- The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your dry ingredients separately to avoid clumps. Then combine wet ingredients and blend until smooth. This method ensures even texture and flavor throughout your Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor in your Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To enjoy them warm, microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their fluffy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly swirled cupcakes, ensure the cinnamon mixture is spread evenly on the batter before rolling
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise in your cupcakes
- Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean
Sharing my first attempt at these delightful treats brings back fond memories. My friends couldn’t stop raving about them, and I even had to hide a few just so I could have leftovers!
FAQ
Can I make these Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day prior and bake fresh when needed.
What’s the best way to frost my cupcakes?
A cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with these cupcakes, adding richness and tang.
How can I make my cupcakes more moist?
Add a bit of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra moisture in your cupcakes.
Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of fluffy cupcakes and the classic cinnamon roll, topped with luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for cozy mornings or festive brunches, each bite bursts with the sweet, spiced flavor that will leave you craving more. These treats are quick to prepare and visually appealing, making them an excellent choice for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
- For the filling, combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Fill muffin liners halfway with batter, sprinkle cinnamon mixture on top, then add more batter until two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- For icing, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth; drizzle over cooled cupcakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (75g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To enjoy warm, microwave for 10 seconds.







