If you love the warm, gooey flavor of homemade cinnamon rolls but want the convenience of cupcakes, these Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes are the best of both worlds. Soft, fluffy, and swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar, they’re topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cupcakes are sure to impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
- Classic flavor in cupcake form – A fun twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.
- Easy to make – No complicated yeast dough required.
- Portable & shareable – Great for parties, potlucks, and gatherings.
- Deliciously sweet – Perfect balance of cinnamon spice, sugar, and creamy frosting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix the dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter & sugar – In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine wet & dry – Add the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
- Add the cinnamon swirl – In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, spoon in some cinnamon swirl, then top with more batter. Swirl gently with a toothpick.
- Bake – Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make frosting – Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
- Frost & serve – Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cupcakes. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or caramel drizzle if desired.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with coffee for a cozy breakfast.
- Pair with hot cocoa for a sweet afternoon treat.
- Dress them up with mini cinnamon sticks for a festive look.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes combine the rich, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls with the ease of cupcakes. They’re soft, swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting—making them a treat everyone will love.
Bake a batch today and enjoy the perfect cinnamon-swirled bite!