Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe

If you’re searching for a fun twist on a classic breakfast treat, look no further than this delightful Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes capture all the warm, gooey flavors of a cinnamon roll in a perfectly portioned cupcake form, making them ideal for sharing (or not!). Soft, tender cake enriched with creamy vanilla pudding, swirled with cinnamon sugar goodness, then topped with a rich cream cheese glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s like a cinnamon hug in every bite, ready to brighten up your mornings, brunches, or anytime dessert cravings strike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the yellow cake mix providing a light and tender base, to the cinnamon and brown sugar that bring all the signature flavors of a cinnamon roll, every element is here to create magic in your cupcake liners.

• Yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces): Provides a moist, fluffy foundation that’s quick and easy to work with.
• Vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces, dry): Adds extra moisture and a creamy vanilla note to the batter.
• 3 large eggs, room temperature: Help bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Lends a subtle tang and makes the cupcakes extra tender.
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist without weighing them down.
• 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream: Boosts moisture and depth of flavor for a velvety crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens with a hint of molasses that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings that unmistakable comforting flavor.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Used for the streusel topping to add a crunchy texture contrast.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Sweetens and caramelizes the streusel topping.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the streusel crumbly topping.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For the streusel topping’s spice kick.
• 1 ounce cream cheese, softened: The base for the luscious glaze that finishes off the cupcakes.
• 1/4 cup butter, softened: Adds smooth creaminess to the glaze.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze for a classic cinnamon roll finish.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens the glaze’s flavor with delicate vanilla notes.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the glaze.
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tins

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two muffin tins with cupcake liners to keep your cinnamon roll cupcakes perfectly shaped and easy to remove once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Base

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and vanilla pudding mix. These dry ingredients create the essential structure and vanilla flavor, so give them a quick whisk to ensure an even mix.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract. This combination adds moisture, richness, and a hint of tang that transforms the cake from ordinary to downright indulgent.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so a few lumps are totally okay here. The batter should be smooth but still light.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will be folded into your cupcakes, creating the iconic cinnamon roll ribbons that everyone loves.

Step 6: Fill and Swirl the Batter

Fill each cupcake liner about one-quarter full with batter. Sprinkle a bit of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, then swirl gently with a toothpick or skewer. Add more batter until the liners are about three-quarters full, then swirl again lightly. This technique layers the cinnamon goodness without it sliding to the bottom.

Step 7: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Pulse together the flour, packed brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon in a food processor until crumbly. This topping will bake into a crispy, buttery crust that perfectly contrasts the soft cake underneath.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each cupcake. Bake your cupcakes for 17 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly inside the tin before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 9: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, blending well. If the glaze is too thick, thin it out with 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until it reaches a luscious drizzling consistency.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the cooled cinnamon roll cupcakes. The glaze adds that irresistible tangy sweetness that completes this recipe perfectly.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

While the cream cheese frosting is perfection on its own, feel free to add a light dusting of cinnamon or some finely chopped toasted pecans on top. For a fun touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of edible glitter can brighten up celebrations or special occasions.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon roll cupcakes are wonderful on their own but pairing them with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte elevates the experience. A fresh fruit salad or simple mixed berries offer a refreshing counterpoint to their rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these cupcakes in rustic wicker baskets lined with linen cloth for brunch gatherings or dessert tables. For kid-friendly parties, place them in themed cupcake wrappers or add mini flags on toothpicks. You could even stack them for an impressive cinnamon roll cupcake tower that will wow any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, store them in the refrigerator to prevent any frosting melt-off, but bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these cinnamon roll cupcakes for up to 3 months. To do this, place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a zipper bag or airtight container. Freeze without the glaze, then ice after thawing for the freshest taste.

Reheating

When ready to eat, thaw frozen cupcakes at room temperature. Warm them slightly in a microwave or oven for about 10–15 seconds to revive that freshly baked softness. Reapply glazed topping if frozen separately and enjoy that just-baked feeling all over again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of cake mix?

Absolutely! Using a homemade yellow cake batter will work wonderfully and add your personal touch, though the convenience of the cake mix keeps things quick and foolproof.

Do I have to use sour cream in this recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness, but you can substitute plain Greek yogurt or even crème fraîche for a similar effect if needed.

How do I get that perfect cinnamon swirl without it sinking?

Swirling the cinnamon-sugar mixture in two stages—once at a quarter full and again at three-quarters full—helps distribute it evenly and prevents it from settling to the bottom during baking.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and gluten-free flour for the streusel topping. Be sure all other ingredients are free from gluten contamination.

What’s the best way to transport these cupcakes?

A sturdy cupcake carrier is ideal, but if you don’t have one, a shallow box lined with parchment paper and some non-slip shelf liner beneath will keep them safe during travels.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes Recipe a try. It’s a surefire way to bring cozy cinnamon roll vibes to any occasion without the fuss of making traditional rolls. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these cupcakes deliver that warm, comforting flavor everyone adores. Trust me, once you bake and share these, they’ll become a favorite guilty pleasure in your baking repertoire!

Print