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Top view of golden cinnamon roll cupcakes topped with creamy frosting swirls, piping bag and spoon on light background

Golden Swirl Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes: A Cozy Treat

Soft, fluffy, and swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness — these Easy Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes deliver all the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls without the hassle of yeast or long rise times. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet afternoon treat, these cupcakes bake in just 20 minutes and come topped with a rich cream cheese glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. Bake them today and enjoy fresh-from-the-oven comfort in every bite!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter:

  • 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, room temperature

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup whole milk

Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed

  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 12 tbsp milk (adjust for drizzling consistency)

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prepare
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

  • Mix Dry Ingredients
    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  • Cream Butter & Sugar
    In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

  • Add Eggs & Vanilla
    Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

  • Combine Wet & Dry
    Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by sour cream, then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Stir in milk until smooth.

  • Prepare Cinnamon Swirl
    In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.

  • Assemble Cupcakes
    Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, spoon a small amount of cinnamon mixture, then top with more batter. Use a toothpick to swirl gently.

  • Bake
    Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Make the Glaze
    In a small bowl, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

  • Finish & Serve
    Drizzle glaze over cooled cupcakes and enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Cupcakes can be baked a day in advance and glazed before serving for freshness.

  • Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon swirl for a warmer spice profile.

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

  • Freezer Tip: Freeze unglazed cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, glaze, and serve.

  • Author: SOFIA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian