Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes

Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes combine the best of two beloved treats: the gooey, spiced sweetness of a cinnamon roll and the soft, moist texture of a cupcake. These delightful cupcakes are swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, mimicking the iconic flavor of cinnamon rolls, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cupcakes are a delicious way to satisfy your cinnamon roll cravings in a fun, individual-sized form.

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
2. Make the cupcakes: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined.
3. Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together to form a thick, smooth mixture.
4. Layer the cupcakes: Spoon a tablespoon of the cupcake batter into each liner, then add a small spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Top with another tablespoon of batter. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter.
5. Bake the cupcakes: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
7. Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top.

Enjoy these warm, comforting Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes with their rich swirl of cinnamon and sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting! Perfect for any cinnamon roll lover.