Delicious Spiced Cinnamon Sugar Cupcakes Recipe | Perfectly Sweet & Flavorful
Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a freshly baked cupcake, especially when it’s infused with warm spices like cinnamon and topped with a sweet, sugary crust. If you’ve been searching for a moist, fluffy, and delicious dessert, Spiced Cinnamon Sugar Cupcakes will quickly become your go-to recipe. These cupcakes offer the perfect combination of sweetness and spice, making them ideal for everything from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings.
What makes these cupcakes truly special is their perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar—both inside and out. Each bite brings you a delightful warmth and sweetness, with a subtle, irresistible spiced flavor that’s never overpowering. Not only are these cupcakes easy to prepare, but they’re also customizable to fit your personal preferences.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make these delicious treats that will surely win over your family and friends. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, you’ll find this recipe approachable and fun to follow. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cupcakes come together in a short amount of time and don’t require any fancy equipment. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are easy to follow.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the sweetness and spice levels to match your personal preferences. Want more cinnamon? Go for it! Looking to make them a bit sweeter? Just add a touch more sugar.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a special event, hosting a casual get-together, or just treating yourself, these cupcakes fit the bill. They’re delicious, and they look as great as they taste.
Ingredients Breakdown
Before you start, let’s take a look at the key ingredients and why each one plays a crucial role in making these cupcakes perfectly spiced, sweet, and fluffy.
- All-Purpose Flour
The foundation of any cupcake, all-purpose flour gives the cupcakes their structure and fluffiness. It’s important to measure the flour properly, as too much flour can result in dry, dense cupcakes.- Tip: For the best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Granulated Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the cupcakes, helping them stay soft and tender. The sweetness will balance out the spiced flavors of the cinnamon.- Substitution: If you prefer a more natural sweetener, you can use honey or maple syrup instead, but note that the texture may change slightly.
- Cinnamon
The star of this recipe! Cinnamon adds that wonderful warmth and spice to the cupcakes. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness and complements the texture of the soft cake.- Tip: For a more intense flavor, use Ceylon cinnamon instead of regular cinnamon, as it has a milder and sweeter profile.
- Butter
Butter provides richness, flavor, and moisture to the cupcakes. It helps achieve that light, fluffy texture while adding a creamy taste that makes the cupcakes melt in your mouth.- Substitution: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used as replacements.
- Eggs
Eggs provide structure, stability, and moisture to the batter. They also help with the rise, ensuring the cupcakes are light and fluffy.- Tip: Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter that combines evenly with the other ingredients.
- Baking Powder
The leavening agent in this recipe, baking powder, ensures that the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.- Substitution: If you’re out of baking powder, you can use baking soda (just half the amount) combined with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar.
- Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds a rich, comforting flavor that enhances the sweetness and spice of the cupcakes. It’s a classic flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.- Tip: Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the most authentic taste. Imitation vanilla can taste synthetic and overpowering.
- Milk
Milk helps bind the ingredients together, adding moisture and ensuring that the cupcakes are soft and not too dry. It also helps the batter reach the perfect consistency.- Substitution: You can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Cinnamon Sugar (for coating)
This simple mixture of cinnamon and sugar is the finishing touch that makes these cupcakes irresistible. It adds a light, crispy sweetness to the exterior, creating the perfect contrast with the soft interior.- Tip: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar for a deeper spice profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients, let’s move on to the fun part: making the spiced cinnamon sugar cupcakes!
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures the cupcakes don’t stick to the pan after baking. - Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Properly creamed butter and sugar are key to light, fluffy cupcakes. - Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients well will create a smooth batter base. - Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter. - Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or your cupcakes might turn out dense. - Spoon the Batter into the Cupcake Pan
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each one about ¾ full. This will allow the cupcakes to rise evenly without spilling over. - Bake the Cupcakes
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cupcakes should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed. - Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the cupcakes are baking, mix together ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside. - Cool and Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, lightly brush the tops of the cupcakes with melted butter and dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the tops.
Tips and Variations
- Make them Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
- Add a Cream Cheese Frosting: For a creamy contrast, top these cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting instead of the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Vegan Option: Replace the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs, and the milk with almond milk for a vegan version of these cupcakes.
- Mini Cupcakes: If you want to make mini cupcakes, simply reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: These cupcakes pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of milk. For an extra indulgence, serve with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish: Garnish with shaved chocolate, cinnamon sticks, or a sprig of mint for an added touch of elegance.
- Themed Dinners: These cupcakes are great for fall-themed parties, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting treat after dinner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay moist and delicious.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them for longer, freeze the cupcakes (without the cinnamon sugar coating) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
- Reheating: Warm up the cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired, or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead of Time: You can make the cupcake batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
- Best with Freshly Shredded Cheese: For added texture and flavor, try adding shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist.
- Use a 6-quart Crock Pot: If you’re looking to bake in a slow cooker, this batter can be cooked in a slow cooker for about 2 hours on high, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Recipe Card Summary
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup sugar (for cinnamon sugar topping)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients and add alternately with milk to the wet mixture.
- Scoop batter into muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes.
- Cool, then brush with melted butter and dip in cinnamon sugar.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Health Benefits
- Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Butter: Provides essential fatty acids and vitamin A.
- Milk: Rich in calcium, supporting bone health.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense, tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined for a light texture.
- Not Letting Cupcakes Cool Before Coating: Allow cupcakes to cool slightly to ensure the cinnamon sugar coating sticks properly without melting.
FAQs
- Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. - How can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and almond milk as replacements for a dairy-free version. - Can I add frosting instead of the cinnamon sugar topping?
Absolutely! Try a cream cheese frosting for a rich and tangy addition. - How do I store leftover cupcakes?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes! Freeze without the cinnamon sugar topping and thaw at room temperature before serving. - Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, the batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Final Thoughts
Spiced Cinnamon Sugar Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the best of sweet and spice. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon snack, they’ll never disappoint. Enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade cupcake, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
