Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes

Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are truly a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the fun and ease of cupcakes. These cupcakes are irresistibly soft, fluffy, and topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, making them perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a sweet treat to indulge in after dinner. The best part? They are surprisingly quick and easy to whip up, making them an ideal project even for those who may not consider themselves skilled bakers.

What Is Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes are essentially mini cinnamon rolls baked in cupcake form. These cupcakes are moist and fluffy, infused with warm cinnamon flavor, and drizzled with a sweet cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the spiced batter. This dessert is a wonderful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, offering all the deliciousness of the original but in a single-serving format that’s easy to share or portion out for yourself.

Why You’ll Love This

These cupcakes are perfect for various occasions, from brunch gatherings to dessert tables and everything in between. They are quick to prepare, bake in just about 30 minutes, and can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed. The combination of the pillowy cupcake texture paired with the sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting is simply divine. Moreover, they’re a fantastic way to engage kids in the kitchen and transform a classic treat into something new and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups – This serves as the main base for the cupcakes, giving them structure and a fluffy texture.
• Sugar: 1 cup – Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and contributes to the overall moistness of the cupcakes.
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons – This leavening agent helps the cupcakes rise, creating that soft texture.
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon – Works in conjunction with the baking powder to provide lift.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness of the batter and enhances all the flavors.
• Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons – The star of the show! This spice introduces a warm and comforting flavor profile.
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (melted) – Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
• Eggs: 2 large – Eggs provide moisture, richness, and bind all the ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the flavor of the cupcakes.
• Milk: ½ cup – This liquid helps create a moist batter that bakes into soft cupcakes.
• Powdered sugar: 2 cups – For the frosting, this sugar contributes to the sweet, thick consistency.
• Cream cheese: 8 oz (softened) – The key ingredient in the frosting that gives it its tangy flavor and creamy texture.

How to Make

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin pan by greasing it with a little non-stick spray or lining it with cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients by combining the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and whisking them together in a large mixing bowl. This ensures that all the leavening agents and flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Melt the butter first, letting it cool slightly before adding in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is nicely combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth and without lumps.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Fill the muffin pan with the cupcake batter, filling each liner about two-thirds full. This allows enough space for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over the top.
6. Bake the cupcakes in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the frosting while the cupcakes cool. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency if necessary by adding a tablespoon of milk until you achieve the desired frosting thickness.
8. Frost the cupcakes once they are completely cool. Use a piping bag or a simple spatula to spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting generously onto each cupcake. Decorate with additional cinnamon, sprinkles, or nuts if desired for an added touch!

Variations & Substitutions

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes: For a twist, fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking. The gooey chocolate combined with the cinnamon roll flavor will make these cupcakes even more indulgent and appealing.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Healthier Option: Swap half of the sugar with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This variation makes your cupcakes not only delicious but also a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. You can also use a light cream cheese for the frosting to cut down on fat.

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of regular frosting, try using maple syrup in place of vanilla extract for the frosting. The maple flavor combined with cinnamon in the cupcakes is a delicious combo that evokes cozy autumn vibes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the light, fluffy texture you’re aiming for. Mix just until combined to keep them airy.

When baking, avoid opening the oven door too early. This can cause the temperature to drop and make the cupcakes sink in the middle. Wait until they are almost done before checking.

Finally, ensure the cupcakes cool completely before frosting; frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt and run off, resulting in a messy presentation.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen. Place the un-frosted cupcakes in a single layer in an airtight container, separating them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and frost once they are at room temperature.

If you’ve already frosted the cupcakes, they should be refrigerated to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Consume within a week for the best flavor and texture, and bring them to room temperature before serving for a soft, enjoyable bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cupcakes the day before and store them in an airtight container. Frost them on the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste.

What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you prefer to avoid cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or whipped cream paired with a touch of vanilla extract and sugar. This will give you a creamy texture but with a different flavor profile.

Can I use a different frosting? Absolutely! You can experiment with various frostings like buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a simple glaze. Each will bring a unique twist to your cinnamon roll cupcakes.

Why did my cupcakes sink? Cupcakes may sink due to overmixing, adding too much liquid, or opening the oven door while baking. Ensure proper measurements and mix gently to maintain their fluffy texture.

How can I enhance the cinnamon flavor? To deepen the cinnamon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or using a cinnamon-spiced sugar for topping. This will amplify the warm notes present in these delightful cupcakes.

Conclusion:
Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are not just a delicious dessert; they are a delightful experience that brings the warmth of home baking into each fluffy bite. Perfect for any occasion, from casual weekends to festive gatherings, they embody the essence of comfort food that everyone adores. Enjoy the process of baking and, more importantly, the satisfaction of sharing these lovely treats with your friends and family!