Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

Nothing says comfort quite like the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness of snickerdoodles. Now, imagine that delightful flavor transformed into a light and fluffy cupcake topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Yes, please! These Snickerdoodle Cupcakes are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy fall gatherings.

Why It Deserves a Spot

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes deserve a prominent place in your dessert repertoire because they blend nostalgia with modern flair. The classic snickerdoodle cookie’s signature flavors—cinnamon, sugar, and a hint of tanginess—are elevated into a moist cupcake that is sure to impress. The addition of cream cheese frosting brings a rich, tangy element that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cupcake. Whether you’re a cupcake aficionado or just someone looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cupcakes are a must-try.

What We’re Using

To create these scrumptious Snickerdoodle Cupcakes, we’ll need a few key ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cake flour, sifted
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting)
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Setup & Equipment

Before diving into the baking process, let’s gather the necessary tools:

• Muffin tin or cupcake pan
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Wire rack for cooling

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes in Steps

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Using a scoop or spoon, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. This will allow room for rising.

Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cupcakes

Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and powdered sugar gradually, mixing until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.

Step 10: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost each cupcake generously with the cream cheese frosting.

Step 11: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture over the frosted cupcakes for that classic snickerdoodle finish.

Fresh Seasonal Changes

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes are delightful year-round, but you can easily adapt them for seasonal flavors. Consider the following variations:

• In fall, add pumpkin puree and spices for a pumpkin snickerdoodle twist.
• In winter, incorporate peppermint extract into the frosting for a festive flavor.
• For spring, try adding lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus note.
• In summer, mix in some fresh berries for a fruity touch that complements the cinnamon.

Insider Tips

• Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter; it should be just combined for fluffy cupcakes.
• Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• For a fun presentation, use piping bags to frost the cupcakes for a professional look.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prep these Snickerdoodle Cupcakes ahead of time. The cupcakes themselves can be baked and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to make them even earlier, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator and frost them when you’re ready to serve. The cream cheese frosting can also be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge; just give it a quick whip before using.

Your Top Questions

Can I use a different frosting for these cupcakes?

Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, you can also use vanilla buttercream or even a simple glaze if you prefer something lighter.

What if I don’t have cake flour?

You can substitute with more all-purpose flour if necessary. Just use 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour in place of the 1 cup of cake flour and 1 cup of all-purpose flour combined.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose and cake flours with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Check for gluten-free baking powder as well.

How can I make these cupcakes more cinnamon-forward?

If you’re a cinnamon lover, consider adding an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter or even a pinch in the frosting. Additionally, you can swirl in some cinnamon sugar into the batter before baking for a delightful surprise.

If you love these Snickerdoodle Cupcakes, you might enjoy trying out these delicious recipes:

Final Thoughts

These Snickerdoodle Cupcakes are not just a dessert; they are an experience. Every bite is filled with a nostalgic flavor that takes you back to cozy moments spent around the kitchen table. With a soft texture, a warm cinnamon kick, and a luxurious cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are bound to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just for yourself, these Snickerdoodle Cupcakes will surely bring a smile to your face. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake some magic!