Snickerdoodle Cupcakes Recipe

The Perfect Snickerdoodle Cupcakes Recipe for Cinnamon Lovers

Snickerdoodle cupcakes elevate classic cookie comfort into an elevated dessert experience.

Warm cinnamon swirls dance through these delicate, cloud-like treats that melt effortlessly on your palate.

Traditional bakery magic meets modern baking creativity in this elegant miniature confection.

Sweet memories of childhood baking emerge with each tender, spice-kissed bite.

Soft and pillowy textures promise a delightful contrast between fluffy cake and smooth frosting.

Sophisticated yet nostalgic, these cupcakes offer a perfect balance of familiar flavor and gourmet flair.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that speaks directly to your soul.

Reasons to Make Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

  • Savor Classic Comfort: These cupcakes capture the beloved snickerdoodle cookie's warm cinnamon essence in a delightful cupcake form, offering a nostalgic twist on a traditional favorite.
  • Masterful Texture Symphony: Experience a perfect balance of soft, tender cake with creamy frosting and delicate cinnamon-sugar dusting that creates a luxurious mouthfeel in every single bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Magic: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations, these cupcakes provide an impressive yet approachable dessert that will wow friends and family with minimal complicated preparation techniques.

What You Need for Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Cake Flour: Base for tender and soft cupcake texture with fine, delicate crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent for light and fluffy cupcake rise.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Signature snickerdoodle warm, aromatic spice profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation with smooth texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cupcake browning and structure.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients, adds moisture, and provides structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds deep, classic flavor complexity.
  • Milk: Creates moisture and helps blend dry ingredients smoothly.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base for smooth, rich frosting texture.
  • Powdered Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve ideal frosting consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract, Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to frosting.
Topping:
  • Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Classic snickerdoodle coating for extra sweetness and spice.

Preparing Snickerdoodle Cupcakes Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Tins

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 28 muffin tins with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together in a medium bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cake flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

Use electric mixer to blend butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Incorporate eggs one at a time into creamed mixture. Ensure each egg is fully mixed before adding next. Scrape bowl sides as needed.

Step 5: Mix In Vanilla

Smoothly blend vanilla extract into batter.

Step 6: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Alternately add flour mixture and milk to butter mixture. Begin and end with flour. Mix just until combined after each addition.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Tins

Divide batter evenly into prepared tins. Fill each about 3/4 full to allow proper rising.

Step 8: Bake Cupcakes

Bake for 20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting toothpick – it should come out clean. Cool completely on wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

Blend using electric mixer:
  • Cream cheese
  • Softened butter

Mix until smooth and lump-free.

Step 10: Finish Frosting

Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon

Beat until beautifully smooth.

Step 11: Frost Cupcakes

Frost cooled cupcakes using spatula or piping technique based on personal preference.

Step 12: Add Finishing Touch

Combine in small bowl:
  • Sugar
  • Cinnamon

Dust lightly over frosted cupcakes using sieve just before serving.

Tips for Better Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

  • Sift Dry Ingredients Carefully: Use a fine-mesh sieve to ensure no lumps remain in flour mixture, creating a smoother, more consistent cupcake texture.
  • Cream Butter Perfectly: Beat butter and sugar for at least 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, which helps create a lighter, more tender crumb.
  • Temper Eggs Gently: Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition to prevent curdling and maintain a silky batter consistency.
  • Check Baking Doneness Precisely: Insert a toothpick at a 45-degree angle into the cupcake center; if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, they're perfectly baked.
  • Frost with Finesse: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking decorative finish.

Maintaining Freshness for Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

  • Store Leftovers
  • Refrigerate cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent frosting from sticking together. Seal container tightly to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze Method: Wrap individual cupcakes in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve quality and taste. Label containers with date for easy tracking.
  • Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen cupcakes overnight in refrigerator. Remove plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Warm slightly in microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired, but avoid overheating to prevent drying out frosting or cake texture.

Ways to Serve Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

  • Savor Warm Cinnamon Chai: Pair these snickerdoodle cupcakes with a spicy, creamy chai tea that echoes the cinnamon notes and complements the sweet frosting perfectly.
  • Elevate with Caramel Macchiato: Match the cupcakes with a rich caramel macchiato, where the coffee's depth and caramel undertones beautifully highlight the dessert's warm spices.
  • Indulge in Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the cupcake with a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast and enhancing the treat's creamy texture.
  • Complement with Almond Milk: Enjoy a cold glass of unsweetened almond milk to balance the cupcake's sweetness and provide a nutty, refreshing accompaniment.

Extra Twists for Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

  • Maple Pecan Snickerdoodle: Transform the classic recipe by replacing vanilla extract with maple syrup and folding chopped pecans into the batter for a nutty, rich flavor profile.
  • Mexican Chocolate Spin: Incorporate dark cocoa powder into the dry ingredients and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick that complements the cinnamon notes.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Edition: Create a cream cheese filling by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, then pipe this mixture into the center of each cupcake before baking for a surprising inner layer.
  • Caramel Apple Adaptation: Mix finely diced fresh apples into the batter and top the frosted cupcakes with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for an autumnal-inspired treat.
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Snickerdoodle Cupcakes Recipe

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 28 1x

Description

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes bring cinnamon-sugar magic straight from classic American bakeries to your kitchen. Delicate vanilla cake topped with silky cinnamon buttercream creates a nostalgic dessert perfect for sweet moments you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1¾ cups granulated white sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups cake flour
  • 1¼ cups whole milk

Baking Essentials:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting Components:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (1 stick/113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ tablespoon vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and arrange paper liners in two standard muffin trays to accommodate 24 cupcakes.
  2. Sift all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon together in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring uniform ingredient distribution.
  3. Utilize an electric mixer to cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy, and pale consistency.
  4. Introduce eggs individually into the creamed mixture, thoroughly blending each one before adding the next, and periodically scrape down the bowl’s sides to maintain even incorporation.
  5. Gently fold vanilla extract into the batter, creating a smooth and fragrant base.
  6. Alternate between adding portions of the dry flour mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and concluding with flour, mixing minimally after each addition to prevent overworking the batter.
  7. Distribute the batter evenly among prepared muffin liners, filling each approximately 3/4 full to allow proper rising during baking.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the cupcake’s center; if it emerges without wet batter, remove from oven.
  9. Transfer cupcakes to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely before frosting.
  10. For frosting, blend softened cream cheese and unsalted butter using an electric mixer until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
  11. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
  12. Apply frosting using either a spatula or piping bag, covering each cupcake generously.
  13. Create a final garnish by mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then delicately dusting the frosted cupcakes using a fine-mesh sieve for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Capture the essence of homemade comfort with these delightful Snickerdoodle Cupcakes that blend classic cookie flavors into a soft, tender cupcake experience.
  • Precise flour sifting ensures a light, airy texture that makes these cupcakes melt effortlessly in your mouth with each delectable bite.
  • Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious, tangy richness that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon undertones throughout the cupcake.
  • Carefully mixing ingredients prevents overmixing, guaranteeing a tender crumb that remains moist and flavorful after baking.
  • Dusting cinnamon sugar on top provides a nostalgic finishing touch that echoes the beloved Snickerdoodle cookie’s signature coating.
  • Serving these cupcakes at room temperature maximizes their incredible flavor and allows the frosting to shine in all its creamy glory.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 28
  • Calories: 385 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 234 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 3.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 67 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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