Oh, the smell of cinnamon! Isn’t it just the *best*? It always reminds me of cozy mornings and happy memories. That’s why I’m so excited to share my Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcake Recipe with you! These cupcakes aren’t just easy to make; they’re like a warm hug in every bite. Seriously, they are!
Growing up, my grandma would always bake cinnamon treats, and the whole house would smell amazing. This recipe is my little tribute to her – simple, comforting, and totally delicious. So, if you’re looking for a super easy and impressive treat, these Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes are *it*! Trust me, you’ll love them!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcake Recipe
Quick and Easy Baking
Seriously, who has tons of time? Not me! That’s why these cupcakes are so great – you can whip ’em up in under an hour. Score!
Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Flavor
The perfect mix of sweet and spicy? Yes, please! That cinnamon swirl is just *chef’s kiss*. You’ll be hooked, I promise!
Impressively Beautiful
Okay, let’s be honest, they look pretty darn fancy, right? That swirl is just gorgeous. No one needs to know how easy they were to make – it’ll be our little secret!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Parties, holidays, Tuesdays… honestly, any excuse is a good excuse for these cupcakes. They’re always a hit!
Ingredients for Your Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcake Recipe
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for these amazing cupcakes. And trust me, a little prep makes everything easier!
- Grab 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted. Sifting makes ’em light and fluffy!
- You’ll also need 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.
- Don’t forget 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened (like, *really* soft!) to room temperature is next.
- Then, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
- 2 large eggs at room temperature. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
- ½ cup of milk, also at room temperature!
- For the swirl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and let it cool a bit. Careful, it splatters when melting!
- Mix that with 1/4 cup of packed light brown sugar.
- And finally, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, fresh if you’ve got it!
Equipment You’ll Need
Okay, before we get started, let’s make sure you’ve got all your tools ready! Nothing’s worse than being halfway through and realizing you’re missing something, right?
Standard Muffin Tin
You’ll need a 12-cup muffin tin. You know, the regular size! Don’t try to be fancy here.
Cupcake Liners
Grab some paper or silicone cupcake liners. I like the paper ones ’cause they’re easy, but silicone is reusable, which is cool too!
Mixing Bowls
You’ll want a couple of different sizes – one for the dry stuff and one for the wet. Trust me, it makes life easier!
Electric Mixer
Hand mixer or stand mixer, whatever you’ve got! Either one works just fine. I love my stand mixer, but a hand mixer does the trick too.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Gotta be accurate! Grab your measuring cups and spoons. Baking is a science, after all (sort of!).

How to Make This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcake Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, time to get baking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, cinnamon-y goodness in no time!
Preparing for Baking
First things first: crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot before the cupcakes go in. Then, line your muffin tin with those cupcake liners. This is *super* important, or you’ll have a sticky mess later!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Grab your mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Just whisk it all together until it’s nicely combined. This makes sure the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is key for fluffy cupcakes!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a *separate* bowl (told ya you’d need two!), cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat it until it’s light and fluffy. This might take a few minutes, but it’s worth it! The mixture should look pale yellow and almost double in size. This is where you get those nice, tender cupcakes!
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until *just* combined. Seriously, don’t overmix! Overmixing makes tough cupcakes, and nobody wants that.
Making the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix it all together until it forms a delicious, gooey paste. This is the magic stuff, folks!
Assembling and Baking the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with the batter. Then, take a spoonful of the cinnamon mixture and swirl it into each cupcake. You can use a toothpick or a knife to swirl it around. Be careful not to overfill the liners, or they’ll overflow in the oven!
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them – ovens can be finicky!
Cooling and Serving
Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy. Once they’re cooled, you can frost them (if you want!) or just enjoy them as they are. Yum!
Tips for the Best Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcake Recipe
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Seriously, this makes a *huge* difference! Room temperature eggs and milk blend so much better, creating a smooth batter. Plus, your butter will cream like a dream! Trust me on this one.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
I know, I know, it’s tempting to keep mixing until everything’s perfectly smooth. But resist! Overmixing develops the gluten and makes tough cupcakes. Mix until *just* combined, and you’ll be golden.
Swirl Gently
When you’re swirling in that cinnamon goodness, be gentle! If you swirl too much, the cinnamon mixture will sink to the bottom. A light swirl is all you need for that perfect, pretty effect.
Check for Doneness
The toothpick test is your friend! Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), they’re ready! If it’s still wet, give ’em a few more minutes.

Variations for Your Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcake Recipe
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! These cupcakes are like a blank canvas – let your imagination run wild!
Add a Cream Cheese Frosting
Oh my gosh, cream cheese frosting is the *perfect* complement to these cupcakes! Just whip together some cream cheese, powdered sugar, a little vanilla, and a splash of milk. Boom! Frosting heaven!
Use Different Spices
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the cinnamon for nutmeg, cardamom, or even a little allspice. It’ll give your cupcakes a whole new flavor profile. So yummy!
Add Nuts
Want a little crunch? Throw some chopped pecans or walnuts into that cinnamon swirl. It adds a fantastic texture and a nutty flavor that’s just divine!
Make Mini Cupcakes
Mini cupcakes are just so cute, aren’t they? Plus, they’re perfect for parties! Just reduce the baking time – start checking them around 10 minutes. Easy peasy!
Storing Your Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes
Got leftovers? (If you do, you’re stronger than I am!). Here’s how to keep ’em fresh and delicious!
Storing at Room Temperature
Just pop those cupcakes into an airtight container. They’ll stay yummy at room temperature for about 2-3 days. Easy peasy!
Freezing Cupcakes
Want to keep ’em longer? No problem! Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then stick ’em in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months! Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying. Mmm, future cupcakes!
Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcake Recipe: FAQs
Can I use self-rising flour?
Okay, so self-rising flour has baking powder *and* salt already mixed in. If you use it, you’ll need to skip the baking powder and salt in the recipe. Otherwise, they might rise too much and then collapse. Oops! Regular all-purpose is really the best bet for these easy cinnamon swirl cupcakes.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Totally! These easy cinnamon swirl cupcakes are great made a day ahead. Just let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay nice and fresh! If you’re frosting them, I’d wait until just before serving to keep the frosting pretty.
My cupcakes are sinking in the middle, what did I do wrong?
Oh no, sinking cupcakes are a bummer! This usually happens if the oven temperature isn’t quite right, or if you overmixed the batter. Make sure your oven is properly preheated, and be super careful not to overmix when you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients for your easy cinnamon swirl cupcake recipe. Also, don’t open the oven door too much while they’re baking!
Can I use a different type of sugar?
You can experiment! Using all brown sugar will give them a richer, more molasses-like flavor and a slightly chewier texture. They’ll also be a bit darker. If you use only white sugar, they’ll be a little less moist. I really think the combination of granulated and brown sugar in this easy cinnamon swirl cupcake recipe is the *perfect* balance, though!

Nutritional Information for Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes
Just a heads-up: nutrition info can vary, depending on the brands and exact amounts you use. So, this is just a general estimate, okay?
Enjoyed This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcake Recipe?
Yay! I hope so! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And hey, share your cupcake pics on social media – I’d love to see ’em!
Print
Unbelievably Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cupcake Recipe in 45
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these easy cinnamon swirl cupcakes with a sweet and spicy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter. Swirl cinnamon mixture into each cupcake.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg