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Snickerdoodle Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft, moist cupcakes with warm cinnamon-sugar flavor and a cinnamon-sugar topping, finished with tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness.
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Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:18 minutes
Total Time:38 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 Cupcakes

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 3/4 cup whole milk room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sour cream room temperature
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • 2 tbsp granulated suga
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt-optional

Instructions

Making the Cupcakes:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, milk, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don't overmix.
  • Divide batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the unbaked cupcakes.
  • Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Beat in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Pipe or spread frosting onto completely cooled cupcakes.
  • Family-Friendly Tip: Let kids help measure the cinnamon-sugar topping and sprinkle it on the cupcakes before baking—they'll love watching it create that perfect golden top!