Snickerdoodle Cupcakes: A Sweet Cinnamon Delight

If you’re a fan of classic snickerdoodle cookies, then you’re in for a treat! These Snickerdoodle Cupcakes take everything you love about the traditional cinnamon-sugar cookie and transform it into a soft, fluffy cupcake with a deliciously spiced flavor. Topped with a creamy cinnamon buttercream frosting and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, these cupcakes are pure magic.

Snickerdoodles have been around for centuries, believed to have originated from German or Dutch baking traditions. The signature flavor comes from the combination of cinnamon and cream of tartar, which gives the cookies their slight tang and chewy texture. In cupcake form, this classic gets an upgrade with a tender crumb and a rich, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake.

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because, these cupcakes will steal the show at any gathering. They’re easy to make, full of warm flavors, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful snickerdoodle cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ¾ cups
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp
Cream of tartar	½ tsp
Ground cinnamon	1 ½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Unsalted butter, softened	½ cup (1 stick)
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Eggs	2
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
Whole milk	¾ cup

For the Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter, softened	1 cup (2 sticks)
Powdered sugar	3 cups
Ground cinnamon	1 ½ tsp
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
Heavy cream or milk	2-3 tbsp

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Ingredient	Quantity
Granulated sugar	¼ cup
Ground cinnamon	½ tsp

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – To cream butter and sugar for a fluffy cupcake texture.
• Cupcake liners and muffin tin – Essential for baking perfectly shaped cupcakes.
• Piping bag and star tip – For beautifully frosted cupcakes.
• Cooling rack – Allows cupcakes to cool evenly before frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In another large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing!

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Buttercream

Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and mix well. Add the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes

Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe generous swirls of frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

Step 9: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Mix the sugar and cinnamon, then lightly sprinkle it over the frosted cupcakes for that signature snickerdoodle finish.

Tips & Variations

• Make it extra cinnamon-y – Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for an even bolder flavor.
• For a tangy twist – Swap out half of the milk for buttermilk to enhance the tanginess from the cream of tartar.
• Want a caramel touch? – Drizzle some caramel sauce over the frosting for a delicious caramel-cinnamon combo.
• Gluten-free option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Vegan alternative – Replace butter with vegan butter, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with almond milk.

Serving Suggestions

To make your cupcakes look even more inviting:

• Serve them on a white or wooden platter to let the cinnamon topping stand out.
• Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Pair with a warm cup of chai, coffee, or a cinnamon latte for the ultimate fall-inspired treat.

Pairings

• Hot Drinks: These cupcakes pair beautifully with a spiced chai latte, cinnamon hot chocolate, or caramel macchiato.
• Cold Beverages: Try a vanilla milkshake or an iced cinnamon coffee for a refreshing balance.
• Alcoholic Pairing: A cinnamon whiskey cocktail or a spiced rum latte complements the flavors perfectly.

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
• Reheating: If needed, warm a cupcake in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften before eating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Cupcake
Calories	~320
Carbohydrates	~45g
Sugar	~32g
Fat	~14g
Protein	~3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

These Snickerdoodle Cupcakes bring the nostalgic warmth of classic snickerdoodle cookies into a soft, fluffy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich cinnamon flavor, paired with a creamy buttercream frosting, makes every bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking these for a party, a cozy night in, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, they are sure to be a hit. The balance of sweetness, spice, and that signature cinnamon-sugar topping captures the comforting essence of this beloved flavor.

Baking these cupcakes is not just about creating a delicious dessert—it’s about enjoying the process and sharing something special with friends and family. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and experience the magic of snickerdoodles in cupcake form! Don’t forget to share your creations with us—we’d love to see how they turn out. Happy baking!