If you’re a fan of the classic Snickerdoodle cookies, get ready to fall in love with these Snickerdoodle Cupcakes. A delightful twist on a beloved treat, these cupcakes offer a cinnamony kick that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Imagine a spiced cake base topped with a luscious cinnamon brown sugar cream cheese frosting – it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
Ingredients
Creating these delightful Snickerdoodle Cupcakes involves a few key components to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Cupcake Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cups cake flour
- 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
Cinnamon-Sugar Mix
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Required Tools and Equipment
To create these delicious Snickerdoodle Cupcakes, you will need some essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process and excellent results. Here are the items you will need:
Tools:
- Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer to easily blend the cupcake batter and frosting ingredients.
- Cupcake Pan: A standard 12-cup muffin pan to bake the cupcakes.
- Cupcake Liners: Paper or silicone cupcake liners to prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the pan.
- Mixing Bowls: Several mixing bowls in various sizes for preparing the cupcake batter and frosting.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure the ingredients for both the cupcakes and frosting.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing melted butter or cinnamon-sugar mix on the cupcakes.
- Spatula: A rubber spatula for scraping the bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Piping Bag and Tips (optional): If you want to pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes for a decorative touch.
- Oven: To bake the cupcakes to perfection.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cupcakes after baking.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: To blend the butter into the dry ingredients for the crumbly mixture.
- Cake Tester or Toothpick: To check if the cupcakes are fully baked.
- Plastic Wrap: For storing any leftover frosting or cupcakes.
- Refrigerator: To chill the frosting if needed before piping onto the cupcakes.
- Knife or Offset Spatula: For spreading the frosting on the cupcakes.
Having these tools and equipment ready will make the process of making Snickerdoodle Cupcakes easier and more enjoyable.
Instructions
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
To start making these scrumptious Snickerdoodle Cupcakes, preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line a 12-count cupcake tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, and oil, then use an electric mixer to beat them together until light, creamy, and well-combined. Add two large eggs and vanilla extract, stirring well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, cream of tartar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Now, by hand, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure soft and moist cupcakes.
Baking the Cupcakes
After preparing the cupcake batter, evenly divide it into the prepared cupcake liners. Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Ensure not to overbake the cupcakes; they will continue baking in the cupcake tin as they cool. Once baked to perfection, remove the cupcakes immediately from the pan to prevent overbaking and allow them to cool completely before adding the frosting.
Mixing the Frosting
For the delicious cream cheese frosting, cream together softened cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar until well combined. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Don’t forget to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl before adding vanilla extract and cinnamon. Add heavy cream and increase the mixer speed to high, beating until the frosting is light and smooth. Adjust the sweetness by taste and add a pinch of salt if necessary. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and savor the delectable flavor of these Snickerdoodle Cupcakes with every bite.
Assembling the Cupcakes
Assembling the cupcakes is the fun part where we bring all the delicious components together to create a delightful treat. Let’s start by frosting the cupcakes and adding the final touches to make them even more irresistible.
Frosting the Cupcakes
To frost the cupcakes, beat together cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and powdered sugar gradually until smooth. Use a pastry bag to pipe the frosting onto each cupcake. Immediately dust the frosting with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that final touch of flavor and sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Snickerdoodle Cupcakes
To ensure your Snickerdoodle cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before using them. This helps create a smooth batter and fluffy frosting.
- Proper Mixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes.
- Even Distribution: Fill your cupcake liners evenly to ensure all cupcakes bake uniformly in the oven.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor in both the cupcake batter and the frosting.
- Decorating Flair: Get creative with your frosting decorations – swirls, peaks, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top can add a beautiful finishing touch.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a seasoned baker, I understand the value of time-saving strategies in the kitchen. For these Snickerdoodle Cupcakes, you can easily prepare certain components ahead of time to streamline the baking process and ensure a stress-free experience. Here are some make-ahead instructions to help you get organized and enjoy fresh, delicious cupcakes with minimal effort:
Preparing the Cupcake Batter:
- Dry Ingredients Mixture: Combine all the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, and cinnamon, in a medium-sized bowl. Store this mixture in an airtight container or a resealable bag.
- Wet Ingredients: Likewise, you can measure out the wet ingredients such as butter and vanilla extract in advance. Keep the butter at room temperature, ready to incorporate into the batter when you’re ready to bake.
- Crumbly Mixture: If you’re prepping the crumbly mixture for the topping, follow the same procedure of blending melted butter with the dry ingredients. Store it separately until you’re ready to assemble the cupcakes.
- Cream Cheese Base: Prepare the cream cheese base for the frosting by mixing cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Add in cinnamon and vanilla extract to infuse the classic Snickerdoodle flavor.
- Storage: Once the frosting is ready, you can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to frost the cupcakes, allow the frosting to come to room temperature for easier piping.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can break down the baking process into manageable steps, saving time on the day of baking while still ensuring a delightful end result. Plan ahead, stay organized, and savor the joy of freshly baked Snickerdoodle Cupcakes whenever you desire.
Conclusion
Creating Snickerdoodle Cupcakes is a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat in a new form. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious cupcakes with a spiced twist. From mixing the batter to piping the creamy frosting, every step is designed to help you achieve moist and flavorful results. The make-ahead tips provided offer a convenient solution for busy bakers looking to save time without compromising on taste. With a bit of preparation and organization, you can enjoy freshly baked Snickerdoodle Cupcakes whenever the craving strikes. Embrace the warmth of cinnamon and sugar in every bite, and treat yourself to these irresistible treats for any occasion. Happy baking!