Cinnamon Swirl Ricotta Cupcakes (Printable Version)
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with creamy ricotta and a fragrant cinnamon swirl, ideal for a sweet afternoon snack.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Cupcake Batter
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
09 - 1/3 cup whole milk
→ Cinnamon Swirl
10 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
11 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Topping (Optional)
13 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
15 - Pinch of cinnamon
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Add ricotta cheese to the mixture and blend until just combined.
06 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
07 - In a small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until evenly combined.
08 - Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each cupcake liner. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon swirl mixture, then top with remaining batter. Drop another 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon swirl on top and use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl.
09 - Bake cupcakes for 20–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
10 - Allow cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Mix powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle glaze evenly over cooled cupcakes.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Delicate texture with rich ricotta
- Aromatic cinnamon swirl elevates the flavor
02 -
- Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs—check ricotta for cross-contamination if sensitive
- For a richer taste, mascarpone can be used in place of ricotta
03 -
- Do not overmix the batter, or cupcakes may become dense
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the swirl for extra warmth