Cinnamon Swirl Ricotta Cupcakes (Printable)

Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with creamy ricotta and cinnamon swirl for a comforting, elegant treat.

# What 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 - 1–2 tablespoons milk
15 - Pinch of cinnamon

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Add ricotta cheese to the mixture and mix until combined.
06 - Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour blend. Mix delicately to maintain a tender crumb.
07 - In a small bowl, stir together light brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until uniform.
08 - Spoon 1 tablespoon of batter into each liner, then add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon swirl. Top with remaining batter. Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon swirl to each cupcake and gently swirl using a toothpick.
09 - Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center releases clean. Remove pan from oven.
10 - Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool thoroughly.
11 - For topping, combine powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle glaze over fully cooled cupcakes.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses common pantry staples for both batter and swirl
  • Simple steps make it easy even for beginner bakers
  • Ribbons of cinnamon throughout each cupcake turn every bite into a little celebration
  • Ricotta keeps cupcakes super moist without being heavy
  • You can easily adapt for different toppings or add ins
02 -
  • Very moist from the ricotta so they stay fresh for several days
  • Delicious served either plain or with glaze
  • Kid approved for snacking and easy to pack for lunches
  • High calcium thanks to the ricotta base
03 -
  • Let butter and eggs come fully to room temperature for the creamiest batter
  • Do not skip swirling the cinnamon mixture as it gives both flavor and a bakery shop look
  • Always check cupcakes a minute before baking time is up for perfect texture overbaking will dry them out
  • A sturdy cookie scoop makes filling the muffin tin quicker and neater
  • Try warming leftover cupcakes five seconds in the microwave for an ultra tender treat

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