Description
These snickerdoodle cupcakes are moist vanilla cupcakes with a buttery streusel bottom, crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, and creamy brown sugar and cinnamon frosting.
Ingredients
For the Streusel
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cupcakes
- 1 package vanilla cake mix
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup oil
- 3/4 cup light sour cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions
For the Streusel
- Combine all dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
- In a separate bowl, melt butter. Pour melted butter over dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend butter into dry ingredients to create a crumbly mixture. Set aside.
For the Cupcake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine vanilla cupcake mix with vanilla pudding. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg is added to ensure it is well mixed.
- Add milk, oil, sour cream, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until all ingredients are well combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the side of the bowl and turn the batter over from the bottom.
- Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Pour 1 heaping teaspoon of streusel in the bottom of each liner. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of cupcake batter into each liner on top of streusel. Each liner will be about ¾ full.
- Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until cupcakes are done. You do not want to top to turn brown. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the middle of the cupcake. If the toothpick comes out clean, your cupcakes are done. Allow to cool completely.
For the Topping
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl or paper plate.
- Melt butter in the microwave. Brush each cupcake with a thin layer of butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mix.
For the Frosting
- Allow butter to come to room temperature so it is soft but not melted. Beat butter in a mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add brown sugar and mix until combined.
- Slowly add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time while continuing to beat on medium speed. Add cinnamon and mix into the frosting.
- Add vanilla and heavy whipping cream last and increase mixer speed to high to whip frosting until smooth and creamy.
- Frost cooled cupcakes.
Notes
Frosting will be very light and airy, for a thicker frosting, you can add additional powdered sugar or reduce to only 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream.
