Matcha Recipes

Matcha Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream

Millie Pham

These Matcha Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream are light, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet.

The earthy matcha pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced buttercream—it’s an unexpected combo that just works. If you love matcha lattes or cinnamon rolls, you’re in for a treat!

These cupcakes are easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for any occasion. So, grab your whisk, and let’s bake some magic!

What You’ll Need

For the Matcha Cupcakes:

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp matcha powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cinnamon Buttercream:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

  1. Use high-quality matcha – A vibrant green color means it’s fresh and will taste better!
  2. Room temp ingredients – Butter, eggs, and milk should be at room temperature for the best texture.
  3. Sift the matcha – This prevents clumps and gives you a smooth batter.
  4. Don’t overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the cupcakes soft.
  5. Taste your frosting – If you want more cinnamon, add a little at a time!

🛠 Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Cupcake tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Spatula
  • Piping bag & tip

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

  • Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and coconut cream.
  • More spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the frosting.
  • Want it less sweet? Reduce the powdered sugar in the buttercream.
  • No matcha? Try cocoa powder for a chocolate version!

🕒 Make-Ahead Tips

  • Bake the cupcakes a day before and store them in an airtight container.
  • Frosting can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days—just rewhip before using.

🔥 How to Make Matcha Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

a white mixing bowl with flour, vibrant green matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt being whisked together

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

a mixing bowl with softened butter and granulated sugar being whipped with a hand mixer

Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

a mixing bowl with a smooth, creamy softened sugar butter as an egg on top

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk mixed with vinegar, stirring until just combined.

matcha cupcake batter being folded gently with a spatula, showing a soft green color and smooth consistency

Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners & Bake

Scoop batter into lined cupcake tins, filling ¾ full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes.

 a cupcake tin filled with green matcha batter in white liners, ready to go into the oven

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Buttercream

Beat the butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and heavy cream until fluffy.

a mixing bowl with creamy cinnamon buttercream being whipped, showing soft peaks

Step 7: Frost & Serve

Pipe the cinnamon buttercream onto cooled cupcakes and dust with a little matcha or cinnamon.

a matcha cupcake with a perfect swirl of light brown cinnamon buttercream being piped on top

🍽 Leftovers & Storage

  • Room temp: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
  • Fridge: Keep for up to 5 days, but bring to room temp before eating.
  • Freeze: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for 2 months!

🎉 Time to Bake!

Now it’s your turn! Try these matcha cupcakes, snap a pic, and let me know how they turned out. Got questions or fun variations? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear! 💚🍵✨

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!