Churro cupcakes combine the warm, sweet flavors of classic churros with the soft, fluffy texture of cupcakes. Coated in cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy frosting, they offer the perfect balance of crunch and moisture. These treats are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, bringing a delicious twist to a favorite dessert.
Key Benefits
Churro Flavor in Cupcake Form – Enjoy the classic taste of churros with the soft, moist texture of a cupcake.
Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners.
Perfect Crunch & Softness – A light, fluffy base with a cinnamon-sugar coating gives the ideal texture.
Versatile & Customizable – Pair with dulce de leche, chocolate drizzle, or a cinnamon-infused frosting.
Great for Any Occasion – These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or as a sweet treat with coffee.
Ingredients for churro cupcakes
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
These simple pantry staples come together to create the perfect balance of soft, fluffy cupcakes with a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating and a smooth, creamy frosting!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Using a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
Fill the cupcake liners with the batter, about ⅔ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Brush the tops of the slightly warm cupcakes with melted butter.
Mix the sugar and cinnamon, then dip or sprinkle it over each cupcake for that classic churro coating.
4. Make the Frosting
Beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined.
Mix in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and heavy cream, whipping until smooth and fluffy.
5. Frost and Serve
Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cupcakes once they are completely cooled.
Optionally, drizzle with dulce de leche or add a mini churro for extra flair.
Enjoy these churro cupcakes with a warm drink or as a crowd-pleasing dessert!
Pro Tips for churro cupcakes
Measure Flour Correctly – Use a spoon to scoop the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. This ensures you don’t pack too much flour into the cup, which can result in dense cupcakes.
Room Temperature Ingredients – For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a light and fluffy batter.
Don’t Overmix – When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make your cupcakes tough instead of soft and airy.
Cool Cupcakes Before Coating – Allow the cupcakes to cool slightly before applying the cinnamon sugar coating. If the cupcakes are too hot, the sugar will dissolve, and you’ll miss that delightful crunchy topping!
Frosting Tip – For perfectly smooth frosting, use room-temperature butter and add a splash of heavy cream for a silky, spreadable consistency. You can adjust the cream to make the frosting as thick or as soft as you like.
Make It Ahead – These cupcakes stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to make them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container for the best flavor and texture.
Personalize Your Topping – Get creative with your frosting! You can drizzle chocolate, add a sprinkle of sea salt, or even top with a mini churro for extra flair.
Variations
Chocolate Churro Cupcakes – For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the batter and mix in chocolate chips. Top with a rich chocolate frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar for that churro flair.
Spiced Churro Cupcakes – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter for a deeper spice profile. This variation gives your cupcakes an extra layer of warmth that’s perfect for fall.
Mini Churro Cupcakes – Make these cupcakes bite-sized by using a mini muffin tin. These are perfect for parties and easy to serve as a sweet finger food!
Churro Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting – For a tangy contrast to the sweetness, swap the buttercream frosting for a smooth cream cheese frosting. The tanginess pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon sugar.
Serving Suggestions for churro cupcakes
Pair with Coffee or Hot Chocolate – These churro cupcakes are the perfect companion to a steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or latte. The warm cinnamon flavors in both the drink and cupcake complement each other beautifully.
Add a Drizzle of Dulce de Leche – For a richer flavor, drizzle dulce de leche over the frosting. The creamy, caramel sweetness elevates the cupcakes and adds an indulgent touch.
Perfect for Parties and Celebrations – Serve these cupcakes at your next birthday party, potluck, or family gathering. Their charming appearance and delicious flavor make them a crowd-pleaser!
Garnish with Mini Churros – For an extra special touch, top each cupcake with a mini churro. It adds an authentic churro feel and gives your cupcakes an eye-catching look.
Serve with Ice Cream – If you’re craving a more indulgent dessert, serve the cupcakes alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream. The cold ice cream and warm cupcake are a heavenly combination.
FAQs about churro cupcakes
Can I make churro cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cupcakes can be baked a day or two in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. Frost them the day you plan to serve for the best presentation and flavor.
How do I get a perfect cinnamon sugar coating?
To get that perfect churro-like coating, be sure to brush the cupcakes with melted butter while they’re still slightly warm but not hot. Then, generously sprinkle or dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This helps the coating stick and gives it that delightful crunch.
Can I make churro cupcakes without cinnamon?
While cinnamon is a key ingredient in creating that churro-inspired flavor, you could substitute it with other spices like pumpkin-pie spice or nutmeg for a different twist. However, the cinnamon really brings that authentic churro taste!