Churro Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Churro Cupcakes bring the irresistible flavor of classic churros into a soft, fluffy cupcake form, complete with a cinnamon-sugar topping and rich frosting. Perfect for parties or anytime you crave a sweet cinnamon treat, these cupcakes combine warm spices with a moist vanilla base, echoing the joy of biting into a fresh churro—without the fryer.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

all-purpose flourgranulated sugarunsalted buttereggswhole milkvanilla extractbaking powderground cinnamonsaltbrown sugarcream cheese (for frosting)powdered sugarvegetable oil (for brushing)extra cinnamon and sugar for topping

directions

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, cinnamon, and salt.

In another large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Once cooled, brush cupcake tops lightly with vegetable oil and dip into a cinnamon-sugar mixture to mimic churro texture.

For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until fluffy.

Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with more cinnamon-sugar if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 cupcakes.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 18–22 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Add a caramel filling to the center of each cupcake for a decadent surprise.

Use dulce de leche frosting for a rich twist.

Top each cupcake with a mini churro for presentation.

Try a swirl of chocolate ganache under the frosting for added depth.

storage/reheating

Store Churro Cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving.
Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months and frosted later.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but homemade cream cheese frosting complements the churro flavor best.

What kind of cinnamon should I use?

Use ground Ceylon or Cassia cinnamon based on your flavor preference—Cassia is bolder and more traditional.

Do I have to brush oil on top?

Yes, brushing oil helps the cinnamon-sugar stick and creates the churro-like effect.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce sugar in the batter, but maintain enough for texture and flavor.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely—these taste great with just the cinnamon-sugar topping.

How do I make the mini churros for topping?

Pipe strips of dough using churro batter, fry until golden, and toss in cinnamon sugar.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake immediately for fluffiness, but you can refrigerate it for up to 12 hours.

Are these cupcakes kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love the sweet, cinnamon flavor and soft texture.

Do these taste like actual churros?

They capture the essence with cinnamon-sugar, moist cake, and creamy topping.

Conclusion

Churro Cupcakes are a fun, festive dessert that captures the beloved flavor of churros in a delightful cupcake form. With warm cinnamon, soft cake, and rich frosting, they’re sure to become a go-to for birthdays, holidays, or any sweet craving. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite cupcake recipe.

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