Churro Cupcakes Recipe

Craving something irresistibly sweet and a little bit nostalgic? These Churro Cupcakes capture all the cinnamon-sugar magic of classic churros in cupcake form, complete with a dreamy cinnamon buttercream. Every bite promises a tender, fluffy crumb kissed with spices, crowned by a swirl of creamy frosting and that signature crunchy topping. Whether you’re planning a celebration, looking to spice up dessert night, or simply need to satisfy your sweet tooth, this is the treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—maybe even thirds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your pantry staples—the beauty of Churro Cupcakes is that they’re built from familiar ingredients, each chosen to create that characteristic cinnamony warmth, soft crumb, and irresistible topping. Let’s break down what makes every bite special.

• All-purpose flour: Gives these cupcakes their tender structure and a classic, cakey bite.
• Baking powder: Provides the lift, ensuring your cupcakes rise beautifully in the oven.
• Salt: Just a little to enhance all the sweet, spiced flavors without overwhelming them.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice, adding warmth and that signature churro aroma throughout the batter, topping, and buttercream.
• Unsalted butter (softened): For a rich, buttery base and extra creamy frosting—make sure it’s at room temperature for the fluffiest results.
• Granulated sugar: Beats with the butter for sweetness and is used for the irresistible cinnamon-sugar dip.
• Large eggs: Help bind the batter and add moisture, resulting in a rich, tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: A splash pulls the flavors together and adds depth to both cake and frosting.
• Whole milk: Keeps the cupcakes moist and helps blend the batter for that light texture.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, luscious buttercream topping that’s not gritty.
• Heavy cream or milk: Whips the buttercream to fluffy perfection; use cream for extra decadence, but milk works in a pinch.

How to Make Churro Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

To start, crank up your oven to 350°F and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This little step will make cleanup a breeze and give your Churro Cupcakes perfectly crisp edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures that the leavening and spice are evenly distributed, so every cupcake bakes up light and packed with flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Don’t rush it—this step is what gives your cupcakes their irresistible, tender crumb and sets up a velvety base for the rest of the ingredients.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps prevent curdling and keeps the batter smooth. Follow with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that rich, comforting aroma.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add your dry mixture to the wet batter in two parts, with half the milk in between. Gently mix just until the batter comes together. You’re aiming for a smooth, scoopable consistency without overmixing.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter between the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Slide into the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 7: Add the Signature Cinnamon Sugar

Here’s where the churro vibe really comes alive. While the cupcakes are still slightly warm, brush each top with a little melted butter, then dip or generously sprinkle with that cinnamon-sugar mixture. This not only looks beautiful, but it adds a sweet crunch with every bite.

Step 8: Whip Up the Cinnamon Buttercream

Beat softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, followed by just enough heavy cream or milk for a fluffy, pipeable frosting. This buttercream tastes like a churro hug!

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once your cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread a mountain of cinnamon buttercream on top. Garnish just as you like—get creative!

How to Serve Churro Cupcakes

Garnishes

The cinnamon-sugar topping is already a showstopper, but for extra flair, drizzle with dulce de leche or crown each cupcake with a mini churro. You could also sprinkle on a bit of edible glitter or a dust of extra cinnamon for that bakery-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

Churro Cupcakes shine at any dessert table and play well with a range of sides. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve alongside café con leche or spiced hot chocolate for a true fiesta-inspired treat.

Creative Ways to Present

You can arrange these cupcakes on a colorful platter, tuck a cinnamon stick or mini churro into the frosting, or swirl on extra caramel for eye-popping presentation. For parties, try serving in mini cupcake liners for bite-size fun, or nestle each cupcake in vibrant tissue paper cups for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Churro Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. If chilled, let them come to room temperature before serving so the frosting is nice and creamy.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze unfrosted cupcakes tightly wrapped for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar just before serving for best taste and texture.

Reheating

To revive that “just-baked” freshness, microwave a chilled or thawed cupcake for about 10-15 seconds (without the frosting if possible). This warms up the crumb and brings those comforting aromas right back to life.

FAQs

Can I make Churro Cupcakes without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can use a simple hand mixer or even mix by hand with a sturdy whisk and spatula. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly so your cupcakes turn out as tender as possible.

What makes Churro Cupcakes different from regular cinnamon cupcakes?

It’s all about the finishing touches—the buttery cinnamon-sugar topping and spiced buttercream are what really set Churro Cupcakes apart, delivering that unmistakable churro flavor and crunch with each bite.

Do I need to sift the powdered sugar for the buttercream?

While it’s not strictly necessary, sifting the powdered sugar ensures a lump-free, ultra-smooth buttercream, which makes spreading or piping onto your cupcakes a breeze.

Can I use skim or non-dairy milk instead of whole milk?

Yes! While whole milk adds richness, you can substitute skim, 2 percent, or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat. Just know the cupcakes may be a touch less rich, but still delicious.

How far in advance can I make Churro Cupcakes?

You can bake the cupcakes and prepare the buttercream up to 2 days ahead. Store the cupcakes unfrosted, then frost and add the cinnamon-sugar topping the day you plan to serve for the freshest experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings pure joy and just the right dash of cinnamon-sugar nostalgia, these Churro Cupcakes are a must-bake. They’re simple, playful, and guaranteed to light up any celebration—so grab your apron, and let’s make your kitchen smell amazing!

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