Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the flavors of churros with the softness of cupcakes
- Topped with cinnamon sugar for that classic churro crunch
- Perfect for parties, birthdays, or a sweet treat at home
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Can be customized with different fillings or frostings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream (for frosting)
- Powdered sugar
- Cream cheese (optional, for extra creamy frosting)
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 a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating heavy cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Add cream cheese if using for extra creaminess.
- Once cooled, frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Stuffed Churro Cupcakes – Add a dulce de leche or chocolate ganache filling for an extra surprise.
- Spiced Version – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a deeper spice flavor.
- Cinnamon Buttercream – Swap the whipped frosting for a cinnamon-infused buttercream.
- Mini Cupcakes – Make bite-sized treats by using a mini cupcake tin and reducing the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
- Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: If refrigerated, let the cupcakes come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
FAQs
How do I make these cupcakes extra moist?
Use room-temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cupcakes soft and tender.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade frosting with cinnamon adds the best flavor and texture.
Can I make these cupcakes without eggs?
You can substitute eggs with applesauce or a flax egg for an egg-free version.
What can I use instead of butter?
Vegetable oil or coconut oil can be used, but butter gives the best flavor.
Can I bake these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost before serving.
How do I get the cinnamon-sugar topping to stick?
Lightly brush the cupcakes with melted butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best, but you can use cake flour for a lighter texture.
What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?
Use a piping bag with a star tip for a decorative swirl on top.
Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter, milk, and a dairy-free frosting alternative.
How do I prevent dry cupcakes?
Measure ingredients accurately, do not overbake, and use a toothpick to check for doneness.
Conclusion
Churro Cupcakes bring together the best of two desserts: the crispy, cinnamon-coated joy of churros and the soft, fluffy texture of cupcakes. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a luscious filling, these cupcakes will quickly become a favorite treat. Try them today and enjoy a bite of cinnamon-sugar goodness!
Churro Cupcakes
These Churro Cupcakes bring the delicious flavors of classic churros into a soft, cinnamon-sugar cupcake! Topped with creamy cinnamon buttercream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, these cupcakes are perfect for any dessert lover. Enjoy the taste of a fair-favorite treat in a bite-sized, homemade cupcake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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 Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Making the Cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Making the Cinnamon Buttercream:
- Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla and heavy cream (add 1 tbsp at a time) until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assembly:
- Pipe cinnamon buttercream onto cooled cupcakes.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle over the frosting.
- Optionally, garnish with a small churro piece or drizzle with caramel sauce.
Notes
- For extra churro flavor, brush cupcakes with melted butter before adding cinnamon sugar topping.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Best served fresh, but you can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
