Who doesn’t love churros? Those golden, cinnamon-sugar-coated pastries are the perfect balance of crispy and soft, making them an irresistible treat. Now, imagine all that goodness packed into a cupcake! Churro Cupcakes bring together the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with a tender cake base, topped with a luscious cinnamon-sugar buttercream and a crunchy churro garnish.

This dessert is inspired by traditional Spanish and Mexican churros, which are deep-fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar. Instead of frying, we’re baking that same nostalgic flavor into a fluffy cupcake that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you need a little extra sweetness in your life. These cupcakes are incredibly easy to make and are guaranteed to impress with their delightful texture and bold cinnamon flavor.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
For the Cupcakes:
All-purpose flour	1 ¾ cups
Baking powder	1 ½ teaspoons
Baking soda	½ teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	2 teaspoons
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Eggs	2
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Whole milk	½ cup
Sour cream	½ cup

🔹 Substitutions & Notes:

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar texture.
Whole milk can be swapped with oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
If making homemade churros for garnish, you’ll need flour, water, butter, eggs, and oil for frying.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
Electric mixer – Helps cream butter and sugar for a fluffy texture.
Cupcake liners & pan – Essential for shaping and baking cupcakes.
Piping bag & tip – For decorating with buttercream.
Wire rack – To cool cupcakes properly.
Frying pan or deep fryer (if making churros) – For crispy homemade churros.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk + sour cream, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix until just combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full with batter.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Buttercream

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
Add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and heavy cream (one tablespoon at a time) until the frosting reaches a smooth, pipeable consistency.

Step 4: Decorate the Cupcakes

Fill a piping bag with the buttercream and use a star tip to frost each cupcake in a swirl.
Lightly dust with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
Top each cupcake with a mini churro or a piece of a larger churro for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Variations

For Extra Churro Flavor: Brush warm cupcakes with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar before frosting.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and flax eggs.
Make Mini Cupcakes: Reduce baking time to 10-12 minutes for bite-sized churro cupcakes.
Add a Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle dulce de leche or caramel sauce over the frosting for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes look stunning when plated with extra churros on the side. Serve on a rustic wooden board or a decorative plate, and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar around for a cozy, warm presentation.

For an indulgent treat, serve with a cup of hot chocolate, just like traditional churros are enjoyed in Spain and Mexico. A side of dulce de leche or whipped cream can make them even more special.

Perfect Drink Pairings

Mexican Hot Chocolate – The rich cocoa and cinnamon notes enhance the flavors of the cupcakes.
Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the buttercream.
Vanilla Horchata – This creamy rice-based drink with cinnamon pairs beautifully with churro flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature: Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready.
Reheating Churro Garnish: If using fresh churros, warm them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

Calories: ~320
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 16g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 30g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Churro Cupcakes bring together the best of both worlds—the warmth and nostalgia of traditional churros and the soft, fluffy texture of a cupcake. With their cinnamon-kissed batter, creamy buttercream, and crispy churro garnish, these cupcakes are an absolute treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe guarantees a delightful experience with every bite. The balance of flavors and textures makes them stand out from classic cupcakes, offering something both unique and indulgent.

If you love the comforting taste of cinnamon and sugar, these cupcakes will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for pairing with coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of horchata. Try them out, experiment with different toppings, and make them your own! Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—because desserts like these are best enjoyed together.