Name: Churro Cupcakes: A Sweet Cinnamon Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups whole milk; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 5 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Imagine everything you love about a warm, crispy churro—but in cupcake form. These Churro Cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and laced with cinnamon sugar, topped with swirls of rich cinnamon buttercream that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a party, a festive occasion, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe brings the beloved flavors of a classic churro straight into your kitchen—no deep frying required.

Perfectly spiced, beautifully frosted, and topped with cinnamon-sugar magic, these cupcakes are just the thing when you want to impress without the fuss. Get ready for a dessert that’s fun, festive, and filled with flavor.

What Are Churro Cupcakes?

Churro Cupcakes are cinnamon-flavored cupcakes inspired by the traditional Mexican churro—a fried dough pastry typically rolled in cinnamon sugar. These cupcakes capture all the warm, spiced charm of churros and combine it with the soft, fluffy texture of a vanilla cupcake. The final touch? A buttery cinnamon frosting and a dusting of cinnamon sugar that mimics the iconic churro coating.

Often served at parties, holidays, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations, churro cupcakes bring together classic flavors with a playful presentation. They’re not just delicious—they’re fun to make, decorate, and eat.

Why You’ll Love This Churro Cupcake Recipe

There’s a lot to love about these festive little treats:

Soft and tender texture: The cupcake base is moist and fluffy, with just the right hint of cinnamon.
Cinnamon-sugar topping: A coating of butter and sugar gives these cupcakes the true churro feel.
Rich cinnamon buttercream: Sweet, creamy, and perfectly spiced, it’s the frosting of your dreams.
Easy to make: No frying, no fuss. Simple steps with spectacular results.
Perfect for any occasion: Birthdays, school events, holidays, or when you just want something sweet and spiced.

Ingredients for Churro Cupcakes

Here’s what you’ll need to make 24 delightful churro cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1½ cups whole milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
5 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Optional Garnish: Mini churros, cinnamon sticks, piping of extra cinnamon sugar, caramel drizzle.

Essential Baking Tools for Churro Cupcakes

To make these cupcakes with ease, gather the following tools:

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Muffin tins (for 24 cupcakes)
Paper cupcake liners
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Piping bags and decorative tips (for frosting)
Pastry brush (for butter and sugar topping)

How to Make Churro Cupcakes (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two standard muffin tins with paper liners and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together with a mixer until light and fluffy—about 3–5 minutes. This creates a light texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Fill the Liners and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Add Cinnamon Sugar

Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, brush tops with melted butter and dip or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for that classic churro texture.

Tips for Making the Perfect Churro Cupcakes

Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating: It’s what makes these cupcakes truly churro-inspired.
Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures smooth batter and even baking.
Use whole milk: The richness makes a difference in flavor and moisture.
Avoid overbaking: Check at 18 minutes and remove from the oven as soon as the centers are set.

How to Make Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

This cinnamon buttercream is smooth, spiced, and pipes beautifully on top of the cupcakes.

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low until combined.
Add cinnamon and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Add heavy cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Beat on high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy and light.

Pro Tip: Use a star tip or round tip for a bakery-style swirl.

Creative Decorating Ideas for Churro Cupcakes

Make your cupcakes eye-catching with these fun ideas:

Mini churros: Garnish each cupcake with a mini churro for dramatic flair.
Caramel drizzle: Add a touch of caramel over the frosting for extra indulgence.
Gold sprinkles or cinnamon dust: Elegant and easy decorations for a festive finish.
Piped rosettes: Use a large star tip to create a churro-inspired swirl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cupcakes

Using cold ingredients: They won’t mix well and can result in uneven texture.
Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense cupcakes—mix just until combined.
Overfilling liners: Fill only ¾ full to prevent overflowing.
Frosting hot cupcakes: Always cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Churro cupcakes are perfect for:

Birthday parties or fiestas
Cinco de Mayo celebrations
School bake sales
Brunch tables and dessert buffets

Present on a tiered cupcake stand or colorful platter. Add festive napkins and a cinnamon stick garnish for extra flair.

Storage Tips: How to Keep Cupcakes Fresh

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted or frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerated: Frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving for best taste.

Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready.

Churro Cupcake Variations

Looking to mix it up? Try these tasty variations:

Chocolate-Churro Cupcakes: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist.
Filled Churro Cupcakes: Pipe dulce de leche or cinnamon cream into the center before frosting.
Churro Cupcake Minis: Make mini versions for bite-sized party treats.
Caramel Core: Bake with a caramel candy in the center for a gooey surprise.

Pairing Ideas for Churro Cupcakes

These cupcakes are sweet enough to shine on their own but also pair beautifully with:

Mexican hot chocolate
Chilled horchata
Vanilla milkshakes or cold brew
Fruit platters or cinnamon-spiced tea

They also work beautifully alongside churros, tres leches cake, or flan on a Mexican dessert table.

FAQs About Churro Cupcakes

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and store the cupcakes (unfrosted) for up to 2 days. Frost just before serving for freshest results.

Can I use box cake mix?
For a shortcut, yes. Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to vanilla cake mix and follow the rest of the recipe for topping and frosting.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?
Use a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off—it works great for simple swirls.

Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free frosting alternatives.

Final Thoughts on These Sweet, Spiced Churro Cupcakes

These Churro Cupcakes deliver all the joy of a classic churro in a soft, sweet, cinnamon-kissed cupcake. With a fluffy vanilla base, buttery cinnamon sugar coating, and luscious cinnamon buttercream, they’re festive, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make.

Whether you’re hosting a themed party or just looking for a unique treat to brighten someone’s day, this cupcake recipe brings a little magic to every bite. It’s the perfect fusion of nostalgic fairground flavors and homemade comfort.

Churro Cupcakes: A Sweet Cinnamon Treat

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Imagine everything you love about a warm, crispy churro—but in cupcake form. These Churro Cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and laced with cinnamon sugar, topped with swirls of rich cinnamon buttercream that make every bite feel like a celebration.

Author: Lyndy kitchen
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 40
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American