Churro Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Churro Cupcakes bring together the best of two dessert worlds: the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavor of classic churros and the soft, fluffy texture of cupcakes. With a cinnamon-spiced cake base and a creamy cinnamon buttercream, these cupcakes are finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar for that iconic churro finish. Perfect for parties, holidays, or any sweet craving, they’re an irresistible fusion of fun and flavor.

ingredients

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

all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
ground cinnamon
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
whole milk
sour cream

For the cinnamon sugar topping:
granulated sugar
ground cinnamon
melted butter

For the cinnamon buttercream:
unsalted butter
powdered sugar
ground cinnamon
vanilla extract
milk or heavy cream

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Stir in the sour cream, then alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cupcakes cool completely before decorating.

For the buttercream, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Mix in the vanilla extract and milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Frost the cooled cupcakes with the cinnamon buttercream.

Brush or drizzle melted butter on top and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture for a churro-like finish.

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 dulce de leche or caramel filling to the center of each cupcake.

Top each cupcake with a mini churro for added flair.

Use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for a tangy contrast.

Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.

Make them mini for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.

storage/reheating

Store Churro Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving.
Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months; thaw before frosting and serving.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost before serving.

Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter gives a richer flavor, but you can use vegetable oil for a more moist crumb.

Do I have to use sour cream?
No, Greek yogurt or buttermilk are good substitutes.

How do I keep the cupcakes moist?
Don’t overbake and store them properly in an airtight container.

What piping tip is best for the frosting?
A star tip gives that classic swirl that pairs well with the churro theme.

Can I skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
You can, but it gives the cupcakes their signature churro flavor and texture.

How spicy is the cinnamon flavor?
It’s warm and fragrant, not overpowering. Adjust to taste if needed.

Can I use a boxed cake mix?
Yes, you can start with a vanilla or spice cake mix and add cinnamon to enhance the flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute for best results.

What if I don’t have piping tools?
You can spread the frosting with a spatula and still achieve a delicious finish.

Conclusion

Churro Cupcakes are a festive, flavorful dessert that captures the charm of a churro in a handheld cupcake form. With their sweet cinnamon swirls and buttery crumb, these treats are sure to be a hit wherever you serve them. Bake a batch and enjoy the comforting fusion of cupcake and churro in every bite.

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