Ever had a craving for churros but wanted something a little different? I’ve got you covered.
Today, I’m sharing a churro cupcake recipe that combines the best of both worlds—cinnamon-sugar goodness in a soft, fluffy cupcake.
Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step, so you can make these at home with confidence!
What Are Churro Cupcakes?
Imagine a cupcake that tastes just like a freshly fried churro—sweet, crunchy on top, and filled with warm cinnamon spice. These cupcakes are topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting and dusted with sugar for that perfect churro experience.
They’re great for birthdays, parties, or just a fun weekend bake. Plus, they’re way easier to make than frying traditional churros.
Key Terms You Should Know
- Churro: A Spanish and Mexican fried dough pastry, usually rolled in cinnamon sugar.
- Cupcake: A small, individual-sized cake baked in a liner.
- Cinnamon Sugar: A blend of cinnamon and granulated sugar, used for coating.
- Buttercream Frosting: A smooth, creamy icing made from butter and powdered sugar.
- Piping Bag: A tool used to frost cupcakes neatly and decoratively.
Materials Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make churro cupcakes at home:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | Base of the cupcakes |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ teaspoons | Helps cupcakes rise |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
| Cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | Signature churro flavor |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup | Adds richness |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | Sweetens the cupcakes |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup | Adds moisture and depth |
| Eggs | 2 large | Provides structure |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Enhances flavor |
| Whole milk | ½ cup | Adds moisture |
| Heavy cream | ¼ cup | Makes the batter soft |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | For buttercream frosting |
| Cream cheese | ½ cup | For extra creaminess |
| Cinnamon sugar | ¼ cup | For topping |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Churro Cupcakes
1. Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk and heavy cream.
2. Bake the Cupcakes
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let them cool completely before frosting.
3. Make the Cinnamon Frosting
- Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract and a teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Transfer to a piping bag and frost cooled cupcakes.
4. Add the Churro Topping
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle over frosted cupcakes.
- (Optional) Add a small churro stick for decoration.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and eggs blend better when at room temperature.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make cupcakes dense instead of fluffy.
- Use Piping Bags: A piping bag makes frosting easier and neater.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the cupcakes set in the fridge for 10-15 minutes for a firmer texture.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Dry Cupcakes: Too much flour or overbaking can cause dryness. Measure flour correctly and check cupcakes at the 18-minute mark.
- Runny Frosting: If your frosting is too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before piping.
- Sugar Not Sticking: Lightly brush cupcakes with melted butter before sprinkling cinnamon sugar.
Variations to Try
Want to switch it up? Here are a few fun ideas:
- Chocolate Churro Cupcakes – Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the batter.
- Filled Churro Cupcakes – Core the center and add dulce de leche or caramel.
- Mini Churro Cupcakes – Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
- Gluten-Free Option – Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend.
FAQs
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before eating.
Can I Freeze Churro Cupcakes?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
What’s the Best Way to Pipe Frosting?
Use a large star tip for a classic swirl.
Can I Make These Without a Mixer?
Yes! You can mix everything by hand, but an electric mixer makes it easier.
Conclusion
Now you have everything you need to make churro cupcakes at home! From the fluffy cinnamon-infused cake to the creamy frosting and crunchy sugar topping, every bite is pure joy.
Give these a try, and let me know how they turn out! Happy baking!