Easy Churro Cupcakes Recipe

Easy Churro Cupcakes are a sweet, cinnamon-sugar dream inspired by the classic fairground treat. These cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and infused with warm cinnamon flavor, topped with a swirl of cinnamon frosting and a dusting of sugar that gives them that irresistible churro finish—without the fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love churros, you’ll adore these cupcakes. They bring all the flavor of traditional churros into a tender, homemade cupcake, complete with a cinnamon-sugar topping and creamy frosting. Perfect for parties, birthdays, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or anytime you’re craving something sweet with a touch of spice. They’re easy to make, require simple pantry ingredients, and are sure to impress.

Ingredients

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

For the cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk

For the cinnamon frosting:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream or milk

For topping:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Mini churros or churro pieces (optional, for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.
5. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, then slowly beat in cream or milk until fluffy and spreadable.
8. Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and top with a mini churro if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Add a caramel filling to the center for a dulce de leche churro twist.
• Use a cream cheese cinnamon frosting for extra tanginess.
• Make them mini cupcakes for bite-sized churro fun.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for more depth.
• Swap out the frosting for whipped cream and a caramel drizzle for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Let refrigerated cupcakes come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
If unfrosted, the cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

FAQs

Do I need to fry anything for this recipe?

Nope, everything is baked! These cupcakes mimic churros without needing oil or frying.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost them before serving.

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

Yes, use a vanilla or yellow cake mix and add cinnamon to the batter to give it churro flavor.

How do I get the cinnamon sugar to stick?

Frosting acts as the glue—just sprinkle it on right after piping the frosting.

What’s the best way to fill them with caramel?

Use a small piping tip or cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake and spoon in dulce de leche.

Can I make these cupcakes without eggs?

Yes, use egg substitutes like applesauce or yogurt, but the texture may be slightly different.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter gives the best flavor and structure, but margarine can work in a pinch.

Are these cupcakes spicy?

Not at all—they have a warm cinnamon flavor, not heat.

How do I make mini churros for topping?

Pipe churro dough into small sticks, fry, and roll in cinnamon sugar—or use store-bought churro bites.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, it easily doubles for 24 cupcakes—just adjust bowl sizes and baking batches accordingly.

Conclusion

These Easy Churro Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for cinnamon lovers and anyone craving a fun dessert twist. With their fluffy cake, sweet frosting, and classic churro finish, they bring all the fun of your favorite fair snack into a neat, handheld cupcake form. Perfect for sharing, celebrating, or just indulging—you’ll want to make them again and again.

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