Irresistible Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Sugar Topping

If you’re a fan of churros and cupcakes, prepare to be blown away by the sweet magic of Churro Cupcakes. These cinnamon-kissed delights bring together the fluffy goodness of a cupcake with the warm, spiced flavor of a classic churro. Topped with a luscious swirl of cinnamon buttercream and finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar, they’re everything you love about the carnival treat—but in cupcake form. Whether you’re throwing a party, looking to spice up dessert night, or just want something unique and unforgettable, these churro cupcakes are the answer.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves to bake and enjoys adding a playful twist to traditional desserts. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to impress. These cupcakes don’t just look beautiful; they also offer layers of flavor and texture in every bite. From the soft, cinnamon-infused cake to the creamy frosting and sugary crunch on top, this is a dessert experience you won’t want to miss.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Churro Cupcakes

What makes these churro cupcakes so special? It’s all about the combination of taste, texture, and nostalgia. The warm spice of cinnamon blended into a soft, golden cupcake creates a cozy base that’s hard to resist. When topped with a swirl of buttercream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, the result is a treat that captures everything you love about churros, without the need for deep-frying.

These cupcakes are also versatile. They fit just as perfectly at a casual family gathering as they do at a festive celebration or themed party. And while they look like they came straight from a bakery, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home. This makes them ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.

Not to mention, kids and adults both love them. They’re fun to eat, full of flavor, and can be customized with fillings, toppings, or decorations to suit any occasion. Whether you want to bake something sweet for a holiday or surprise your coworkers with a tray of unique cupcakes, this recipe never fails to impress.

What Are Churro Cupcakes? A Sweet Twist on a Classic Treat

Churro cupcakes are a clever dessert that takes inspiration from the classic churro—a deep-fried dough pastry rolled in cinnamon sugar. But instead of dough, you’re working with a rich, cinnamon-spiced cupcake batter. Once baked, the cupcakes are frosted with cinnamon buttercream and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar to replicate the churro’s iconic flavor and texture.

Some variations of churro cupcakes even feature a surprise dulce de leche or cinnamon cream filling inside, enhancing the richness and providing even more churro-like authenticity. This cupcake version of the classic treat is lighter, less greasy, and easier to make in bulk, making it ideal for parties, birthdays, and bake sales.

By transforming a traditionally fried dessert into a baked, beautifully frosted creation, you’re getting the best of both worlds—a unique presentation and the warm, familiar flavors of a timeless favorite.

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Ingredients for Churro Cupcakes (With Full Measurements)

To make 24 churro cupcakes, here’s what you’ll need:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup buttermilk (instead of water)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

the cinnamon buttercream:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–4 tablespoons milk or cream (adjust for consistency)

the topping:

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Mini churros or churro bites (optional for garnish)

These ingredients create a flavor-packed base with a creamy, dreamy frosting and a signature churro topping. The use of buttermilk adds extra richness and tenderness to the cupcakes, while the cinnamon ties every layer of the dessert together.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Churro Cupcakes at Home

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and cinnamon. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture on low for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-blended.

Next, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the cinnamon buttercream. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract, then slowly mix in milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be smooth and pipeable, but not runny.

Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Swirl the buttercream high on each cupcake. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the frosted cupcakes. If desired, garnish with a mini churro or churro bite right on top.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Churro Cupcake Success

Baking these cupcakes doesn’t require any fancy equipment, but a few key tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable:

• 12-cup muffin tins (you’ll need two for 24 cupcakes)
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling rack
• Piping bags and large star piping tip
• Measuring cups and spoons

These tools help ensure your cupcakes bake evenly, look beautiful, and taste amazing.

Tips to Make the Best Churro Cupcakes Ever

There are a few easy tips that can elevate your churro cupcakes from good to truly amazing. First, using buttermilk instead of water in the cake mix makes the cupcakes extra moist and flavorful. Don’t skip it—it really makes a difference.

Second, don’t overmix your batter. Mix until everything is just combined to keep the cupcakes light and airy. And make sure to let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting. Warm cupcakes will cause the buttercream to melt, ruining the presentation and texture.

Also, try chilling your piping bag for a few minutes before frosting. This helps the buttercream hold its shape, especially if your kitchen is warm. For an extra bakery-style touch, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping right after frosting so it sticks well to the buttercream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Churro Cupcakes

Avoid overbaking the cupcakes. Even an extra 2 minutes can dry them out. Keep a close eye on them and test with a toothpick as soon as the tops look set and slightly golden.

Another common issue is over-whipping the frosting. If you beat it too long after adding milk, it can become too airy or lose structure. Mix just until smooth and fluffy, then stop. Lastly, don’t apply the cinnamon sugar topping too early, or it may dissolve into the frosting and lose its texture.

Churro Cupcake Topping and Filling Options

Want to add an extra surprise? Consider filling your churro cupcakes with dulce de leche, cinnamon pastry cream, or even a thick vanilla pudding. Just use a cupcake corer or small spoon to remove the center and pipe in the filling.

For toppings, you can drizzle with caramel sauce, add a cinnamon stick, or top with whipped cream for a more dramatic effect. Crushed churros or cinnamon cereal also make fun and flavorful garnishes.

How to Serve and Present Churro Cupcakes

These cupcakes look especially stunning when arranged on a tiered cupcake stand or decorated tray. For parties, consider matching the cupcake liners to your event theme or adding cinnamon stick accents.

Serve them at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. You can also pair them with a hot beverage like cinnamon tea, spiced hot cocoa, or creamy chai to highlight the warm flavors.

How to Store Churro Cupcakes Properly

Store leftover churro cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your environment is warm, you may want to refrigerate them to keep the buttercream stable. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving, as cold buttercream can be hard and less flavorful.

You can also freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature and frost fresh.

Fun Variations on Churro Cupcakes You Can Try

You can tweak this recipe in fun ways depending on your preferences. Add a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha churro cupcake, or swap the vanilla for almond extract for a different flavor twist.

If you want to go dairy-free, substitute the buttermilk with almond milk plus a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. For a healthier take, reduce the sugar slightly or use a lower-sugar buttercream recipe.

Perfect Pairings for Churro Cupcakes (Non-Alcoholic)

These cupcakes shine alongside warm and cozy drinks. Think cinnamon-spiced hot cocoa, vanilla chai, or horchata. They also pair beautifully with fruit-forward beverages like apple cider or mango smoothies, which complement the warm cinnamon flavors.

For a full dessert spread, serve churro cupcakes with a side of fresh fruit, mini flans, or even a light tres leches cake to continue the theme of Latin-inspired sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Churro Cupcakes

Can I make these cupcakes from scratch instead of using cake mix?
Yes! You can use your favorite homemade vanilla cupcake recipe and simply add cinnamon and swap milk for buttermilk.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and bring it to room temperature before using.

Can I use margarine instead of butter for the frosting?
While butter is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute margarine if needed, though the taste and texture may differ slightly.

Do I have to use a piping bag for the frosting?
Not at all! You can spread the frosting with a knife or offset spatula for a more rustic look.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

These Churro Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert fusion—fun, flavorful, and full of warmth. They bring the excitement of a churro stand straight into your kitchen, but with all the ease and creativity of a homemade cupcake. Whether you’re baking them for a special celebration or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe is one that will have everyone asking for seconds.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family. And be sure to subscribe to our blog for more creative and crowd-pleasing desserts that are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

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