If you have a sweet tooth that loves a little cinnamon sugar magic, you’re going to adore this Churro Cupcakes Recipe. This delightful treat captures all the warm, cozy flavors of a classic churro but in cupcake form, making it perfect for sharing at parties or simply indulging in a bite of comfort any day. Imagine soft, moist cupcakes infused with cinnamon and topped with a creamy cinnamon-cream cheese frosting dusted generously with cinnamon sugar—a bite-sized fiesta for your taste buds that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet play a crucial role in bringing the churro cupcakes to life. Each item adds to the tender crumb, creamy frosting, and that irresistible cinnamon kick we all crave.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The base that gives structure to the cupcakes, ensuring they’re soft but hold together well.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cupcakes rise to fluffy perfection.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Works alongside the baking powder for just the right lift and texture.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Eggs (3): Bind everything together and add richness.
- Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the batter and contributes to that perfect crumb.
- Canola oil (1 cup): Keeps the cupcakes moist without adding extra flavor.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth and enhances the cinnamon notes.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Makes the cupcakes tender and gives a slight tang for depth.
- Unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks): Essential for the buttery cream cheese frosting—softened for easy mixing.
- Cream cheese, softened (12 oz): Creates a luscious, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Powdered sugar (6 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that dreamy texture.
- Cinnamon (2 tsp): The star spice that brings that classic churro flavor.
- Cinnamon & sugar mixture: For dusting the finished cupcakes to add an extra touch of crunchy sweetness.
How to Make Churro Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line your cupcake tray with liners—this keeps everything neat and makes cupcakes easy to remove later. Gathering and prepping all your ingredients before you begin will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed, so your cupcakes rise evenly and have a perfect texture throughout.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture turns thick and pale, signaling the sugar is well dissolved and the eggs are aerated for a light crumb. Gradually pour in the canola oil and vanilla extract while mixing. Next, fold in the sour cream and then add in your dry ingredients, mixing just until combined—overmixing can lead to denser cupcakes, which we want to avoid.
Step 4: Bake Your Cupcakes
Fill your cupcake liners about three-quarters full with the batter. Bake for around 18 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack—this helps your frosting stay smooth without melting.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the blend is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar along with the cinnamon, whipping the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy. This frosting is the signature touch that elevates these cupcakes beyond the ordinary.
Step 6: Frost and Dust
Once your cupcakes are fully cooled, generously frost each one and sprinkle with the cinnamon & sugar mixture. This finishing step brings the churro essence alive with that nostalgic crunchy coating you expect.
How to Serve Churro Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
To make these cupcakes extra special, try garnishing with a light dusting of additional cinnamon sugar right before serving for sparkle and texture. You can also add a small cinnamon stick as a playful edible decoration or drizzle a little caramel sauce over the frosting to amp up the indulgence.
Side Dishes
Churro cupcakes pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a rich hot chocolate. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt parfaits to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cupcakes in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment for a charming homemade gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a festive party display that will instantly catch attention. Individual cupcake boxes or clear grab-and-go containers make them perfect for bake sales or gifts, keeping that cinnamon sugar fresh and delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover churro cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is best to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Just bring cupcakes back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze these cupcakes unfrosted for up to three months. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting for the best texture.
Reheating
If you want to warm your cupcakes, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds; this melts the frosting slightly and brings out those cinnamon aromas. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the cake or make the frosting separate.
FAQs
Can I substitute sour cream in this Churro Cupcakes Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute, but keep in mind that sour cream adds a unique tang and moisture that enhances the cupcake’s texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the cupcakes from sinking?
Make sure to measure your flour correctly and avoid overmixing the batter. Also, don’t open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking, as temperature fluctuations can cause sinking.
Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, you can enjoy churro cupcakes without gluten. Just double-check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Is there a way to make the frosting less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly, but be cautious as it may affect the consistency of the frosting. Another option is to add a teeny pinch of salt or a bit more cream cheese to balance sweetness.
Can I make these cupcakes vegan?
With some substitutions like using flax eggs, vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based sour cream alternatives, you can create a vegan-friendly version, though texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cupcakes Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a beloved churro flavor into your kitchen anytime you crave it. Soft, moist cupcakes paired with a cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting and that classic cinnamon sugar finish will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become the star of your next gathering or your cozy night in.
Print
Churro Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Churro Cupcakes, featuring a soft, moist cake inspired by the classic churro flavor. Topped with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting and dusted with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend, these cupcakes bring the beloved taste of churros in a fun, handheld form perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup canola oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Frosting
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Topping
- Cinnamon & sugar mixture for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and clean-up after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine and aerate the dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is thick and pale. Gradually add canola oil and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients: Add the sour cream to the wet mixture and then carefully fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, ensuring a smooth batter without overmixing.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 18-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Frost and Finish: Spread or pipe the cinnamon cream cheese frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Finally, sprinkle each cupcake with a generous dusting of the cinnamon and sugar mixture for that classic churro touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon in the frosting and topping according to your taste preference.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a stronger churro flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top just before serving.
