How to Make Perfect Churro Cupcakes with Simple Steps

You know that feeling when you take your first bite of a churro, that perfect balance of crispy, sugary, and just a little bit of warmth? It’s one of those Mexican desserts that instantly transports you to a place of pure comfort. 

I’ll never forget the first time I tried churros at a local fair. The scent alone was an irresistible invitation, but the flavor. That sealed the deal. 

Well, what if I told you that you could have that same experience with a cupcake? That’s how these churro cupcakes came to life. 

They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon flavor, everything you love about churros, but without the long lines or sticky hands. And the best part? The cinnamon frosting on top is the perfect finishing touch, taking these cupcakes from delicious to next level.

Why You’ll Love These Churro Cupcakes:

Let’s face it: frying churros can be a bit… much. With these cupcakes, you get all the flavor without the hot oil, messy kitchen, or waiting around for the churros to cook. Just bake, frost, and enjoy!

Whether you’re a baking pro or someone just starting out, these cupcakes are super simple to whip up.

While churros at the fair are undeniably delicious, these cupcakes give you that same comforting flavor with a fun twist. 

The Main Ingredients:

• Flour: The foundation of these cupcakes, giving them that soft and fluffy texture. No flour, no cupcake magic!
• Cinnamon: The star that brings that churro-like spice and warmth. It’s what makes each bite feel cozy and comforting.
• Butter: The secret to soft, melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes. Butter adds richness and makes everything taste just a little bit indulgent.
• Sugar: Sweetness is key! Balancing the spice of cinnamon, sugar infuses the cupcakes with just the right touch of joyful sweetness.
• Eggs: The binders that hold everything together, giving the cupcakes the right texture and fluffiness. Can’t have a cupcake without them!
• Milk: Makes the batter smooth and rich, helping to create tender, moist cupcakes you can’t resist.
• Cream Cheese: For the frosting! It adds a tangy richness and makes it smooth, creamy, and oh-so-delicious.
• Vanilla: A little splash of vanilla brings everything together, enhancing the flavors and making the cupcakes taste like a dream.

How to Make Your Churro Cupcakes

Preheat the Oven & Prep Your Pan

 Let’s start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, prepare your pan by lining it with cupcake liners. You want to make sure each little cupcake gets the perfect home to rise and bake.

Whisk the Dry Ingredients Together

 Using a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients—flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. This is the magic combo that will give your cupcakes that perfect texture and the signature churro flavor. Now, set it aside and get ready to dive into the fun part!

Cream the Butter & Sugar

 Beat the butter and a mix of white and brown sugars in a large bowl until they become light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks a little like a cloud of sweetness. This step is essential because it’s what makes your cupcakes soft and tender, plus it fills the room with the most incredible smell. I’m already craving them!

Add the Eggs, Oil, and Vanilla

 Crack the eggs one at a time, mixing carefully after each to keep the texture light. Begin with the vanilla to bring a comforting warmth to the mix, then blend in the vegetable oil to complete the base. 

Don’t worry about being perfect here—just mix until it’s all smooth and well combined. The oil keeps things moist and tender, just the way we like it.

Fold in the Dry Ingredients & Milk

 Let’s merge the dry blend with the wet mixture—this is where the magic starts to happen. Slowly add one-third of the flour mixture to the butter, then mix carefully with a spatula. 

Next, pour in half of the milk and stir. Add the rest of the flour and milk in turns, ensuring the last addition is flour to bring it all together. This keeps the batter light and airy, which is exactly what you’re going for.

Fill the Cupcake Liners

 Spoon the batter into each cupcake liner. Don’t fill them to the top—about halfway is perfect. This gives them enough space to rise beautifully while baking, so they won’t overflow and make a mess. No one wants a cupcake spill!

Bake Them to Perfection

 Pop them in the oven and let the transformation begin—15 minutes to golden, irresistible perfection. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out with just a few crumbs on it. Let them cool completely before you start frosting—trust me, no one likes hot frosting!

Make the Cinnamon Frosting

 While those cupcakes cool, let’s work on the frosting! In a bowl, blend the butter and cream cheese together, mixing until the texture is luxuriously smooth and velvety. 

You want this frosting to be creamy, dreamy, and full of flavor. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time—mixing well between each cup—so it doesn’t end up a sugar storm. Then stir in the cinnamon and vanilla, and keep mixing until everything is light, fluffy, and just begging to be slathered on those cupcakes.

Frost & Add the Cinnamon Sugar

 Here’s where it all comes together. Once the cupcakes have cooled, generously frost them with your creamy cinnamon cream cheese icing. Whether you pipe it on or just spread it with a spatula, the goal is to make each one as irresistible as the last. 

For that extra churro magic, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top. It’s the perfect final touch! You want this frosting to be creamy, dreamy, and full of flavor. 

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Churro Cupcakes

1- Overmixing the Batter

I know the urge to mix everything until it’s smooth, but overmixing can make your cupcakes dense and tough. When combining your dry and wet ingredients, just stir until they’re barely mixed.

2- Frosting While They’re Warm

It’s so tempting to frost warm cupcakes, right? But if you do that, your frosting might melt right off! Let your cupcakes cool completely before frosting them so you get that nice, fluffy layer of cream cheese goodness on top.

3- Eyeballing Measurements

I know it’s easy to just guess when it comes to ingredients, but if you want your cupcakes to turn out just right, measuring is key. 

Adding too much flour or sugar can ruin both the texture and the taste. Grab those measuring spoons and cups—you’ll thank yourself later!

What to Serve with Churro Cupcakes

A scoop of vanilla (or cinnamon!) ice cream makes the perfect, cool contrast to the warm cupcakes.

Pair your cupcakes with a cozy cup of Mexican hot chocolate. These flavors are a perfect pairing!

How to Store Your Churro Cupcakes

Room Temperature (up to 2 days)

If you plan on enjoying your cupcakes in the next couple of days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Refrigerate (up to 5 days)

For longer- To keep them fresh longer, store your frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting will hold its shape beautifully, keeping your cupcakes fresh and intact.

More Cupcakes to Try

• Boston Cream Cupcakes
• Peanut Butter Cupcakes
• German Chocolate Cupcakes