If you’re searching for a dessert that brings all the magic of your favorite fairground treat into a tidy, shareable form, look no further than Churro Cupcakes. These cinnamon-swirled wonders combine tender, buttery cake with a cinnamon-sugar crown and a swirl of creamy frosting. Each bite delivers that classic churro vibe—complete with a touch of tang from the cream cheese—and they’re guaranteed to vanish fast at parties, potlucks, or any day that could use a bit more fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Churro Cupcakes come together with a dreamy line-up of everyday baking staples, each one doing its part to create the signature softness, warmth, and delightful contrast between the sweet cake and cinnamon crunch. Don’t skip or swap—every ingredient is essential for that irresistible churro flavor!

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for tender, fluffy cupcakes that hold their shape beautifully.
Baking Powder: Ensures your cupcakes bake up tall and light.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show—infuses every layer with classic churro warmth.
Unsalted Butter (Softened): For a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base and a smooth, creamy frosting.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and creates that crave-worthy cinnamon-sugar topping.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together, giving the cupcakes their structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet bakery aroma that rounds out the cinnamon spice.
Whole Milk: Moistens the batter for a cake that’s never dry.
Sour Cream: The secret to exceptionally moist, tender cupcakes and a subtle tang.
Unsalted Butter (Melted): Brushed over the tops so the cinnamon-sugar sticks perfectly—just like a true churro!
Granulated Sugar + Cinnamon (for topping): That signature churro crunch and sparkly finish.
Unsalted Butter (Softened, for frosting): Lends rich body and creamy texture to the frosting.
Cream Cheese (Softened): Balances the sweet frosting with a little tang, pairing perfectly with cinnamon.
Powdered Sugar: Brings lift and sweetness to the frosting, helping it pipe beautifully.
Extra Vanilla + Cinnamon (for frosting): More layers of flavor—never too much when it comes to Churro Cupcakes!

How to Make Churro Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Gear

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, which not only keeps things tidy but makes for easy removal and a pretty presentation later on. Having your ingredients measured and ready (especially letting butter and cream cheese soften) will set you up for baking success.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This even distribution means every cupcake will have the same lift and cozy cinnamon flavor. Whisking is key—no one wants pockets of baking powder or spice!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This isn’t just for looks—the air you beat in gives the cupcakes a soft, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything’s nice and combined. This is where the batter really starts to smell amazing!

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Milk

Add the sour cream and whole milk, then mix until fully integrated. Sour cream ensures super moist cupcakes, and milk helps everything blend smoothly. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture looks a little lumpy at this stage—it’ll all come together soon.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet, beating just until the batter is smooth. There’s no need to over-mix; a few lumps are fine. Scoop the batter into your prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full for the perfect rise.

Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Resist the urge to open the oven too early—let the magic happen!

Step 8: Cool and Add Cinnamon-Sugar

Let the cupcakes cool completely in their pans, then brush the tops with melted butter. Sprinkle or roll each in your cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step transforms that fluffy cake into a true Churro Cupcake, with a sparkly, crisp, and fragrant finish.

Step 9: Make the Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together softened butter and cream cheese in a bowl until perfectly smooth. Add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, and whip again until the frosting is fluffy and holds peaks. This frosting is pure bliss and so easy to work with!

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Pipe or generously spread your cinnamon-cream cheese frosting over the fully cooled Churro Cupcakes. For bonus points, garnish with a mini churro or a little extra sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar—then try not to eat them all at once!

How to Serve Churro Cupcakes

Garnishes

The finishing touch can be as playful or as classic as you like! Try topping each cupcake with a mini churro, a dusting of extra cinnamon-sugar, or even a drizzle of dulce de leche for extra decadence. Edible gold stars or a cinnamon stick make things feel even more festive at a party.

Side Dishes

Churro Cupcakes shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cup of strong coffee, or even a mug of Mexican hot chocolate. Their cinnamon warmth also pairs well with fresh fruit like strawberries or orange slices to add a refreshing contrast to each sweet bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try displaying your Churro Cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand, each sitting in a colorful paper liner to channel a birthday fiesta atmosphere. For a buffet, line them up with bowls of extra cinnamon-sugar or warm chocolate sauce for dipping—DIY churro cupcake sundaes, anyone?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cupcakes leftover (a rare occurrence!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cinnamon-sugar coating stays crisp and the frosting remains dreamy—just bring them to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

To freeze Churro Cupcakes, skip the topping and frosting steps for now. Tightly wrap the cooled, unfrosted cakes and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature, then finish with melted butter, cinnamon-sugar, and frosting for bake shop freshness.

Reheating

While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can very gently warm a cupcake in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This revives the cake’s softness and makes the cinnamon aroma irresistible. Add garnishes after warming for best results.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk or different dairy alternatives?

Absolutely! While whole milk provides that classic richness, you can substitute with 2 percent or your preferred milk alternative. Full-fat versions will yield the moistest crumb.

Is it okay to make Churro Cupcakes a day in advance?

Yes! You can bake and frost them up to 24 hours ahead. Just store in an airtight container at room temperature, and if desired, add the cinnamon-sugar right before serving for the freshest crunch.

Can I fill these cupcakes for extra indulgence?

Definitely. Cut a small hole in each cupcake and spoon in dulce de leche, cinnamon pastry cream, or even Nutella for a hidden surprise that amplifies the churro vibe.

What if I don’t have a piping bag for the frosting?

No worries—you can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, or just spread the frosting generously with a spatula or butter knife. Beautiful (and delicious) results are guaranteed.

Help! My cupcakes are dry. What went wrong?

Churro Cupcakes should be super moist, thanks to the sour cream and milk. If yours are dry, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, and be sure not to overbake. Use fresh ingredients and don’t over-mix the batter!

Final Thoughts

If you want to put a smile on everyone’s face, Churro Cupcakes are the way to do it—simple, nostalgic, and packed with flavor in every swirl and sprinkle. Bake a batch soon and let these sweet, cinnamony creations become a new favorite in your dessert line-up!