Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cupcakes

Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cupcakes: A Sweet Fusion of Two Beloved Treats

Imagine the warm, comforting crunch of a freshly fried churro paired with the soft, tender crumb of a classic cupcake. That’s exactly what you get with these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cupcakes—a decadent dessert that marries the best qualities of both worlds into one delightful bite-sized treat. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, surprising your family with a weekend dessert, or simply indulging in some self-care baking, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.

Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, delicately sweetened, and finished with a generous coat of cinnamon sugar or a creamy glaze, these cupcakes capture the essence of a traditional Spanish churro while maintaining the moist texture and convenience of a baked good. They’re easy to make, require no deep-frying, and can be customized endlessly to suit your taste. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the ultimate Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cupcakes at home.

The History: From Street Food to Sweet Sensation

Churros have a rich and somewhat mysterious history, believed to have originated in Spain or Portugal, possibly inspired by Chinese youtiao (fried dough sticks) brought back by Portuguese explorers. Over centuries, churros evolved into a beloved street food across Spain, Latin America, and beyond. Traditionally, they are piped from a star-shaped nozzle, deep-fried until golden, then rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for that iconic sweet-spicy finish.

In recent years, the popularity of churros has skyrocketed globally, inspiring creative variations like churro ice cream sandwiches, churro waffles, and even churro-flavored cereals. The fusion trend led bakers and dessert enthusiasts to experiment with incorporating churro flavors into other desserts—and thus, the Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cupcake was born.

This innovative twist brings the nostalgic flavor of churros into a more approachable, less messy format. By embedding cinnamon-sugar swirls, using churro-inspired spices in the batter, and topping them with a sugary glaze or crumb coating, these cupcakes deliver the same warmth and comfort as their fried ancestors—but with the ease and elegance of a bakery-style dessert.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes These Cupcakes So Special?

The magic of Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cupcakes lies in the thoughtful layering of flavors and textures. Here’s a detailed look at each component:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structural base for the cupcakes, ensuring a soft yet sturdy crumb.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents that give the cupcakes their light, fluffy rise.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that gives the cupcakes their signature churro aroma and warmth. Use high-quality Ceylon cinnamon for a smoother, sweeter taste.
• Nutmeg (optional): A pinch adds depth and complements the cinnamon beautifully, mimicking traditional churro seasoning.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture. Softened to room temperature for optimal creaming.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and contributes to a tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic note.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the cupcakes incredibly moist and reacts with baking soda for extra lift. Substitute with milk + 1 tsp vinegar if needed.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Used in the glaze for richness and smooth consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the glaze, giving it sweetness and body.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: A generous mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon used either as a post-bake roll or mixed into a crumb topping.

Optional enhancements include a cinnamon sugar swirl inside each cupcake, a dulce de leche filling, or a browned butter frosting for an elevated gourmet touch.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cupcakes

Follow this detailed guide to create perfect Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cupcakes every time.

Ingredients for the Cupcakes:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk, room temperature

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Mix on low speed just until combined—do not overmix.
6. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
7. Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, brush the tops of the cupcakes lightly with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture. For extra crunch, return to the oven for 2–3 minutes to set the coating.
9. Glaze (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cupcakes.
10. Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cupcakes

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, emulsified batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to dense cupcakes. Mix only until ingredients are incorporated.
• Use Quality Cinnamon: Fresh, fragrant cinnamon makes a noticeable difference. Replace old cinnamon annually for best flavor.
• Warm Coating Trick: Rolling warm cupcakes in cinnamon sugar helps the coating adhere better and creates a slightly crisp exterior—just like a real churro.
• Even Filling: Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to portion batter evenly for uniform baking.
• Cool Before Glazing: If using a glaze, wait until cupcakes are completely cool to prevent melting.
• Avoid Soggy Bottoms: If adding fillings (like dulce de leche), pipe them into the center after baking and cooling to keep texture intact.

Variations and Customizations

These cupcakes are incredibly versatile. Try these fun twists:

• Churro-Stuffed Center: Inject a small amount of dulce de leche or cinnamon-apple compote into the center using a piping tip.
• Chocolate Glaze: Swap the cinnamon glaze for a chocolate ganache for a churro-and-chocolate-dip experience.
• Spiced Brown Butter Frosting: Brown the butter before creaming it into the batter or use it in a cinnamon-spiked buttercream.
• Mini Cupcakes: Make 24 mini cupcakes using a mini muffin tin—bake for 10–12 minutes.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add ¼ tsp xanthan gum if not included.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), and almond milk + vinegar for buttermilk.
• Cinnamon Sugar Crust: Before baking, sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar for a crusted dome effect.
• Lemon Zest Addition: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the batter for a bright contrast to the warm spices.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably indulgent, there are ways to enjoy these cupcakes more mindfully:

• Portion Control: Stick to one cupcake as a treat rather than multiple servings.
• Sugar Reduction: You can reduce sugar in the batter by ¼ cup without sacrificing texture. Use monk fruit or erythritol blends for lower glycemic impact.
• Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter and non-dairy milk alternatives.
• Calorie Estimate: One standard cupcake (without glaze) contains approximately 220–250 calories, 8g fat, 35g carbohydrates, 2g protein, and 18g sugar.

Note: These are treats best enjoyed occasionally. Those with dietary restrictions should adjust ingredients accordingly and consult nutrition labels when substituting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Add glaze or fresh cinnamon sugar coating just before serving.

Q: Why are my cupcakes dry?
A: Overbaking or overmixing are common culprits. Measure flour accurately (spoon and level), and check for doneness at the 18-minute mark.

Q: Can I freeze churro cupcakes?
A: Absolutely. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and re-coat with cinnamon sugar if desired.

Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A: Yes, substitute with an equal amount of neutral oil like canola or vegetable, though butter provides richer flavor and better browning.

Q: How do I get a stronger churro flavor?
A: Increase cinnamon to 2 tsp, add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or infuse the buttermilk with a cinnamon stick overnight before use.

Q: Can I bake this as a cake?
A: Yes! Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round or square pan. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. Adjust glaze quantity accordingly.

Q: Why did my glaze crack?
A: Too thick or applied to a warm cupcake. Use thinner glaze and apply only to cooled cupcakes.

Summary

Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cupcakes combine the crispy, spiced charm of Spanish churros with the moist tenderness of homemade cupcakes, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and innovative. Easy to customize and perfect for any occasion, they bring the joy of street food straight to your kitchen table.