There’s something about churros that just brings a smile to my face. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of visiting the fair with friends and indulging in those warm, sugary treats, or perhaps the way the cinnamon sugar crust just melts in your mouth. Now, imagine infusing that delightful churro experience into a cupcake! That’s right, churro cupcakes! They are a fun twist on a beloved dessert, combining the flavors we know and love with the fluffiness of a cupcake.
These churro cupcakes have become a favorite in my household. I remember the first time I baked them for a casual gathering; the delightful aroma wafted through the kitchen, and by the time they hit the table, they were gone in minutes! The best part? They are surprisingly simple to make, and trust me—everyone will be begging for seconds!
What’s in Churro Cupcakes?
Cupcake Base: The fluffiness of the cupcake is key! I like to use plain all-purpose flour along with baking powder and baking soda to give it that perfect rise, while cinnamon adds that warm churro flavor right from the start.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: This is where the magic happens! A mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon will be rolled onto the cupcakes post-baking to mimic that classic churro exterior crunch and sweetness.
Butter: A generous amount of unsalted butter not only adds moisture to the cupcakes but also enriches the flavor, making every bite undeniably satisfying!
Eggs: These provide structure and richness to our churro cupcakes, ensuring they stay soft and fluffy on the inside.
Milk: I prefer whole milk for its creaminess, which makes the cupcakes more decadent. You can use non-dairy milk as a substitute if that’s your jam!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of real vanilla extract brings out all the flavors beautifully and complements that cinnamon goodness.
Is Churro Cupcakes Good for You?
Let’s be real; while churro cupcakes are a delicious indulgence, they’re not exactly health food.
Cinnamon: This magical spice does have some health benefits! It’s known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can even help regulate blood sugar levels. So, at least there’s a little something good for you in there!
Butter: While butter adds incredible flavor and texture, it is high in saturated fats, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your heart health.
Overall, churro cupcakes are best reserved as a delightful treat for special occasions or cheat days. But every bite is worth it, trust me!
Ingredients
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for the batter)
– ½ cup granulated sugar (for the batter)
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
*Serves: About 12 cupcakes*
How to Make Churro Cupcakes?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with your favorite cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the cinnamon for the batter. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s fluffy and light in color. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients along with the milk, alternating between the two, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until everything is just combined; don’t overmix!
6. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by combining the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
8. Once the cupcakes have cooled slightly, remove them from the pan and roll the tops in the cinnamon sugar coating while they’re still warm. Just make sure they’re not super hot, or the sugar will melt.
9. Let them cool completely on a wire rack—if you can wait that long!
Sweet Tips for the Perfect Churro Cupcakes
– Feel free to get creative! You can make a simple vanilla or chocolate frosting to pipe on top of the cupcakes if you want an extra indulgent treat.
– For a more intense churro flavor, you can add some chocolate chips or even a dollop of dulce de leche in the middle of the batter before baking!
– Serve these cupcakes warm, right after rolling them in the cinnamon sugar, for an experience that’ll make you feel like you’re enjoying a fresh churro from a fair.
I really hope you give these churro cupcakes a try! They’re a wonderful way to satisfy that sweet tooth and share a little joy with friends and family. Let me know how they turn out, and if you come up with your own twist, I’d love to hear about it! Happy baking!
