Name: Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream and Mini Churros Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons milk; 12 mini churros or churro pieces (store-bought or homemade); Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you adore the crisp, sugary goodness of churros but are looking for a fun, easy-to-share dessert, the Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream and Mini Churros Recipe is your new best friend. These cupcakes capture all the warm cinnamon and sugar flavors of classic churros, baked into soft, moist cupcakes topped with rich, fluffy cinnamon buttercream and crowned with a tiny churro for that perfect finishing touch. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe promises a sweet treat that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a smooth, light brown batter with small bubbles on the surface. A white spatula rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the batter with its handle leaning outward. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a metal muffin tray with empty white paper liners is visible next to it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on these churro cupcakes is delightfully simple thanks to a handful of pantry staples that come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that soft cupcake crumb and decadent frosting that’s bursting with cinnamon sweetness.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for fluffy cupcakes.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth and authentic churro flavor.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise light and airy.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors perfectly.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps cupcakes moist and tender.
½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and slight texture.
½ cup light brown sugar packed: Brings a subtle caramel depth.
2 large eggs, room temperature: Gives structure and richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic boost to the overall flavor profile.
½ cup milk: Adds moisture and softens the batter.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: For rich, creamy frosting base.
3 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream perfectly.
1 tablespoon cinnamon: Swirled into frosting for that extra churro touch.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness of the buttercream.
2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts frosting to the perfect pipe-able consistency.
Optional – 12 mini churros or churro pieces: A playful garnish that brings the concept full circle.
Cinnamon sugar: For a final dusting that makes every bite unforgettable.

How to Make Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream and Mini Churros Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. This crisp foundation ensures your cupcakes bake evenly with no sticking or mess.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt. This blend flavors the cupcakes evenly and provides the perfect balance between spice and rise.

Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Oil

In a separate large bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy. This step is key to infusing air and sweetness into the batter, giving the cupcakes their tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk in the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract until just combined. These contribute richness and that comforting vanilla note that complements cinnamon perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Using a wooden spoon, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Then stir in the milk to balance the thick batter. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the cupcakes light and tender.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners about halfway full. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Buttercream

Use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, salt, and milk, mixing until the buttercream is fluffy and pipe-able. Adjust the milk by adding a little at a time if it’s too thick.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Transfer your cinnamon buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and generously swirl onto the cooled cupcakes. Finish by sprinkling cinnamon sugar over the top and placing a mini churro on each cupcake to steal the show.

How to Serve Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream and Mini Churros Recipe

A close-up view of a cupcake with three layers: the base is a light brown, speckled soft cake with a bite taken out of it, showing its moist texture. On top of the cake, there is a thick layer of beige, swirled frosting with fine dark specks throughout, creating a creamy, smooth look. Sitting on the frosting, there is a small, golden-brown churro coated with sugar that adds a rough, crunchy texture. In the blurred background, more cupcakes topped with the same frosting and churros can be seen on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The mini churros on top are the most playful garnish, offering that signature crunch and authentic churro feel. Lightly dusting with extra cinnamon sugar adds sparkle and enhances sweetness, making your cupcakes look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate or a frothy café con leche to complement the cinnamon notes perfectly. Fresh fruit or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream can also create a refreshing contrast to the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra festive touch, arrange the cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with scattered cinnamon sticks and mini churros. You can also pipe the buttercream with different tips for texture or drizzle with a little caramel sauce for an indulgent twist that guests won’t forget.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover churro cupcakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure they are well covered so the buttercream stays luscious and moist.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcake bases for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely before frosting to maintain that perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm a cupcake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you like it slightly warm, but be careful not to melt the frosting. Alternatively, serve chilled for a different but equally enjoyable experience.

FAQs

Can I make mini churros from scratch to top these cupcakes?

Absolutely! Homemade mini churros are a delightful touch if you have the time. Fry or bake small piped dough pieces and coat them in cinnamon sugar. They’ll add an authentic crunch and fun decoration that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon buttercream.

Is it possible to use butter instead of vegetable oil in the cupcake batter?

While butter can add a richer flavor, using vegetable oil keeps the cupcakes moist and tender. If you prefer butter, substitute it melted but slightly reduce the overall fat to prevent the cupcakes from becoming too dense.

Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure, and the cupcakes should turn out beautifully.

How do I prevent the buttercream from being too runny?

Start by adding milk a tablespoon at a time, only as needed, while mixing the buttercream. If it ever gets too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it back up. Room temperature butter also helps create a stable, pipe-able frosting.

Can I add chocolate chips to the cupcake batter?

Definitely! Mini chocolate chips or even cinnamon chips can be folded in to add a little surprise texture and flavor, enhancing your Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream and Mini Churros Recipe in a delicious way.

Final Thoughts

These Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream and Mini Churros Recipe are truly a crowd-pleaser that brings holiday warmth and joy into every bite. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you try making these, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again whenever you want a cozy, cinnamon-sweet treat that feels just like a hug in cupcake form.