All week, I’ve been dreaming of a churro, and I finally had to stop by El Paso to get one! I’ve had my fair share of Mexican sweets for the month, but I’ve been wanting more. Since today is Cinco de Mayo, I wanted to make something extra fun and share these amazing cupcakes because everyone loves the traditional Spanish and Mexican churros doughnuts dessert.
What are Churros?
Churros are a delectable treat originating from Spain. They consist of a simple dough made with flour, water, and salt, which is piped through a star-shaped nozzle and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The resulting churros are often dusted with sugar and served with a side of rich, warm chocolate sauce for dipping. These delightful pastries have gained international popularity due to their irresistible combination of textures.
They are commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or dessert items and can be found at street vendors, fairs, and cafes around the world. Churros have become so beloved that they have inspired variations like filled churro, churro ice cream sandwiches, and even churro-inspired snacks in other cuisines. Whether you savor them plain or indulge in creative twists, churros are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a delightful culinary experience.
The Origin of Churros
Churros have their origins in Spain, where they were inspired by a traditional Chinese pastry called youtiao. The Spanish adapted the recipe, giving it a unique twist by using a star-shaped nozzle to create the distinctive ridged shape. Over time, churros became a beloved Spanish treat, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. Today, they are popular worldwide, delighting people with their crispy texture and delicious flavor.
How to Make Churros Cupcake
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners; set aside.
- In a bowl fit with a mixer, beat sugar and butter until creamed, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time. Increase speed to medium. Mix for 3 minutes.
- Mix in vanilla extract, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Slowly mix in heavy cream.
- Mix in flour, a little at a time.
- Mix in sour cream until incorporated.
- Spoon batter into muffin tin ½ full.
- Bake in oven 350°F for about 22 minutes or until the center of the cupcake comes out clean with a toothpick. Allow to cool completely.
- Beat softened butter, cinnamon, and confectioners’ sugar for 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in ¼ softened cream cheese at a time.
- Beat in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat for an additional 3 minutes. Fill a cupcake liner bag with frosting.
- Refrigerate frosting for about 30 minutes.
Since this recipe does use churros and since I know they are not readily available pre-made in grocery stores throughout the US, there are a few choices on where to get them. First, most Mexican restaurants have them! Go ahead and place and order to be picked up. If you have a membership, you can buy them hot-and-ready costco churros. Search for them in the ethnic food isle. Another option is to go online and buy the mix.
How to Make Homemade Churros
You will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup water,
- 2 tablespoons sugar,
- 1/2 teaspoon salt,
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil,
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, and oil for frying.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the flour. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
- Pipe the dough directly into the hot oil, cutting it with scissors or a knife to desired lengths.
- Fry the churro until they turn golden brown, then remove them with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
- Optionally, roll the warm churro in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
- Let them cool before putting them on the cupcake or you will melt the frosting.
This recipe will be fantastic with store bought ingredients but making them from scratch definitely will send your cupcake over the top.
Churro Cupcakes Variations
- Filled Churro Cupcakes: After baking the cupcakes, use a piping bag and a filling tip to inject a small amount of chocolate, caramel, or fruit filling into the center of each cupcake.
- Chocolate Churro Cupcakes: Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the cupcake batter for a rich chocolate twist. You can also incorporate chocolate chips into the batter for extra decadence.
- Churro Cupcakes with Dulce de Leche Frosting: Instead of the Cinnabon Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, top the cupcakes with a creamy dulce de leche frosting. This caramel-like frosting will complement the cinnamon flavor perfectly.
- Churro Cupcakes with Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, on top of the frosted cupcakes to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Spiced Churro Cupcakes: Enhance the cinnamon flavor by adding a pinch of other warm spices like nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the cupcake batter.
Can I make the churro cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cupcakes in advance. Once they have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frost the cupcakes and add the churro topping just before serving for the best texture.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with a different frosting?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different frosting, you can explore options like vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a dulce de leche frosting.
Can I use frozen churros?
Yes, of course you can! Simply follow the package instructions to bake or fry them until they are cooked and crispy. Once they are done, allow them to cool slightly before cutting them into small pieces and placing them on top of the frosted cupcakes.
Other Churro Inspired Recipes
Other Latin Inspired Recipes
- Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
- Carne Asada Tacos
- Garlic Guajillo Steak Recipe
- Crock Pot Barbacoa
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Outrageous Mexican Queso Dip
- Outrageous Guacamole
- Classic Margarita Recipe
Ingredients and Equipment Links
Churro Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- 1⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup full fat sour cream
For the Frosting
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 package Churro Mix or store bought churros
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners; set aside.
- In a bowl fit with a mixer, beat sugar and butter until creamed, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time. Increase speed to medium. Mix for 3 minutes.
- Mix in vanilla extract, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Slowly mix in heavy cream.
- Mix in flour, a little at a time.
- Mix in sour cream until incorporated.
- Spoon batter into muffin tin ½ full.
- Bake in oven 350°F for about 22 minutes or until the center of the cupcake comes out clean with a toothpick. Allow to cool completely.
- Beat softened butter, cinnamon, and confectioners' sugar for 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in ¼ softened cream cheese at a time.
- Beat in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat for an additional 3 minutes. Fill a cupcake liner bag with frosting.
- Refrigerate frosting for about 30 minutes.
- Use a cupcake tip (such as a Russian Cake Tip) to frost cupcakes. Make churros and top cupcake with a small piece of it using leftover frosting to get it to stick to the top.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate and it’s accuracy is not guaranteed to be exact.
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44 Responses
Drooling! Thanks for sharing 😊
I hope you enjoy them =)
Can you share how to do the frosting design. Like, how do I use the Russian Tip?
This recipe was spot on, really moist and beautiful.
Thank you!
These were pretty good, but baked much faster than I expected, and my oven is usually pretty on point. They were a little dry as a result. Still good! However, I would recommend halving the frosting recipe. I had waaay too much, and it was a huge resource sink unless you are truly going to pile the frosting high enough to double the cupcake height.
I made these Gluten Free, they came out amazing, even made my churros for the top Gluten Free. Today I am making them Gluten and Dairy free, I will let you know how they come out!
What kind of tip did you use?
Hi Dani, I’ve used Russian Ball Tips. Here is a link to the kind I use. I usually use the bigger hole ones. They can be purchased on amazon or walmart here – https://www.walmart.com/ip/Meigar-7Pcs-Russian-Style-Ball-Cake-Decorating-Supplies-Piping-Tips-in-Home-Stainless-Steel-Piping-Nozzles-Pastry-Baking-Tool-DIY/184488839?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=7215&adid=22222222227079618729&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=192158487586&wl4=pla-301563523809&wl5=9025155&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=115056135&wl11=online&wl12=184488839&wl13=&veh=sem
I have a big Cinco de Mayo party Saturday and want to make these ahead of time. Can they be stored for a day?
Yes, make cupcakes and frost then place in the refrigerator for a few hours, until frosting is set. Then, cover lightly with plastic wrap. Only make churros day of serving and place on cupcakes.
Hello. These sound SO yummy! Do they need to be refrigerated? I would like to make them and take to a baby shower where they might sit out for about 4 hours before they ate eaten/served. Thank you
They should be fine during that time frame. My only concern is that the frosting might not hold up to the heat while they are out. Perhaps try a a basic frost on the cupcake since it may collapse. Frost the day before and refrigerate or day of.
My family and coworkers love this! I try something new at least once a month this has been their favorite. They’ve asked me to bake this 3 times now!
Yay, always love to hear when others love homemade baked goods! Thanks for sharing the news, they really are delicious!
I’ve made these several times for my coworkers, family, and even a friends wedding. However I made one slight adjustment, I scooped out the center and filled with apple pie filling. And my God they are so good! 🥰 I love this recpie it’s definitely a hit!
I love the adjustment and I am glad you enjoy them. Thank you for the comment =)
Churro Cupcakes I can not wait to take the time to make this recipe, it looks very good and I will love to offer it to my children who are absolutely crazy for this candy.
I made these for a Fiesta themed birthday party. They look amazing, it is hard not to eat one! I did try the frosting and it is delicious.
Thank you! These are so good!! I love churros, so I tried them , I cut the sugar in half only because I can’t deal with too much, turned out perfect!!
I love these – they sound amazing and look gorgeous!! I am sharing them everywhere!
Made the Churro Cupcakes earlier today, they get 5 stars !!! The icing was excellent. They are gone.
My son peeping into my computer asks me to make these. These cupcakes do look gorgeous. You have taken some really good pictures. They are sharp.
Wow I am drooling. This looks super yum, I dont think I can stop with one batch. Looks addictive I should try this
Oh my that is super duper gorgeous, i m lost of words to describe the beauty. i m literally salivating as i read thru the description of these cute cupcakes!!! can;t wait to try them!
OMG Jessica These look AMAZING. My kids would devour these as would I. Definitely on “MY TO BAKE” List.