Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 12 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to three days.
Quick Answer
These churro cupcakes combine the warm flavors of traditional churros into delightful cupcakes, perfect for any holiday gathering!
As the leaves begin to change and the crisp autumn air settles in New York City, I often find myself reflecting on the favorite flavors of the season. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to whip up something festive yet uniquely fun. That’s where my love for these churro cupcakes comes in! They bring the warm, comforting flavor of traditional churros right to your kitchen, all in a delightful cupcake form.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
These churro cupcakes offer a unique twist on a classic dessert, merging the joy of baking with the festive spirit of the holidays. Ideal for gatherings, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously unique blend of flavors that combines classic churros with cupcakes.
- Perfect for the festive season, making them an ideal treat for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
- Easy to make, with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions that are user-friendly.
- Customizable with toppings like chocolate or caramel for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Comforting and cozy, perfect for enjoying with friends and family as the weather gets cooler.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your churro cupcakes:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Churro Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
How to Make Churro Cupcakes (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious churro cupcakes:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial as it ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully and evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Tray
Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners. Use vibrant colors or festive patterns to add a fun holiday touch!
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Feel the weight of the flour in your hands and anticipate the delicious transformation to come.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Add the Eggs
In an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture should become fluffy and pale yellow.
Step 5: Blend in the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the vanilla extract and buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Enjoy the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 6: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want that perfect cupcake texture!
Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The scent of chocolate will have your mouth watering!
Step 8: Prepare the Churro Topping
While the cupcakes cool, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan. Remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar and cinnamon until well combined, creating a yummy, aromatic mixture.
Step 9: Dip the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, dip the tops into the churro mixture, allowing any excess to fall away. This step gives the cupcakes a delightful churro-like finish.
Step 10: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract. Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 11: Frost the Cupcakes
Generously frost each churro cupcake. Using a piping bag makes this easy and adds an elegant touch!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to dense cupcakes; mix until just combined.
- Skipping the Buttermilk: It adds moisture and a tender crumb. If you don’t have it on hand, make your own by mixing milk with a little vinegar.
- Not Letting Them Cool: Dipping warm cupcakes into the churro topping can lead to sogginess—be patient!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Feel free to customize your cupcakes with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce post-frosting for an extra decadent treat.
- Serve these delicious churro cupcakes at your Thanksgiving gatherings; they’ll surely be a hit!
- Consider using a spice blend that includes nutmeg for a warm, holiday vibe in both the batter and topping.
Variations
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Use different flavored extracts, such as almond or orange, to change the frosting’s profile.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey delight.
- Top with whipped cream instead of frosting for a lighter option.
How to Serve
- Place on a decorative serving platter for a festive look.
- Pair with a cup of warm spiced cider or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Dust with additional cinnamon sugar just before serving for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cupcake batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Storage: Store any leftover churro cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave individual cupcakes for 10-15 seconds before serving.
- Freezing: Cupcakes can be frozen without frosting for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Baking these churro cupcakes reminded me of the joy of experimenting in the kitchen and the delight of unexpected flavors mingling together. Each bite is a perfect reminder that even well-loved classics can be transformed into something unique and festive!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 cupcakes · Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Nutritional Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 3g protein · 35g carbs · 12g fat
Churro Cupcakes: A Cozy Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cupcakes cool, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan. Stir in sugar and cinnamon until combined.
- Once cooled, dip the tops of the cupcakes in the churro mixture.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add heavy cream to achieve desired consistency.
- Generously frost each churro cupcake using a piping bag.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make these churro cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just wait to dip them in the churro topping and frost them until you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you’re out of buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover churro cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before serving, allow them to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
