Name: Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup whole milk, at room temperature; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 (8 ounce) brick full-fat cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream, if needed; cinnamon sugar, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Imagine the warm, cinnamon-laced goodness of a churro bundled up inside a moist, tender cupcake, all crowned with a swirl of tangy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. That’s exactly what you get with these Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting—a playful, irresistible treat that brings the magic of the fair right to your kitchen. Each bite delivers classic churro flavor with the satisfying richness of a bakery-style cupcake, making them perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply indulging your sweet tooth on a cozy afternoon.

Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the essential ingredients for Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Every item plays a small but mighty role, from building the cinnamon-spiced base to crafting that ultra-creamy frosting. Gather your staples—your tastebuds will thank you!

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for tender, fluffy cupcakes.
Baking powder: Gives the cupcakes lift for that just-right dome.
Baking soda: Balances moisture and assists with browning.
Salt: Enhances flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Ground cinnamon: The signature churro spice—don’t skimp!
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the cupcakes and frosting.
Whole milk: Ensures a moist and tender crumb.
Sour cream: Brings rich flavor and extra moistness—don’t substitute.
Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for a rich flavor and creamy texture—use for both cake and frosting.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcake, helping create that golden churro crust.
Eggs (room temp): Bind everything together and provide lift.
Cream cheese (full-fat, softened): The base for your dreamy frosting; full-fat works best!
Powdered sugar (sifted): Makes the frosting irresistibly smooth and sweet.
Heavy cream: Just a splash for the silkiest frosting possible.
Cinnamon sugar: The perfect sparkly, crunchy garnish to mimic churros.

How to Make Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin pan with paper liners—this keeps cleanup easy and gives your cupcakes that irresistible wrapper look. Set the pan aside while you move to the next step.

Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Sifting these together ensures your cupcakes are evenly light and spiced all the way through. Separately, blend the vanilla, milk, and sour cream in a measuring glass until smooth; this mixture will bring moisture and flavor into every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Eggs

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer. Aim for a light and fluffy texture—it should be pale and billowy after 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition to ensure a smooth, rich base for your cupcakes.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Turn the mixer to low and alternate adding the flour mixture and milk mixture in three parts, beginning and ending with the flour. Doing this prevents overmixing and keeps your batter tender. Gently mix until just combined—no more!

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full for the perfect rise. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool fully before you frost.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until perfectly smooth, lump-free, and creamy. Scrape the sides and bottom to catch any hidden bits—this ensures a cloud-like texture for your frosting.

Step 7: Add Sugar and Flavor

With your mixer on low, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time. Blend until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and cinnamon, whipping until everything smells like a cinnamon-sugar dream. If the frosting seems a bit stiff, drizzle in a teaspoon or two of heavy cream for that luscious spreadability.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Spread or pipe the cinnamon cream cheese frosting onto the cooled cupcakes as high as you dare. Sprinkle each cupcake generously with cinnamon sugar for that churro sparkle and crunch. Take a moment to admire your handiwork—then dive in!

How to Serve Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

No Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is complete without a generous shower of cinnamon sugar right before serving. For an extra festive touch, add a pinch more ground cinnamon on top or a mini churro for a whimsical twist. A few chocolate shavings or a drizzle of salted caramel never hurt, either—let your creativity shine!

Side Dishes

Serve your cupcakes alongside a piping hot mug of Mexican hot chocolate or a cup of strong coffee for a café-style treat. For special occasions, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to balance out the cinnamon spice and creamy frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your cupcakes on a rustic wooden board for a “street fair” vibe, or nestle each cupcake in a colorful cupcake box for gifting. If you’re hosting a party, line the serving tray with parchment printed to look like newsprint—just like your favorite churro stand. Don’t forget extra cinnamon sugar in a shaker so guests can dust their own creations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The cream cheese frosting holds up beautifully, staying creamy and rich even after a couple of days.

Freezing

If you find yourself with extras, you can freeze these cupcakes (unfrosted or frosted). Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag for up to two months. For best results, freeze the cupcakes and frosting separately, then frost fresh after thawing.

Reheating

To enjoy a cupcake as if it’s just been baked, let it come to room temperature on the counter, or give an unfrosted cupcake a few seconds in the microwave. If you do this, dust a bit more cinnamon sugar just before serving for that crisp churro effect.

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in a good cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but the cupcakes will still pack plenty of churro flavor and fluffiness.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute full-fat Greek yogurt in a pinch, but the incredible moisture and subtle tang of sour cream really make a difference in Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the frosting?

Full-fat cream cheese creates the smoothest, richest frosting. While low-fat may work, it has more water and can make your frosting less creamy and stable. Go for full-fat when you can!

How do I get that perfect swirl on my frosting?

Use a large piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe tall, dramatic swirls, or simply use a butter knife or offset spatula for swoops. Either way, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on after piping for crunch and sparkle.

Can these be made as mini cupcakes?

Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes, and check for doneness with a toothpick. Mini Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for parties and easy snacking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fun, sweet, and totally unforgettable, these Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting will be your new go-to recipe. Whip up a batch for your next get-together, or treat yourself just because—you deserve a little cinnamon-spiced happiness today!

Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of a fluffy churro cupcake topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. These Churro Cupcakes are a perfect treat for any occasion!

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
Sift dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. In a separate measuring glass, combine vanilla, whole milk, and sour cream until smooth. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix wet and dry ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour and milk mixtures in three additions, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
Bake: Divide batter into muffin cups and bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, beating until fluffy. Add heavy cream if needed for consistency.
Frost cupcakes: Pipe or spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican