Spanish Churro Pancakes – Sweet, Crispy, and Cinnamon-Perfect

If you love the cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros but want a fun breakfast twist, these Spanish Churro Pancakes are exactly what you need. Fluffy, soft pancakes get a churro-inspired makeover with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl and a light caramel or chocolate drizzle. They’re decadent enough for a weekend treat yet simple enough to whip up on a cozy morning.

With easy-to-find ingredients, no complicated techniques, and a flavor that’s both nostalgic and new, these pancakes bring a little Spanish flair to your breakfast table. Perfect for brunch, family mornings, or any day you want a little indulgence.

Why You’ll Love These Spanish Churro Pancakes

1. Fluffy and flavorful
Soft, tender pancakes with a hint of cinnamon sugar in every bite.

2. Easy to make
No need for fancy equipment — just a mixing bowl, skillet or griddle, and a whisk.

3. Churro-inspired twist
Topped with cinnamon sugar and optionally drizzled with chocolate or caramel — all the churro flavors you love in pancake form.

4. Kid-friendly and festive
Great for holidays, birthdays, or weekend breakfasts with the family.

5. Customizable toppings
Add fresh fruit, whipped cream, or ice cream for an extra-special treat.

6. Perfect for brunch or dessert
These pancakes can easily double as a sweet brunch centerpiece or dessert after dinner.

What You’ll Need

For the Pancakes:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings:

Maple syrup
Caramel sauce
Chocolate sauce
Whipped cream
Fresh berries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. This will be sprinkled over the pancakes while cooking and again before serving for that classic churro flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar until evenly combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough.

Tip: If the batter is too thick, add a splash of milk until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.

Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar over the batter immediately.

Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for another 2–3 minutes on the other side, until golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Keep Warm and Repeat

Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more butter or oil to the skillet as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Stack pancakes on plates and sprinkle generously with more cinnamon sugar. Drizzle with maple syrup, caramel, or chocolate sauce as desired. Add whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra indulgent touch.

Tips for Perfect Spanish Churro Pancakes

Don’t overmix the batter.
Lumps in the batter ensure light, fluffy pancakes.
Use medium heat.
Too high and the outside will burn before the center cooks; too low and the pancakes will be pale and dense.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar immediately.
This allows it to stick to the batter and create that churro-style crunch and flavor.
Keep pancakes warm.
Cover with foil or place in a low oven while cooking the remaining pancakes.
Customize sweetness.
Adjust the cinnamon-sugar to your liking; some prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor for that true churro taste.

Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, these churro pancakes can be adapted in many delicious ways:

Caramel Churro Pancakes:
Drizzle caramel sauce between the pancake layers for extra sweetness.

Chocolate Churro Pancakes:
Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top.

Apple Cinnamon Churro Pancakes:
Fold in finely chopped apples and a touch of nutmeg for a fall-inspired version.

Pumpkin Spice Churro Pancakes:
Mix in 1/4 cup pumpkin puree and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.

Nutella Churro Pancakes:
Spread a thin layer of Nutella between pancake layers and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a decadent treat.

Serving Suggestions

These churro pancakes are versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

Classic breakfast: Stack with butter and maple syrup.
Brunch treat: Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Dessert twist: Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
Party platter: Mini pancakes stacked with different toppings for a fun serving option.

How to Store and Reheat

At Room Temperature:
Keep cooled pancakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator:
Store for up to 5 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Freezer:
Cool completely, then layer with parchment paper between pancakes and freeze in a sealed bag or container.
Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster, oven, or skillet until warmed through.

Make-Ahead Option

You can mix the batter the night before and refrigerate overnight. Stir gently before cooking.

Cooked pancakes can also be frozen and reheated for quick breakfasts during busy mornings.

Troubleshooting

Pancakes too dense:
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and don’t overmix the batter.

Pancakes not cooking evenly:
Adjust skillet temperature and ensure even heat distribution.

Cinnamon sugar not sticking:
Sprinkle immediately after pouring batter on the skillet or lightly brush with butter first.

Too dry:
Add a tablespoon of milk to the batter to achieve fluffier results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use dairy-free butter.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free flour?
Absolutely. For gluten-free pancakes, use a good-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour. You may need to adjust liquid slightly for consistency.

Can I make these in a waffle maker?
Yes, just pour batter into a preheated waffle maker and cook according to manufacturer instructions. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar after cooking.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and cook in batches.

Can I make them ahead for a party?
Yes, stack and keep warm in a low oven, or prepare the batter and cook right before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per 2 medium pancakes)

Calories: 210
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g

(Nutrition varies depending on toppings and milk type used.)

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of cinnamon sugar, butter, and fluffy pancake batter perfectly mimics the classic churro flavor in a pancake form. The cinnamon-sugar sprinkle added before cooking caramelizes slightly, giving a hint of crisp texture reminiscent of churros, while the soft interior keeps every bite tender and satisfying.

Using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients ensures that these pancakes are easy to make, indulgent, and perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. The flexibility in toppings and variations means they can be adapted for a quick weekday breakfast or a luxurious weekend treat.

Tips for Customizing Your Churro Pancake Routine

Create a churro pancake stack:
Alternate pancakes with layers of caramel, chocolate, or Nutella for an impressive brunch centerpiece.
Serve with ice cream:
For a dessert twist, add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top of your warm pancake stack.
Add a spice kick:
Experiment with nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice for seasonal flavor.
Mini pancakes for parties:
Make small pancakes and serve as finger food with cinnamon sugar sprinkled over.
Extra crunch:
Top with crushed churros or cinnamon sugar before serving for a playful texture contrast.

Final Thoughts

These Spanish Churro Pancakes prove that you can enjoy all the flavors of a classic churro in a fun, fluffy pancake form. Sweet, cinnamon-forward, and perfectly soft inside, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any breakfast, brunch, or dessert table.

With simple ingredients, easy prep, and endless topping options, they’re destined to become a family favorite. Light, flavorful, and indulgent without being overly heavy, these pancakes bring a little Spanish magic to your morning routine.

Wake up to the aroma of cinnamon sugar and start your day with a stack of sweet, fluffy perfection — homemade churro pancakes have never been this simple or delicious.