Spanish Churro Pancakes: Your Best Sweet Breakfast Mashup

Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar, the same scent that wafts through street fairs and Spanish cafes from freshly fried churros. Now, picture enjoying all that iconic flavor in a soft, fluffy, syrup-soaked pancake. That’s the magic of Spanish Churro Pancakes.

This brilliant Spanish Churro Pancakes recipe merges the beloved, crispy-cinnamon treat with the cozy, familiar comfort of a weekend pancake breakfast. These aren’t just cinnamon pancakes; they’re a full churro experience in pancake form, complete with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating and perfect for dipping. Get ready to transform your morning with the easiest, most delicious hybrid breakfast that brings a fiesta to your fork.

WHY YOU NEED TO MAKE THESE PANCAKES

This Spanish Churro Pancakes recipe is more than a clever name, it’s a game-changing breakfast idea that delivers spectacular flavor with the simplicity of a standard pancake routine.

All the Churro Flavor, None of the Frying Fuss

Let’s be honest: making traditional churros at home is a project. It involves heating a pot of oil, piping dough, and dealing with a post-frying cleanup. Spanish Churro Pancakes capture the essence of a churro, with its warm cinnamon spice, sugary coating, and doughy tenderness, all presented through the effortless medium of pancake batter. You use one bowl and a skillet you already own.

The process is familiar and forgiving, making this a stress-free way to create a breakfast that feels extraordinarily special. It’s the perfect hack for when you’re craving those iconic flavors but want to stay in your pajamas and enjoy a relaxed morning.

A Fun, Interactive Breakfast for Everyone

Breakfast becomes an event with this dish. Unlike standard pancakes that just get doused in syrup, Spanish Churro Pancakes involve a delightful finishing ritual. As each warm pancake comes off the griddle, you brush it with melted butter and dredge it in a bowl of cinnamon sugar.

This creates that essential, crackly-sweet churro crust. Serving them with a side of rich chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping turns breakfast into a fun, hands-on experience. It’s a guaranteed way to bring smiles to the table, whether you’re cooking for kids, hosting brunch guests, or treating yourself to a memorable morning.

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HOW TO MAKE SPANISH CHURRO PANCAKES

Here’s your simple guide to creating these incredible pancakes, from the spiced batter to the signature sugary coat.

Ingredients: Your Simple Shopping List

For the Churro Pancake Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but great)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk*
• ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

*No Buttermilk? Make a quick substitute: Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill with milk to reach 1 ¾ cups. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)

For Serving (Choose Your Adventure!):

• Chocolate sauce (warmed store-bought or homemade)
• Dulce de leche or caramel sauce
• Maple syrup or honey
• Fresh berries or sliced bananas

Directions: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ¼ cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the 2 teaspoons of cinnamon (and nutmeg if using). In a separate bowl or large measuring jug, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 2: Create the Batter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently whisk just until the flour disappears. It’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy—overmixing makes pancakes tough. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes while you preheat your griddle or skillet. This allows the baking powder to activate and ensures fluffy pancakes.

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes.
Heat a non-stick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour about ⅓ cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot surface. Cook until you see bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Apply the Churro Coating.
While the pancakes are cooking, mix the ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon for the coating in a shallow bowl or plate. As soon as a pancake is done, brush the top lightly with melted butter, then press it butter-side-down into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Transfer to a serving plate, coated-side up. Repeat with all pancakes. Serve immediately with your chosen dipping sauces!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION & SWAPS

These Spanish Churro Pancakes are a celebratory breakfast, and being mindful of portions and ingredients helps you enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.

A Look at the Profile

These Spanish Churro Pancakes are a carbohydrate-rich treat, providing energy from the flour and sugars. The eggs and buttermilk add some protein. The cinnamon offers antioxidants, but the star of the show is the indulgent flavor.

Here’s a general snapshot for one pancake with the cinnamon-sugar coating:

Nutrient	Approximate Amount	Notes
Calories	~220-250 kcal	A satisfying single pancake.
Carbohydrates	~35 g	Primary energy source from flour and sugar.
Sugars	~15 g	From both the batter and the coating.
Protein	~5 g	From eggs, milk, and flour.
Fat	~7 g	From butter/oil in batter and coating.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk + vinegar for buttermilk, and vegan butter or oil.
• Whole Grain: Substitute up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the batter to 2 tablespoons and use a light hand with the cinnamon-sugar coating.

HOW TO SERVE & ENJOY

Presentation turns this fun breakfast into a true brunch centerpiece.

The Perfect Plating

Serve these Spanish Churro Pancakes stacked high, showcasing their beautiful cinnamon-sugar crust. Pour your chosen chocolate or caramel sauce into small individual ramekins or drizzle it artistically over the stack. This encourages the fun, interactive “dip” that mimics eating a real churro. Add a side of fresh berries to cut through the sweetness and add a vibrant color contrast.

Ideal Pairings

• The Classic Combo: A side of crispy bacon or chorizo provides a perfect salty counterpoint to the sweet pancakes.
• For a Full Brunch: Pair with a fresh fruit salad and a pot of strong coffee.
• The Ultimate Treat: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert-for-breakfast moment.

HOW TO STORE & REHEAT

While best fresh, you can absolutely save leftovers for a quick treat later.

Storing Leftovers

• Short-Term: Cool pancakes completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Long-Term/Meal Prep: Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers. They will keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating for Best Results

To revive the texture and melt the sugar coating:

• Toaster Oven/Air Fryer: This is the best method. Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warm and the sugar is slightly crisp again.
• Skillet: Reheat in a dry, non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
• Microwave: Use as a last resort for 20-30 seconds, but note the coating will soften.

PRO TIPS FOR PERFECT PANCAKES

Master these simple tricks for the best Spanish Churro Pancakes every time.

Tips and Notes: Your Kitchen Companion

• Don’t Overmix: Lumpy batter = fluffy pancakes. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
• Test the Griddle: Your pan is ready when a few drops of water sizzle and dance on the surface.
• Keep Them Warm: If making a large batch, place finished pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest.
• Coat While Hot: The cinnamon-sugar only sticks properly if the pancake is fresh from the griddle and buttered while warm.
• Control Sweetness: You can adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio in the coating to your taste. Love cinnamon? Use a 1:3 ratio (1 tbsp cinnamon to 3 tbsp sugar).

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Chip Churro Pancakes: Fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter.
• Stuffed Churro Pancakes: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese filling or dulce de leche between two pancakes before coating.
• Baked Churro Pancake: Pour the entire batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, then brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Cut into squares.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make the batter the night before?

It’s not recommended to make the full batter ahead, as the baking powder will activate and then lose its leavening power, resulting in flat pancakes. Instead, mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before. In the morning, quickly combine them and cook.

My pancakes are raw in the middle. What went wrong?

This usually means the griddle is too hot. The outside browns before the inside cooks through. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook a little longer. Also, avoid pressing down on the pancakes with the spatula, as this squeezes out air and leads to denseness.

What’s the best chocolate sauce for dipping?

For authenticity, make a simple Spanish chocolate dipping sauce: heat ½ cup heavy cream until simmering, then pour over 1 cup of chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. A high-quality store-bought chocolate syrup or hot fudge also works wonderfully.

Can I make these without the cinnamon-sugar coating?

Absolutely! Without the coating, you’ll have delicious, fluffy cinnamon pancakes. Simply serve them with syrup and butter as usual. The coating is what truly gives you the “churro” experience, but the spiced batter is fantastic on its own.

Are these pancakes kid-friendly?

They are a massive hit with kids! The fun of dipping and the familiar, sweet flavors make them an instant favorite. You can even let older kids help with the buttering and cinnamon-sugar rolling step.

BRING THE FIESTA TO YOUR BREAKFAST TABLE

Spanish Churro Pancakes are more than just a recipe, they’re a joyful, flavorful escape at the start of your day. They prove that with a little creativity, you can travel with your taste buds without any complicated techniques or unusual ingredients. This mashup celebrates the best of both worlds: the effortless comfort of pancake-making and the irresistible, festive spirit of a churro.

So, this weekend, skip the long line at the cafe and create your own brunch celebration. One bite of that buttery, cinnamon-sugary crust followed by a dip into rich chocolate sauce, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making these all along.