Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes

As soon as that golden cinnamon sugar hits these fluffy Spanish churro pancakes, the kitchen smells like a cozy café in Madrid. This recipe transforms a classic pancake breakfast into something with a little more magic—crispy edges and a spiced sweet finish you will not forget.

The first time I cooked these pancakes, I was just aiming to shake up a plain Saturday morning. Now my family asks for them every time anyone smells cinnamon in the house.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: creates a tender pancake crumb using fresh flour ensures the best texture
• Baking powder: gives lift and makes your pancakes extra fluffy pick a brand with no off smells
• Sugar and cinnamon sugar: bring the churro flavor make your own cinnamon sugar for stronger spice
• Melted butter: for richness use high quality butter for better flavor
• Milk: ensures moist pancakes choose whole milk for the softest results
• Vanilla extract: deepens the sweetness choose real vanilla whenever you can
• Egg: binds everything together and makes the pancakes supple use a large fresh egg

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Combine the flour sugar baking powder and salt in a large bowl using a whisk to aerate and evenly distribute

Blend Wet Ingredients:

Whisk together the milk egg melted butter and vanilla in a separate bowl until fully smooth and integrated

Combine and Stir:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry and fold gently with a spatula Only stir until just combined to avoid tough pancakes

Prepare Skillet:

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium and lightly grease with a bit of butter or neutral oil Wait for a gentle sizzle when you drip water

Cook Pancakes:

Pour about a quarter cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot skillet Let the pancakes cook undisturbed until bubbles appear and edges look set

Flip to Finish:

Once the surface bubbles flip each pancake and cook the other side You want them golden and cooked through with a hint of crisp at the edge

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

Immediately transfer each finished pancake to a plate and dust generously with cinnamon sugar so it melts slightly into the warmth

Repeat and Stack:

Keep working with the rest of the batter stacking pancakes high and sprinkling each layer while hot

Serve Warm:

Bring straight to the table while still steaming If you want the real street-churro effect serve alongside thick hot chocolate

Nothing lifts my mood faster than the scent of cinnamon sugar melting over warm pancakes. My favorite part is always licking the sweet spicy dust from my fingers when stacking the pancakes high with my nieces crowding around the kitchen.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator They will be good for up to three days and reheat best in a toaster oven or dry skillet to bring back the crisp edges. If you want to freeze the batch layer parchment between pancakes before sealing in a freezer bag. When reheating from frozen go slow and gentle over low heat

Easy Ingredient Swaps

No real butter on hand reach for coconut oil for a hint of sweetness and extra moisture If you are dairy free use any unsweetened plant milk such as oat or almond for a nearly identical texture Whole wheat flour adds a little extra bite and fiber without losing the churro vibe

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Pile the pancakes high and dust with extra cinnamon sugar for a special Sunday treat. Serve with a thick chocolate sauce or café con leche for a Spanish café feeling out of your own kitchen. For a lighter snack roll up each pancake like a tortilla and eat by the fingerful

These pancakes deliver café-level comfort with minimal effort at home. Enjoy them fresh and fluffy with every cinnamon-sweet bite.

Recipe Q&A

→ What makes these pancakes different from regular ones?

The cinnamon sugar coating adds a churro-inspired flavor and texture, making each bite unique and delicious.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to prepare the batter fresh, but you can mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before cooking.

→ How do I get pancakes fluffy?

Mix the batter gently, just until combined. Overmixing can make pancakes dense instead of light and fluffy.

→ What’s the best way to apply cinnamon sugar?

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over each pancake immediately after removing from the skillet for maximum coverage and sticking power.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser. Try half all-purpose and half whole wheat for a balanced result.