Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes — A Decadent Breakfast Treat

Posted on January 2, 2026

Stack of golden Crunchy Pancakes dusted in cinnamon sugar, topped with pistachios for a Baklava Pancakes flair, served next to a small carafe from a curated Breakfast Drink Recipes pairing, Decadent Breakfast.

If you want a truly Decadent Breakfast, these Spanish Churro Pancakes bring churro vibes to your morning stack — crispy edges, pillowy centers, and a cinnamon-sugar kiss that makes every bite feel like a mini celebration.

Why you’ll fall for this pancake twist

These pancakes marry two breakfast worlds: the deep-fried, cinnamon-swept joy of churros and the soft, comforting goodness of pancakes. They come together fast, require only pantry-friendly ingredients, and deliver that “wow” factor without drama. Want a brunch that looks fancy but cooks in a flash? This is it.

Short, sweet, and honest: this recipe gives you Sweet Mexican Breakfast Ideas energy with minimal fuss. Who doesn’t love that?

The story behind the recipe

I cooked these on a sleepy weekend when I wanted churros but not the fryer drama. Turning the churro flavor into a pancake batter felt like cheating—in the best way. One flip, a quick toss in cinnamon sugar, and boom: you get the crunchy-sweet exterior of a churro with the tender inside of a pancake. It’s playful, nostalgic, and oddly practical. IMO, that’s the best kind of recipe.

Ingredients breakdown — what each item does (and why it matters)

You don’t need a long shopping list. Here’s why each ingredient earns its spot.

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour — builds structure. Use sifted flour for lighter pancakes.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar — gives batter a gentle sweetness and helps caramelize the surface.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder — lifts the pancakes to fluffy perfection.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt — balances flavors and prevents the sweetness from tasting flat.
  • 1 cup milk — hydrates the batter and adds richness. Swap for almond milk for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 large egg — binds everything and helps the pancakes brown.
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter — gives a buttery mouthfeel and helps with browning.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — small but mighty; it rounds the flavors.
  • 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar — the churro signature. Use good cinnamon—this is the star.

These components combine to create Flavorful Pancakes that stand out on any brunch table.

How to make Spanish Churro Pancakes — step-by-step

No fluff. Just clear steps so you nail them the first time.

  1. Whisk dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well so the leavening spreads evenly.
  2. Mix wet ingredients. In another bowl, beat the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until cohesive.
  3. Combine gently. Pour wet into dry and stir until just moistened. A few lumps are fine — don’t overmix or you’ll end up with tough pancakes.
  4. Heat the pan. Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. A hot pan equals better browning; a too-cool pan makes spongy pancakes.
  5. Scoop batter. Use about 1/4 cup per pancake. Drop batter onto the skillet and wait for bubbles to form on top. Flip when edges look set and bubbles burst. Cook the second side until golden.
  6. Cinnamon sugar finish. Immediately after removing each pancake from the skillet, sprinkle or toss it in your cinnamon sugar so it clings to the warm surface and creates that churro-like crust.

Simple, right? Yet the result tastes next-level.

Stack of golden Crunchy Pancakes dusted in cinnamon sugar, topped with pistachios for a Baklava Pancakes flair, served next to a small carafe from a curated Breakfast Drink Recipes pairing, Decadent Breakfast.Pin

Pro tips for perfect results

  • Use room-temperature milk and egg so the batter mixes smoothly and rises evenly.
  • Keep the batter slightly lumpy — overmixing develops gluten and robs you of fluff.
  • Let the pan fully preheat — you want that quick sizzle when batter hits the surface.
  • Work in small batches and keep finished pancakes warm in a 200°F oven on a sheet pan. This prevents the stack from cooling while you finish the rest.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle a tiny bit of granulated sugar into the skillet before pouring batter. It melts and caramelizes against the pancake for a crisp edge. Game-changer.

Bold tip: If you want to dial up the churro vibe, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar. Trust me.

Want your pancakes Pancakes Crispy or ultra-fluffy?

If you want Pancakes Crispy, let them cook a touch longer on medium-low so the sugars caramelize without burning. For the ultimate fluffy stack, fold in a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the wet mix — it adds moisture and tenderness.

Delicious variations to experiment with

Creativity = breakfast gold. Try any of these riffs:

  • Chocolate chip churro pancakes: fold in dark chocolate chips for melty pockets.
  • Baklava Pancakes mashup: sprinkle chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey—hello, Baklava Pancakes vibes.
  • Creme Brulee Pancakes: torch the top of the cinnamon sugar layer for a caramelized shell—total Creme Brulee Pancakes energy. (Yes, you can be fancy at home.)
  • Viennese spin: top with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar to nod toward Viennese Pancakes elegance.
  • Fruit-studded: fold in mashed banana or grated apple for moisture and natural sweetness.

Each variation keeps the churro spirit alive while adding a new personality to the stack.

How to get the churro crust — step-by-step

Want that crunchy cinnamon-sugar coat? Follow this mini-process:

  • Mix 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar in a shallow plate.
  • Right after you lift each pancake from the skillet, brush or lightly spray it with melted butter.
  • Toss or press the pancake into the cinnamon sugar so it sticks.
  • Repeat.

Key point: do this while the pancakes are still hot — the sugar adheres best then.

What to serve with your Spanish Churro Pancakes

Balance sweetness with brightness or keep it indulgent — both work.

  • Fresh berries or sliced banana cut through the sugar and add a fresh contrast.
  • A dollop of Greek yogurt gives tang and protein.
  • Drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you want the dessert route.
  • Coffee or hot chocolate pairs perfectly, but for a lighter brunch, try iced lattes or a sparkling citrus spritz from your Breakfast Drink Recipes collection.
  • For a truly indulgent brunch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Don’t judge me—this is brunch, not fine dining.

Timing and prep — quick and efficient

You can get this on the table in about 20–30 minutes from start to finish. That includes mixing, cooking, and finishing with cinnamon sugar. If you prep the dry mix the night before, you cut morning time down even more. FYI: prepping saves you time and sanity.

Stack of golden Crunchy Pancakes dusted in cinnamon sugar, topped with pistachios for a Baklava Pancakes flair, served next to a small carafe from a curated Breakfast Drink Recipes pairing, Decadent Breakfast.Pin

Make-ahead and storage tips

  • Batter: you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
  • Leftovers: store pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven to preserve crispness.
  • Freeze: separate layers with parchment and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best texture.

FAQs — short, useful answers

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may shift slightly, but the flavor stays excellent.

Can I use plant-based milk?

Absolutely. Almond or oat milk works fine. The pancakes may taste a touch different, but still delish.

How do I prevent soggy pancakes?

Don’t stack wet pancakes without a little paper towel between them, and don’t overmix the batter. Also, don’t cook on too-low heat.

Can I skip the butter when coating?

You can, but butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere and gives that slightly caramelized finish. Olive oil or coconut oil works in a pinch.

Why these are a brilliant brunch pick

  • They feel special without requiring fancy technique.
  • Kids and grown-ups both get excited — the churro element hits nostalgia hard.
  • They pair beautifully with coffee, cocktails, or a simple fruit plate.
  • You can scale easily for a crowd.

Pairing ideas from your Breakfast Drink Recipes stash

These pancakes pair nicely with a rich cortado, a creamy cappuccino, or a fizzy citrus mocktail. Want to go boozy? A spiced rum coffee cocktail makes the stack feel like a weekend splurge.

Final thoughts — go make them (and flex a little)

These Spanish Churro Pancakes prove that brunch can be both playful and impressive. You get Crunchy Pancakes edges and soft centers in every bite. You get Sweet Mexican Breakfast Ideas flair without a fryer. You get a stack that can flirt with Viennese Pancakes sophistication or dive into Baklava Pancakes decadence depending on how adventurous you feel.

Last tip: if you want people to think you slaved all morning, serve the plate with a lemony fruit salad and a steaming thermos of coffee. They’ll ooh; you’ll smirk. That’s the joy of THIS recipe.

Ready to flip some pancakes and make your morning magical? Give this one a go and tell me how you jazzed it up — I love swaps and clever hacks.

Follow me on Pinterest for daily new recipes.

Stack of golden Crunchy Pancakes dusted in cinnamon sugar, topped with pistachios for a Baklava Pancakes flair, served next to a small carafe from a curated Breakfast Drink Recipes pairing, Decadent Breakfast.Pin

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Stack of golden Crunchy Pancakes dusted in cinnamon sugar, topped with pistachios for a Baklava Pancakes flair, served next to a small carafe from a curated Breakfast Drink Recipes pairing, Decadent Breakfast.

Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes — A Decadent Breakfast Treat

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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (or neutral oil)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup cinnamon–sugar blend (for coating)


Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just mixed — small lumps are okay.
  4. Warm a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush or spray a little fat to prevent sticking.
  5. For each pancake, ladle roughly 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot surface.
  6. Cook until bubbles appear and the edges look set, then flip and cook the second side until a warm golden color develops.
  7. Lift the pancakes from the skillet and, while still hot, sprinkle or press them into the cinnamon–sugar so the coating adheres.
  8. Continue with the remaining batter and serve the stack immediately.

Notes

  • To get extra crunchy edges, let pancakes cook a little longer on a medium–low flame.
  • Vary the sweetness by adding more or less cinnamon sugar to suit your taste.
  • For dairy-free or lighter versions, swap almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pancake
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Decadent Breakfast, Sweet Mexican Breakfast Ideas, Viennese Pancakes, Pancakes Crispy, Flavorful Pancakes, Creme Brulee Pancakes, Crunchy Pancakes, Baklava Pancakes, Breakfast Drink Recipes

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