Spicy Pumpkin Muffin Churros

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

Experience tender pumpkin-infused dough piped into churro shapes, first baked for softness, then fried until golden and crisp. The sticks are rolled in aromatic cinnamon sugar for sweet spiced flair, making them a standout dessert for autumn or festive occasions. Enjoy these vegetarian churros warm, served with chocolate or caramel sauce. Nutmeg, cloves, and a hint of cayenne elevate the flavor profile, while prep and cooking are simple with common kitchen tools.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:01:00 GMT
Soft Spicy Pumpkin Muffin Churros coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for autumn gatherings.  Pin
Soft Spicy Pumpkin Muffin Churros coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for autumn gatherings. | forkandbloom.com

A creative fusion of pumpkin muffins and churros—soft, spiced pumpkin dough baked and fried into churro-like sticks, dusted with cinnamon sugar. Perfect for autumn treats or festive gatherings.

I first made these for an autumn festival, and they quickly became the star of the dessert table. Guests loved the warm spices paired with the crispy texture, and everyone wanted the recipe.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (190 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
  • Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/8 tsp (optional, for extra heat)
  • Canned pumpkin puree: 1 cup (225 g)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
  • Brown sugar: 1/4 cup (55 g), packed
  • Vegetable oil: 1/3 cup (80 ml) plus extra for frying
  • Large eggs: 2
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g) for coating
  • Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp for coating

Instructions

Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cayenne pepper.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Combine:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pipe:
Transfer batter to a large piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 4–5-inch (10–12 cm) strips onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until just set but still soft. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Fry:
In a deep skillet, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry the baked churro sticks for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Coat:
Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll warm churro sticks in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
Serve:
Serve immediately, optionally with a chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.
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Our family loves making these together on chilly weekends. Kids enjoy piping the dough into fun shapes, and everyone lines up for a freshly fried churro stick.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, piping bag with large star tip, deep skillet or Dutch oven, slotted spoon, paper towels

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, wheat (gluten). May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient brands—always check labels.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 160, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 2 g per churro stick

Delicious Pumpkin Muffin Churros, golden-fried and dusted with warm cinnamon sweetness.  Pin
Delicious Pumpkin Muffin Churros, golden-fried and dusted with warm cinnamon sweetness. | forkandbloom.com

Bring festive flair to any autumn event with these pumpkin muffin churros. A sweet and spicy treat for all ages!

Recipe Q&A

Can I use sweet potato instead of pumpkin?

Yes, substitute pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree for a similar earthy flavor and texture.

Can these churros be served with dipping sauce?

Absolutely. Chocolate or caramel sauces work well as accompaniments for extra indulgence.

How do I get crispy churro sticks?

Ensure oil is heated to 350°F and fry the baked sticks for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

Are there spicy variations?

Increase cayenne or add a pinch of black pepper for heightened heat and a more robust flavor.

What tools are needed?

A piping bag with large star tip, mixer bowls, baking sheet, deep skillet, and paper towels are recommended.

Is this dessert vegetarian?

Yes, all listed ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Please check labels for allergen safety.

Spicy Pumpkin Muffin Churros

Pumpkin churro sticks with cinnamon sugar glaze, baked then fried for autumn snacks or celebrations.

Prep duration
20 min
Cooking duration
25 min
Complete duration
45 min

Category Sweet Desserts

Skill level Medium

Origin Fusion (American/Spanish)

Yield 16 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Dairy-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
08 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
09 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
04 1/3 cup vegetable oil
05 2 large eggs
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying & Coating

01 Vegetable oil for frying
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cayenne pepper until evenly blended.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 04

Incorporate Dry with Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just blended. Avoid overmixing for light texture.

Step 05

Pipe Churro Batter: Transfer batter to a large piping bag fitted with a star tip, and pipe 4–5-inch strips directly onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 06

Bake Churro Sticks: Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until set but still soft. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before frying.

Step 07

Heat Oil for Frying: Fill a deep skillet with 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat to 350°F.

Step 08

Fry Churro Sticks: Working in batches, fry baked churro sticks for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain fried churros on paper towels.

Step 09

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll warm churro sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture to fully coat.

Step 10

Serve: Serve churro sticks immediately, optionally paired with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Piping bag with large star tip
  • Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains eggs and wheat (gluten).
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient brands; always review product labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 160
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbs: 25 g
  • Protein: 2 g