Churros Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Churros are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside—perfectly coated in cinnamon sugar and served warm with chocolate dipping sauce or caramel. These classic Spanish treats are surprisingly easy to make at home and perfect for parties, dessert, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and fried.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

water
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
salt
all-purpose flour
eggs
vanilla extract
vegetable oil (for frying)
cinnamon sugar (granulated sugar + ground cinnamon)

optional: chocolate chips or dark chocolate, heavy cream (for dipping sauce)

directions

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and stir in flour all at once. Mix vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.

Remove from heat and let cool for 5–10 minutes.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until smooth.

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully pipe 4–6 inch lengths of dough into the hot oil, cutting with scissors.

Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes per batch).

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

While still warm, roll churros in cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.

Serve immediately with optional warm chocolate or caramel sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 18–20 churros.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Fill with dulce de leche or Nutella using a piping tip.
Add orange zest or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
Dip in white chocolate, spiced chocolate, or flavored sauces.
Shape into loops or spirals for a fun presentation.

storage/reheating

Churros are best enjoyed fresh.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to crisp.
Store cooled churros in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Do not refrigerate, as they will lose texture.

FAQs

Can I make churros without a piping bag?
Yes, use a plastic bag with the corner snipped, though the ridges help with crispiness.

Why is my dough too runny or stiff?
Egg size and flour measurement can affect texture. Adjust with a bit more flour if too soft.

Can I bake churros instead of frying?
Yes, but they’ll be less crispy. Pipe onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, then broil briefly to brown.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 1 day and bring to room temp before frying.

What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.

Do I need to use eggs?
Yes, they give the dough its structure and puff. Egg-free churros may have a different texture.

How do I know when oil is ready?
Use a thermometer or test with a small bit of dough—it should sizzle and rise quickly.

Can I freeze churros?
Freeze uncoated fried churros. Reheat in the oven and roll in cinnamon sugar before serving.

Are churros gluten-free?
Not with regular flour, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

Can I flavor the sugar coating?
Yes, add cocoa powder, espresso powder, or pumpkin spice for variations.

Conclusion

Churros are a deliciously nostalgic treat with crisp edges and soft centers, perfect for dipping and sharing. With simple pantry ingredients and a bit of frying, you can recreate this classic dessert at home anytime. Whether for a celebration or a sweet snack, churros always bring joy in every bite.

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