Churros

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Churros are a beloved Spanish and Latin American pastry, known for their crispy golden exterior and soft, airy interior. Often coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce, churros are perfect for dessert, breakfast, or a fun snack. Their simplicity and irresistible flavor make them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

ingredients

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
vegetable oil (for frying)
ground cinnamon
additional granulated sugar (for coating)

directions

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

Reduce heat to low and add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 5-10 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until smooth and glossy.

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

Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C).

Pipe 4-6 inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the dough.

Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Roll warm churros in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Serve immediately, optionally with chocolate sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20 churros.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cooling and coating time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
Dip churros in caramel or dulce de leche instead of chocolate.
Make mini churros for bite-sized fun.
Fill churros with cream, jam, or Nutella for a decadent twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make churros soggy.
For longer storage, freeze cooked churros and reheat in the oven before serving.

FAQs

Can I make churro dough ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best piped and fried fresh. You can refrigerate dough for up to 1 day.

Why are my churros oily or soggy?
Ensure oil is at the correct temperature—too low causes excess absorption.

Do I need a piping bag?
Yes, for the traditional shape, but you can also use a sturdy plastic bag with the corner snipped off.

Can I bake churros instead of frying?
Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then coat with cinnamon sugar.

Can I use a churro maker?
Yes, it’s a great alternative for consistent shapes and less mess.

What oil is best for frying churros?
Vegetable oil or canola oil are ideal for their high smoke points and neutral flavor.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work, but texture may vary slightly.

How do I make chocolate dipping sauce?
Heat heavy cream and pour over chopped chocolate, stir until smooth. Add a pinch of cinnamon if desired.

Conclusion

Churros bring warmth and joy to any table with their golden crunch and sweet cinnamon coating. Whether served with a rich chocolate dip or enjoyed plain, they’re a festive and delicious treat. Easy to make and even easier to love, churros are a timeless favorite that never fails to impress.

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