Churros are a beloved treat around the world, known for their crispy exterior, soft interior, and irresistible coating of cinnamon sugar. This Classic Cinnamon Sugar Churros recipe offers a timeless version of the popular Spanish dessert, paired perfectly with a rich chocolate dipping sauce. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the fryer or slightly cooled, these churros promise comfort and indulgence in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These churros are delightfully crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The cinnamon sugar coating adds warmth and sweetness, making them a satisfying dessert or snack. They are easy to prepare at home with simple pantry ingredients and do not require any special equipment aside from a piping bag. The homemade touch brings out a freshness and flavor unmatched by store-bought versions.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Water
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Eggs
- Ground cinnamon
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: Chocolate sauce for dipping
directions
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in flour until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before adding eggs one at a time, mixing well until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting with scissors. Fry until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and immediately toss churros in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- Serve warm with chocolate sauce if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12–15 churros and takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 35 minutes.
Variations
- Filled Churros: Use a piping bag to fill churros with chocolate, caramel, or vanilla cream.
- Baked Churros: For a healthier option, pipe churros onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Spiced Sugar Coating: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar mixture for a twist.
- Vegan Churros: Use plant-based butter and replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture or egg substitute.
- Churro Bites: Pipe shorter lengths to create bite-sized churros for easy snacking or parties.
storage/reheating
Store cooled churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
FAQs
How do I make sure churros are crispy?
Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F) and do not overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make churros greasy.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough a few hours ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating the dough, as it may harden and be difficult to pipe.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can use a plastic zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, although the ridges from a star tip provide the best texture and crunch.
Why are my churros raw inside?
The oil might be too hot, causing the outside to cook too quickly while the inside remains undercooked. Maintain a consistent frying temperature.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, although it may slightly alter the flavor.
Are churros gluten-free?
Traditional churros are not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Is it possible to air fry churros?
Yes, pipe churros onto a parchment-lined air fryer tray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, then coat with cinnamon sugar.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil.
Can I freeze cooked churros?
Yes, allow churros to cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
What can I dip churros in besides chocolate?
Try caramel sauce, dulce de leche, sweetened condensed milk, or fruit preserves for variety.
Conclusion
Classic Cinnamon Sugar Churros are a simple yet indulgent treat that brings joy to any occasion. With a crispy exterior and soft, warm center, they offer the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Easy to customize and delightful when served with a dipping sauce, these homemade churros are bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside – these Classic Cinnamon Sugar Churros are the ultimate homemade treat! Coated in sweet cinnamon sugar and served warm with rich chocolate sauce, they’re perfect for dessert or snacking anytime. Quick to make and impossible to resist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: : 25 minutes
- Yield: About 15 churros
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
Ingredients
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1 cup water
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2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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Vegetable oil, for frying
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1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
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Stir in flour until the mixture forms a ball.
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Heat oil for frying in a deep skillet or pot (about 375°F/190°C).
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Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
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Pipe strips of dough into hot oil, cutting with scissors. Fry until golden and crisp.
Notes
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For extra flavor, add a dash of vanilla extract to the dough.
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Make sure the oil is hot enough to ensure crispness.
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These are best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated in the oven.