Crispy Churro Recipe

Crispy Cinnamon-Sugar Churro Recipe: Irresistible Sweet Treats

Churros dance with golden, crispy perfection in this mouthwatering churro recipe that promises pure delight.

Sweet cinnamon-sugar coating crackles with each delectable bite.

Originating from Spain, these classic treats bring street food magic right to your kitchen.

Warm, pillowy dough creates a heavenly contrast against its crunchy exterior.

You’ll fall in love with the simple ingredients and straightforward technique.

No fancy equipment needed – just a piping bag and basic pantry staples.

Every churro emerges as a celebration of simple, irresistible flavor that beckons you to indulge.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Crispy Ingredients For The Best Churros

For Dough Base:
  • Water: Provides liquid structure for the dough's consistency and helps blend ingredients seamlessly.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to golden-brown exterior during frying.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the churros' sweetness.
  • Butter: Creates rich flavor and helps achieve tender, smooth dough texture.
  • Flour: Crucial binding agent that gives churros their signature sturdy yet crispy structure.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla: Introduces warm, aromatic depth and complements the cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the dough ingredients together.
For Coating and Dipping:
  • Cinnamon, Sugar: Classic topping that creates a crispy, sweet exterior with warm spice notes.
  • Chocolate Chips: Optional rich dipping sauce ingredient for indulgent chocolate lovers.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth, silky chocolate sauce with luxurious texture.

Tools To Fry Up Perfect Churros

  • Saucepan: medium-sized pot for boiling water and making dough base.
  • Deep Pot: for frying churros with about 2 inches of oil safely.
  • Piping Bag: essential for creating classic churro shape with star tip.
  • Large Star Tip: creates signature ridged churro texture.
  • Scissors: used to cut churro strips from piping bag into oil.
  • Slotted Spoon: perfect for removing churros from hot oil and draining excess oil.
  • Paper Towels: helps drain and cool fried churros.
  • Small Saucepan: for preparing optional chocolate sauce.
  • Mixing Spoon: to stir dough and mix ingredients smoothly.
  • Thermometer (optional): helps maintain precise oil temperature for perfect frying.

Steps To Make Classic Churros At Home

  • Create Churro Base

Boil water with butter, sugar, and salt in a pan. Pull from heat and vigorously mix in flour until a smooth dough forms. Let the mixture rest and cool slightly.

  • Blend Wet Ingredients

Introduce vanilla and eggs into the dough, mixing thoroughly after each egg addition. The mixture will become dense and clingy.

  • Prepare Frying Station

Heat oil in a deep pot to a sizzling 350F. Ensure the temperature is consistent for perfect golden churros.

  • Shape Churros

Transfer dough to a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle. Squeeze out slender strips directly into the bubbling oil, trimming with kitchen scissors. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

  • Fry to Golden Perfection

Cook churros until they turn a beautiful amber color, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and let excess oil drip away on paper towels.

  • Add Cinnamon Coating

While churros are still warm, roll them generously in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend, ensuring complete coverage.

  • Optional Chocolate Dip

Warm cream until it barely bubbles, then pour over chocolate. Let sit momentarily, then whisk until silky smooth for a decadent dunking sauce.

Tips For Crispy And Soft Churros At Once

  • Churro Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Oil Temperature Mastery: Use a candy thermometer to maintain precise 350F oil temperature, ensuring crispy exteriors and perfectly cooked interiors without greasy residue.
  • Piping Perfection: Lightly oil scissors before cutting churro dough to prevent sticking and create clean, even edges for consistent frying.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend plus xanthan gum for celiac-friendly churros that taste just as delicious.
  • Flavor Twist: Experiment with alternative sugar coatings like lavender sugar, cardamom-sugar mix, or orange-infused sugar for unique taste profiles that elevate traditional churros.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Pipe unbaked churro dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, freeze, then transfer frozen dough directly into hot oil when ready to cook, creating convenient preparation method.

How To Serve Best Churros With Style

  • Sweet Dipping Delights: Serve churros with rich melted chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat that enhances their crispy texture and warm cinnamon flavor.
  • Party Presentation Platter: Arrange churros in a circular pattern on a large wooden board, sprinkled with extra cinnamon sugar, perfect for sharing at gatherings or family events.
  • Dessert Companion Pairings: Complement churros with vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche, or fresh berries to create a balanced and exciting dessert experience that adds extra dimensions of taste and temperature.
  • Breakfast Twist: Transform traditional churros into a morning treat by serving alongside strong espresso or café con leche for a delightful Spanish-inspired breakfast that feels luxurious and comforting.

Smart Storage Tips For Best Churros

  • Quick Refrigeration Trick: Store leftover churros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them individually in paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm churros in the air fryer at 350F for 23 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. Avoid using a microwave, which can make them soggy and soft.
  • Freezing Strategy: Place cooled churros in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and crisp up in the oven or air fryer before serving.
  • Smart Cinnamon Sugar Storage: Keep extra cinnamon sugar mixture in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 months. This ready-to-use blend works perfectly for future churro batches or other dessert coatings.
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Crispy Churro Recipe

Crispy Churro Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade churros with cinnamon sugar blend classic Spanish street delicacy into a crispy, golden dessert. Crisp exterior and tender interior promise sweet satisfaction for dessert enthusiasts craving authentic flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 ½ tablespoons (tbsps) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz semisweet chocolate chips
  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Base Mixture: Combine water, sugar, salt, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, then immediately remove from heat source.
  2. Develop Dough Structure: Swiftly integrate flour into the hot liquid, stirring continuously until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes, enabling optimal texture development.
  3. Enhance Dough Composition: Introduce vanilla extract and methodically fold in eggs one at a time. Blend thoroughly after each addition to create a uniform, thick, and slightly tacky consistency.
  4. Establish Frying Conditions: Heat oil in a deep cooking vessel to 350°F (175°C), carefully monitoring temperature with a culinary thermometer to ensure precise frying environment.
  5. Shape and Fry Churros: Load the prepared dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. Extrude 4-6 inch segments directly into the shimmering oil, using kitchen scissors to create clean cuts. Fry in small batches (2-3 pieces) to maintain oil temperature, cooking until each side achieves a rich, golden-brown hue (approximately 2-3 minutes per side).
  6. Finish and Garnish: Remove churros with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels. Immediately coat the warm pastries in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for maximum flavor and texture.
  7. Optional Chocolate Accompaniment: Create a decadent dipping sauce by gently warming cream to a soft simmer. Pour over premium chocolate chips, letting the mixture rest briefly before stirring to a glossy, smooth consistency.

Notes

  • Maintain Precise Temperature: Keep oil consistently at 350°F to prevent soggy or burnt churros, ensuring golden-brown exterior and perfectly cooked interior.
  • Master Dough Consistency: Stir flour vigorously to create smooth, lump-free dough that’s neither too runny nor too stiff for ideal piping and frying results.
  • Control Batch Size: Fry only 2-3 churros simultaneously to preserve oil temperature and prevent uneven cooking or greasy texture.
  • Drain Excess Oil Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove excess oil immediately after frying, ensuring crispy exterior and preventing soggy churros.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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