Cinnamon Sugar Churros

Cinnamon Sugar Churros are crispy, golden sticks of fried dough rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating — a classic treat that’s crunchy on the outside and soft, fluffy on the inside. These iconic pastries originated in Spain and Portugal but have become beloved worldwide, especially as a street food or fair favorite.

Whether enjoyed plain, dipped in chocolate sauce, or served with caramel, churros are an irresistible combination of warmth, sweetness, and comfort. This homemade version captures all the magic of traditional churros — fresh, fragrant, and absolutely divine.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because homemade churros taste far better than store-bought ones — they’re fresh, perfectly crisp, and melt in your mouth with every bite. The aroma of cinnamon sugar filling the kitchen feels nostalgic and festive. What makes it even better is how simple they are to make: no fancy ingredients, just pantry staples that turn into pure joy.

I also love that you can make them any size or shape you want — long traditional churros, cute bite-sized pieces, or even churro loops! Paired with a rich chocolate dipping sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this recipe because:
It’s a classic Spanish dessert made easily at home.
The texture is perfection — crispy exterior, soft interior.
It’s budget-friendly yet feels indulgent and festive.
They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or cozy nights in.
You can customize with different coatings or fillings like Nutella, chocolate, or dulce de leche.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4–6 (makes about 20–25 churros)
• Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per serving (4 churros)

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Spanish / Mexican
• Course: Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Churros Dough:

• 1 cup water
• 2 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For Frying:

• Vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying)

For Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup dark or milk chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp butter

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make the dough by boiling water, butter, sugar, and salt.
2. Stir in flour and vanilla until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Pipe dough into hot oil and fry until golden.
5. Roll in cinnamon sugar and serve with chocolate sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and add flour all at once.
3. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides (about 1–2 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly (3–5 minutes).
5. Stir in vanilla extract, then beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well until smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Prepare for Frying

1. Heat oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fit a piping bag with a large star tip (such as Wilton 1M or 2D) and fill it with the dough.

Step 3: Fry the Churros

1. Pipe 5–6-inch long strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the ends.
2. Fry 3–4 at a time until golden brown on all sides (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

1. In a shallow dish, mix sugar and cinnamon together.
2. Roll warm churros in the mixture until fully coated.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Sauce (Optional)

1. In a small saucepan, heat cream and butter until just simmering.
2. Pour over chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth.

How to Serve

Serve the churros warm and fresh, coated in cinnamon sugar, with a side of chocolate dipping sauce, dulce de leche, or vanilla ice cream. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or even breakfast treats.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for even cooking.
• Test oil temperature — if too hot, churros will brown outside but stay raw inside.
• Keep churros warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while frying the rest.
• Roll them in cinnamon sugar immediately after frying for the best coating.

Recipe Variations

• Filled Churros: Pipe chocolate, caramel, or Nutella into the center using a piping tip after frying.
• Baked Churros: Pipe onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
• Churro Bites: Pipe 1-inch pieces for bite-sized snacks.
• Spiced Churros: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a twist.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp + 3 tbsp water per egg).

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover churros (uncoated) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before rolling in cinnamon sugar.
• Freezing (Uncooked): Pipe churros onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store in freezer bags for up to 1 month. Fry straight from frozen — no thawing needed.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy again.

Special Equipment Needed

• Piping bag with a large star tip
• Deep-frying pot or heavy-bottomed pan
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Paper towels
• Candy or kitchen thermometer (for oil temperature)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are my churros soggy?
Oil temperature might be too low — make sure it stays around 350°F (175°C).

Q2: Can I make churros ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before frying.

Q3: Can I bake churros instead of frying?
Yes! Pipe onto parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden, then coat with cinnamon sugar.

Q4: What can I dip churros in?
Try chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, caramel, or even vanilla cream cheese dip.

Q5: How do I get perfect ridges on churros?
Use a star-shaped piping tip and firm, even pressure when piping.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Churros are a timeless treat that delivers pure happiness in every bite — crispy, golden perfection dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and bring the spirit of Spanish street food right into your kitchen.

Whether you enjoy them dipped in warm chocolate or just as they are, churros are the ultimate comfort dessert — simple, nostalgic, and undeniably delicious. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought again